It is of course too early to predict with any certainty the outcome of the fascinating Democratic contest for the presidential nominee. But it’s tempting to read something into the number of states Obama has won, and especially the latest 4-state sweep.
The experts point to Obama’s strong organization in dominating the caucuses, and of course that’s important. But since Clinton is supposed to be the experienced manager, it’s interesting that Obama is outperforming her in this regard. Where does that leave her?
But a look at the recent appearance of both candidates in Virginia at the same venue suggests that something even more interesting is going on.
Clinton spoke first, and left the audience about where she found it. Obama worked the crowd into a frenzy.
Some speak of oratorical skills with dismissiveness, as if to say, well, that’s only rhetoric. But isn’t a president supposed to use the bully pulpit to inspire the people to do (good) things they didn’t know they could do? Isn’t a president supposed to be a leader, and doesn’t that mean at least in part inspiring the people?
Hillary better improve her oratorical skills or the game may be over before she knows it.
It’s a matter of heart. The candidate, to connect with us, the people, has to open her heart and let us see a bit of what’s inside in order to trust her. Hillary hasn’t done that yet. And as a result, she’s losing.
Nick, I couldn’t agree with you more and disagree with you more at the same time when you say, “The candidate, to connect with us, the people, has to open her heart and let us see a bit of what’s inside in order to trust her. Hillary hasn’t done that yet.”
Every candidate does need to open their hearts (every great speaker does this) However, I believe that she did do that in the cafe talking to a group of women. She became emotional talking about why this is important to her and it is the first time we saw Hillary the person not the politician. it was a great moment for her and a lost moment for her advisors. She needed to cultivate this in her speeches and she has not. Not seizing on this moment and building on it in her speeches was a mistake.