Tuesday, March 8, 2016

What's wrong with Hillary's campaign?



First of all, let me admit that I am still undecided. Finding it difficult to relate to the Republican candidates. So, at least my choice now is binary- Bernie or Hillary? As I watch the results pouring in from the Democratic Primary in Michigan, the following thoughts come to my mind about Hillary's campaign especially after watching last night's (7th of March) democratic debate.

I switched on the TV half way through the debate and as expected, the candidates were talking about the same stuff (over the last few months). Finally when both candidates were asked to present closing comments, they did their thing and I dozed off. When I got up this morning, I could remember Bernie's closing comments verbatim- super pack, 1% stuff, criminal justice.  Can't remember a word from Hillary's message.... Well..  I remember something about making America "Whole". What the hell does that even mean? Ironically, I still remember the closing comments from Trump's debate a few weeks ago- Wall, Repeal Obama care, lower taxes, attack ISIS and block Muslims from entering US.

Hillary is missing the basic element  (and common sense) of election campaigns. They are about rhetoric than policy. In a democracy like US, extremes are never going to be possible even if one of the other candidates win the general election in November. Simply put,there will neither be a Wall between US & Mexico nor the country will embrace socialism. Secretary Clinton needs to quickly get together with her communications team (or find a new team) and come up with a crisp message that appeals to the '144 character generation' because that demographic will decide her fate as confirmed from the Michigan result. I was stunned when I saw her reply to young female voters that it doesn't matter if they don't support her and that she still supports them. This could be good play of words but is simply not acceptable.

Branding is everything, Madam Secretary! You may still become the Democratic party candidate but you will find it hard to fight against the super polarizing GOP candidate.


1 comment:

  1. Excellent observation. It is rhetoric that matters and appeals to everyone. That's what got Obama too to the WH

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