The Democratic presidential campaign heats up as the primary race quickly approaches South Carolina. It is a sure bet that the days before Jan. 26th will be bombarded with television ads, radio commercials and the ever-growing sea of yard signs cluttering our fair city. Unlike previous elections however, the front-runner is far from determined. The former golden child of the Democratic Party, Hillary Clinton, seems to have lost some of her luster under a barrage of scrutiny coming from Republicans and Democrats alike.
Ever since her infamous "Lets have a conversation" speech she has been forecasted as the guaranteed candidate for our left-leaning friends in the Democratic Party. Unfortunately for her though, times do change and in politics a matter of months is an eternity. It seems citizens respond positively to authenticity and hope, two areas that Senator Clinton seems to be lacking. While many feel that Clinton truly believes in what she says, she often comes across as cold and calculated; the epitome of a politician who seeks only power. The electorate's notion of an inhumane woman as president is a substantial hurdle that she will need to overcome. It is undeniably difficult being a woman seeking a position of power, if she tries to appear strong or authoritative she is perceived as an ice queen; however, if she demonstrates sensitivity she is "just another emotional woman". It is a sad state for the public to view women this way, but it demonstrates that Senator Clinton must campaign practically, not ideally.
As Senator Clinton attempts to circumvent these personality roadblocks, many simultaneously attack her experience and policies. These assaults are much more valid than mere character pitfalls and it is important to note that the voters of this country would receive much better leaders if they voted with their heads instead of their hearts. Senator Clinton also has some serious problems when her past comes under scrutiny. Her time in the White House as First Lady seems to have been much more passive then she has suggested and her unwillingness to fully disclose the conversations of those times only reinforce the skepticism that surrounds her. While she was certainly more active than most first ladies, her experience pales when compared to other candidates. She has only gained more experience than Senator Barack Obama of Illinois and neither of their pasts has involved serious executive positions.
Senator Clinton has taken repeated attacks on her war vote, taking considerable donations from lobbyists, and her reputation as a Washington insider. Meanwhile, the conservative leaning areas of the country repeatedly refuse to accept her "big government, big executive branch" concepts of government. Many contributors to the national political dialogue believe that this government ideology results in more taxes and a reduction of the personal liberties of citizens. These are all obstacles that Clinton must overcome, and overcome quickly if she is to remain a major force in this presidential race.
As Super Tuesday quickly approaches, Senator Clinton's problems seem potentially more disastrous than most. As of now, it appears increasingly less likely that she will receive the nomination from the Democrats and even more unlikely that she will be able to push her way into the White House once again. Sorry Clinton fans, it looks like your hopes may have to lay with Chelsea.
Ever since her infamous "Lets have a conversation" speech she has been forecasted as the guaranteed candidate for our left-leaning friends in the Democratic Party. Unfortunately for her though, times do change and in politics a matter of months is an eternity. It seems citizens respond positively to authenticity and hope, two areas that Senator Clinton seems to be lacking. While many feel that Clinton truly believes in what she says, she often comes across as cold and calculated; the epitome of a politician who seeks only power. The electorate's notion of an inhumane woman as president is a substantial hurdle that she will need to overcome. It is undeniably difficult being a woman seeking a position of power, if she tries to appear strong or authoritative she is perceived as an ice queen; however, if she demonstrates sensitivity she is "just another emotional woman". It is a sad state for the public to view women this way, but it demonstrates that Senator Clinton must campaign practically, not ideally.
As Senator Clinton attempts to circumvent these personality roadblocks, many simultaneously attack her experience and policies. These assaults are much more valid than mere character pitfalls and it is important to note that the voters of this country would receive much better leaders if they voted with their heads instead of their hearts. Senator Clinton also has some serious problems when her past comes under scrutiny. Her time in the White House as First Lady seems to have been much more passive then she has suggested and her unwillingness to fully disclose the conversations of those times only reinforce the skepticism that surrounds her. While she was certainly more active than most first ladies, her experience pales when compared to other candidates. She has only gained more experience than Senator Barack Obama of Illinois and neither of their pasts has involved serious executive positions.
Senator Clinton has taken repeated attacks on her war vote, taking considerable donations from lobbyists, and her reputation as a Washington insider. Meanwhile, the conservative leaning areas of the country repeatedly refuse to accept her "big government, big executive branch" concepts of government. Many contributors to the national political dialogue believe that this government ideology results in more taxes and a reduction of the personal liberties of citizens. These are all obstacles that Clinton must overcome, and overcome quickly if she is to remain a major force in this presidential race.
As Super Tuesday quickly approaches, Senator Clinton's problems seem potentially more disastrous than most. As of now, it appears increasingly less likely that she will receive the nomination from the Democrats and even more unlikely that she will be able to push her way into the White House once again. Sorry Clinton fans, it looks like your hopes may have to lay with Chelsea.
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