"A softer, friendlier Hillary emerging"

[SaveElmer]

One poll after another has Hillary Clinton leading her rivals in the Democratic primary in New Hampshire, but observers say she still lags when it comes to the ever-important likability factor, and is now attempting to show a softer, friendlier and funnier side.

Her campaign says she's just being herself, that after years of being largely in her husband's shadow she's getting the chance to introduce herself to the American people and, in doing so, is coming across as a dynamic woman who is selfless, caring and has the support from grassroots activists to political insiders.

Political observers say Clinton is trying to attract voters that may be drawn to another campaign or aren't apt to consider a woman who's been characterized by her rivals as ruthless, overly ambitious, polarizing or too establishment to be considered here in New Hampshire, where maverick candidates have, at least early on in the past primaries, fared well.

...

At June's debate at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, Clinton was applauded by numerous commentators for coming across as presidential, for staying above the bickering and presenting herself as a leader ready to handle business the first day in office. But it's been her appearances at other events, and on the Internet, that have helped portray her in a different light.

Take the health-care forum at Exeter Hospital in May. While Clinton didn't shy away from sharing her thoughts, it seemed she did as much as listening as talking. When one mother got choked up recalling her family's ordeal, it was Hillary who extended her hand in a warm, mother-to-mother kind of way. Pictures showed deep concern on the candidate's face.

...

Dante Scala, a political science professor at the University of New Hampshire, said negative perceptions of Clinton could actually be helping her. "Perhaps one of her advantages is that she's been ... demonized so much by the Republican Party and by conservative talk shows and talk radio that when people actually see her in person they say, 'Oh, she's not that bad,' " he said.


...

Kathleen Strand, the campaign's state communications director, said Clinton is not deliberately trying to show different sides of her personality. She said the candidate is a "dynamic and experienced leader" who voters are getting to know, and "the more they know the more they like." Buttressing Clinton's dynamism, she said the senator "will build coalitions when she has to and she'll fight when she must."

Much more at the link


http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070707/NEWS81/107070364

[aquart]

1. Bush was "likable."

NOT what I'm looking for.

[MissWaverly]

2. My thoughts, also

How can anyone just ignore the fact that George Herbert Bush and Bill Clinton have been best "buds" since Bill left the White House.

[Ninga]

3. Yep....I can not get up a head of steam about Hillary. I wish I could, but just can't.

[Captain Hilts]

7. I can't positively or negatively. I tried both. Neither worked for me. I'm a Clarkie. nt

[SaveElmer]

4. Brother....

Hillary's appeal is not simply her likability...in fact that is the point of the article...

[Captain Hilts]

5. This sounds like the Trek boards wanting Janeway to be more "vulnerable"

No one says that stuff about men.

Sexist tripe.

I don't want a "soft" leader.

[ShortnFiery]

11. Besides, HRC's no Janeway!

Janeway doesn't play "the victim role" when she's strongly challenged ... depending on her posse to do her dirty deeds for her behind the scenes ... Janeway also doesn't feel a need to CONSTANTLY lower her voice and talk tough with a flourish and swagger ... all the while covertly participating in a war mongering competition ... doing her damnest to exude more testosterone bravado than ANY of the democratic boy candidates. :eyes:

No Janeway comes across as well ... truly genuine, i.e., WYSIWYG.

HRC is no Janeway. :P

[SaveElmer]

14. I figured you'd pop in to take the thread in a bizarre direction...however...

I have to say I didn't think it would be this bizarre...and while I am a huge Star Trek fan and usually like it when Star Trek is injected into any conversation....

This is about the dumbest thing I have ever heard...

And coming from you that is saying alot...

[ShortnFiery]

17. No, it makes perfect sense to me as I've served as an officer in the US Army.

Almost as much as I dislike those who "sleep their way to the top," I'm left disgusted with women leaders who are not comfortable enough with their own femininity that they "play tough." I see this in HRC and fear that we're in store for another *blood and guts* Maggie Thatcher type leader. :thumbsdown:

[SaveElmer]

20. Nope I was wrong...

That is the dumbest thing I have heard today...

[ShortnFiery]

23. And you Sir, are both respected and fully entitled to your opinion. :-) n/t

[Captain Hilts]

18. It's about sexist expectations. nt

[ShortnFiery]

22. No it's not. It's because she doesn't know how to be herself. They have to make her LOOK softer.

She can NOT allow herself to reveal ANY flaws, just like autocratic republican candidates. HRC is so damn afraid if she shows any unguarded, pensive moments, she will not be judged "as tough" as the boys.

The problem is that HRC and the DLC are buying into the "false premise" that a leader has to exude bluster in order to be considered VALID. It's our damn machismo culture that is propped up by the whorish M$M. All leaders, male and female, are afraid to show the laudable traits of empathy and true desire for peaceful negotiations in order to actually place WAR as our last resort. :shrug:

I wonder how much longer the USA can afford "to swagger" and go blowing shit up? Sooner or later, no one is going to want us sharing their sandbox. :(

[ShortnFiery]

6. Ushering in a kinder, gentler form of fascism?

GOTCHA! :eyes:

[LiberalEsto]

8. But would you have a beer with her? nt

[SaveElmer]

9. From what I hear she could probably drink me under the table...nt

[ShortnFiery]

12. Yes, the mere thought of *demonstrating restraint* may be seen as FEMININE. n/t

[msongs]

10. let the DU swiftboaters run the place nt

[ShortnFiery]

13. OMG! Here we go again ... she's a victim ... whaaaaaa! Stop that! You meanies!

Watch out or she'll sic hubby's boys on you from the DLC. They've been promised many cushy jobs in HRC's cabinet so
they're loaded for bear. :scared: :thumbsdown:

[SaveElmer]

15. Actually it is you that constantly plays the victim...

Whaaaa...stop saying nice things about Hillary...whaaaa it is unfair she is in the lead....whaaa the MSM is shoving her down our throats....

[ShortnFiery]

19. Untrue. HRC's posse feels so THREATENED by my comment on her and your behaviors

that you go "full bore" at me. I may protest, but I've not ever backed down. Not once. ;) :hi:

[SaveElmer]

21. Full bore...hardly...nt

[emilyg]

27. You're the victim - of a closed mind

[glowing]

16. I could care less what anyone looks like.... the policy and a real

change is what I'm looking for. Besides, I think America needs something other than a two-family rule, who would be up after Clinton, Jeb Bush.... then I suppose the twins and Chelsea would get a turn, too.

[Donna Zen]

24. Nevermind two parties

America is reduced to the fortunes of a diesel-fumed third world country....two family rule. Of course there are those who argue that this is wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! Personally, I'll take enlightenment over entitlement any day.

[illinoisprogressive]

25. Polls are a fraction. How much grassroots support is another measure.

[SaveElmer]

26. What's the difference?