While watching Hillary Clinton campaign with Joe Biden in Scranton, PA this weekend (video on left), I was struck by the similarities of her statements in talking about Obama's run for the White House, compared to her own - now ended - primary campaign (video on right). The statements were strong, direct, smart, and enthusiastic. What was glaringly different however, were the responses by the media and the public to these statements.
As the media and public generally gushed and provided kudos for her comments on 10/12/08, I (as a Hillary and now Barack Obama supporter) thought, "this is the same Hillary that I saw 6 months ago, what has changed?" During her own campaign the comments in response to Hillary were often quite different. Hillary Clinton was often described as: shrill, egocentric, castrating, whining, etc. What is different now?
I guess what is different is that 6 months ago Hillary Clinton was supporting herself, and not Barack Obama or Joe Biden. She was talking about her own strengths, not those of her counterparts. I see the same competent, smart, warm, person. Perhaps this current view of Hillary will help her down the road, if she does choose to again pursue the presidency. But somehow, I have my doubts. Once again, the perspective will change and so - regrettably - will the reactions.
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