Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Big Girls Don’t Cry … Especially When Campaigning


Yesterday Senator Hilary Clinton reminded us that she is a woman. Bad move.

Clinton’s emotionally charged response to a Portsmouth, New Hampshire audience member question caused her to become teary eyed when replying, “You know, this is very personal for me. It’s not just political it’s not just public. I see what’s happening, and we have to reverse it.”

For many, Clinton’s behavior reinforced the hesitation of electing a female Commander-in-chief. Her red eyes and shaky voice stripped her of the ‘tough guy’ image she regularly portrays and reminded voters that she is as feminine as Jessica Simpson.

Perhaps Clinton’s reaction was strategic and staged – but in a time of great uncertainty and change, Americans are searching for a leader not a crier. And although the ramifications of her tears have yet to be determined, this much is sure – On the eve of the New Hampshire primary, Clinton became a ‘typical woman’.

From the start to the end – her campaign may be a trail of tears.

What do you think? Did Hilary show she was more human, or will the perceived weakness end her campaign?

*First published on http://www.mindsay.com/, January 8, 2008

No comments: