Dodd Unloads on Hillary

Yepsen Says Obama Was the Big Loser at Last Night's Debate for Not Showing -- But We Strongly Disagree

If Gingrich Can Raise $30 Million In Advance, He Might Run (Or So He Says Today)

1 Comments

• LorenzoJennifer said:

  John Edwards, indirectly referring to some of Sen. Clinton's campaign contributors, criticized drug and insurance companies for allegedly blocking efforts to expand health care coverage.  Clinton responded by affirming her lifetime committment to affordable health care.  "If you can't stand the heat," said Harry Truman, "get out of the kitchen."  Clinton can thank Edwards and Dodd (linked article) for enabling her efforts to respond in kind. Candidates - women much moreso than men - must show a firm resolve, emotional steadiness and an ability to dish it out as well as take it.  John Kerry, in 2004, did little to address the "flip-flop" charge - a euphemism for indecisiveness, evasion and wanting it both ways.  He responded late to the Swift Boat Veterans charges against his war record.  Michael Dukakis, our first ethnic-American presidential candidate, left unanswered questions about his patriotism and his handling of the Willie Horton matter wherein a paroled Mass. convict went on to commit rape in California. George H. W. Bush repeatedly upbraided Dukakis in those 1988 debates and Dukakis' responses were minimal.  If a candidate does not fire back, the voter has reason to believe that the candidate doesn't dispute what has been said.  If a candidate does not defend and counter-attack in a campaign, he or she - as President - may use those traits in responding to a national threat.  Hillary is a skillful counter-puncher.  Had she responded forcefully to Edwards or Dodd, she'd likely be called "shrill".  The more and more voters see her thrust-and-parry in future TV debates and press conferences, the less and less unelectable she'll become.

  Our hyper-extended pre-primary season has seen the players in both parties trying out for the leading roles  of philosopher-king or warrior-queen in a morality play for the soul of the republic.  The first small smatterings of mud are being flung as the stakes are getting higher and higher.  Candidates continue having spirited speaking engagements everywhere and one televised debate after another.  Attitudes about themselves and one another are hardening and battle lines being drawn.  Campaign contributors will soon demand a return on their investments.  Field workers and volunteers want to see crops come in during the primary harvest.  No one wants to back a loser and tangible results will soon be called for.  Dress rehearsals are nearing completion and the two shows have a January opening night in Iowa.  Gonna get nastier and not nicer all around.

  September 23, 2007 8:49 PM

Leave a Comment