2016 Postmortem
Showing Original Post only (View all)Hillary Clinton just doesn’t get it: She’s already running a losing campaign [View all]
Hillary Clinton joins the race for president today. If you believe the leaks from her staff, and theres no reason you shouldnt, shell do it in a video released at noon as she herself flies high above the nation in a chartered plane. She and her top advisors, all smart people, must think its a good idea. It doesnt feel like one.
For months Clinton has run a front-porch campaign if by porch you mean Boo Radleys. Getting her outdoors is hard enough; when she does get out its often to give paid speeches to people who look just like her: educated, prosperous and privileged. Needing desperately to connect with the broader public, she opts for the virtual reality of a pre-taped video delivered via social media. Go figure.
Her leakers say shell head out on a listening tour like the one that kicked off her first Senate race. They say listening to real people talk about real stuff will make her seem more real. This too may be a good idea, but it made more sense when she was a rookie candidate seeking a lesser office in a state she barely knew. Running for president is different. So are the times. Voters are more desperate now, and in a far worse mood. If you invite their questions, youd better have some answers. Ill return to this point shortly.
Her leakers say shell avoid big events, rallies, stadiums, that sort of thing. This is about 2008, when she and her tone-deaf team seemed to be planning a coronation. This time they say she doesnt want to come off as quite so presumptuous. Yet next week she keynotes a Global Womens Summit cohosted by Tina Brown and the New York Times, at which world leaders, industry icons, movie stars and CEOs convene with artists, rebels, peacemakers and activists to tell their stories and share their plans of action. Orchestra seats go for $300.
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http://www.salon.com/2015/04/12/hillary_clinton_just_doesnt_get_it_shes_already_running_a_losing_campaign/