Hillary's determination
Hillary Clinton's remarkable determination and adamant refusal to retreat may be due in part to a pragmatic understanding of her political base. It may not be there next time.
Election results, along with innumerable yaks and pollsters tell us her strength lies in older, rural, less educated and more "socially conservative" people - with Appalachia being the poster population for this group.
In eight, or even four more years, many of them will no longer be with us. It is a plausible assumption that new young voters in these regions - growing up with internet access and a more global perspective will not mirror the attitudes of their grandparents. Could it be she knows that regardless of how far she gets, this is her best chance to make her political statement?
Election results, along with innumerable yaks and pollsters tell us her strength lies in older, rural, less educated and more "socially conservative" people - with Appalachia being the poster population for this group.
In eight, or even four more years, many of them will no longer be with us. It is a plausible assumption that new young voters in these regions - growing up with internet access and a more global perspective will not mirror the attitudes of their grandparents. Could it be she knows that regardless of how far she gets, this is her best chance to make her political statement?
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I, Hillary Clinton, your next president of the United States, endorse this message.
Leading the popular vote!
Leading the delegate vote!
Leading the old people who will be dead soon!
I am the stronger candidate for getting John McCain's vote!
Much Love,
Hillary.
May 20, 2008 3:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
It is Hillary that won't be there next time.
Many of the strongest die-hards are there because she is a woman -- and she clearly will not be the only woman running in presidential races from this time out. She will have to find and articulate a better reason why people should elect her. And she had problems this time (which is why she concentrated on negative campaigning against Obama).
She will also be 65 years old at the next election.
Age is going to be a factor as well -- and she is getting "too old". Already, if she runs, she will be, at 61, the oldest Dem POTUS candidate since Harry Truman (who ran as an incumbent).
Her determinism is borne by the fact that this is her last opportunity to satisfy her political ambitions as president.
And she knows it.
May 20, 2008 4:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Could it have anything to do with the fact that it's easier to be President from 61-69 years old than 65-73, and that in 2012 she would be woman running at retiree age against an incumbent, not exactly good odds?
Many, I've never seen Occam's Razor in such shit shape. Quick, somebody get a sharpening strap.
May 20, 2008 4:10 PM | Reply | Permalink