What would work for Hillary?

[luzribeiro.livejournal.com]

Political elections may've largely become about presenting one's political "product" as cool, hip, modern, and relevant. The last time Hillary was defeated in the primaries, it was because of the messianic racially-diverse card, and of course the hope-and-change meme that Obama's team were quite skillful at using. Without that, Hillary would've probably beaten him back there and then.

Now things are a bit different. The messianic drive seems to have been spent, so something new should be tried. I'm not seeing the "first female president" as an argument that'd be strong enough to mobilize a vote as enthusiastic as the one that Axelrod's campaign machine was able to produce for Obama.

The media (while we're on the monthly topic) would do their job to promote Hillary as much as possible, of course. As for Hollywood, I doubt they'd get as enthusiastically involved as they were about Obama.

In order to ensure another term in the White House, the Democrats would again need to have the youth, black, and Hispanic vote on their side. Sure, union members and government employees would probably vote en masse for their champion, but beyond that, something else is needed to motivate the rest of the base. So I wonder what that game-winning factor could be. Perhaps the "war on women" meme this time? Would that be compelling enough?

I mean, despite that nice episode with the text-messaging meme (shown above), presenting Hillary as hip and cool and modern (and unique) actually doesn't seem like the best target to be aiming at - after all, she's been part of the establishment for far too long, and there's been too much talk about political dynasties like the Clintons.

No, the messianic narrative cannot be used for a second time in a row. Even Obama himself didn't use it when he ran for re-election. So I think it'll mostly all boil down to name recognition and mobilizing those segments of the electorate who'd traditionally vote Democrat anyway.

So... I'd be interested to hear some suggestions about possible ways for Hillary Clinton to market her political "product" in a way that'd be efficient enough to win both the Democratic nomination and then the presidential election. I'm aware she's currently being cited as the Democratic front-runner, but still. She needs to wrap this up, and quick. Otherwise, she might be surprised by how tough that race may turn out to be for her - even if the Republicans predictably happen to field a Mr Just Another White Guy against her eventually.

Comments

[yes-justice.livejournal.com]

The last time Hillary was defeated in the primaries, it was because of the messianic racially-diverse card, and of course the hope-and-change meme that Obama's team were quite skillful at using.

Hillary voted for the disastrous war of choice and Obama was squarely against it. That was a big selling point for me.

[nairiporter.livejournal.com]

While not being particularly inspiring, being the lesser among two evils could prove to be a strong point for Hillary.

[sandwichwarrior.livejournal.com]

I'm trying to imagine the evil that Hillary is supposed to be the "lesser" of, Cthulu / Sweet Meteor of Death 2016? :P

[nairiporter.livejournal.com]

Of course you would say that. :-)

[htpcl.livejournal.com]

Why, the First Woman President argument could work. I think it's time the US got its first female president anyway.

[badlydrawnjeff.livejournal.com]

Me too! It's just too bad there hasn't been a good enough candidate.

[sandwichwarrior.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure about president but I think Carly Fiorina would be a good VP or Cabinet Pick. That said, while I know she wants no part of im still holding out for a Rice candidacy.

[sandwichwarrior.livejournal.com]

Hillary likes to fight so expect that to be plan A. I figure that will do as she has done in the past and focus on discrediting and/or demonizing her opposition.

If they were smart the GOP could use this against her, but with Jeb as the defacto nominee and Trump as a Ross Perot-esque spoiler they seem intent on playing straight into Hillary, and the Dem's hands.

[stewstewstewdio.livejournal.com]

Sure, union members and government employees would probably vote en masse for their champion, but beyond that, something else is needed to motivate the rest of the base.

She doesn't need a race or gender card to win. That something else is a (Donald) Trump card.

[luzribeiro.livejournal.com]

While I do appreciate the pun, I'm afraid the notion that somehow Trump would be the GOP's nominee sounds too preposterous.

[stewstewstewdio.livejournal.com]

Trump would be the GOP's nominee sounds too preposterous

He has blurted out threats of a third party candidacy. Sounds like shades of Ross Perot.

[dexeron.livejournal.com]

From your mouth to god's ears.

[oportet.livejournal.com]

The best plan for Hillary now is also the best plan for Jeb now - shut up. Stay away from microphones. Don't tweet. Don't blog. Don't release statements. Do the absolute bare minimum number of interviews, and even then, give generic soft answers (they're both great at this). Close the curtains, kick back, and let everyone else say stupid shit and knock themselves out of the race.

With the money they pull in, along with the name recognition - there is no reason to go on offense.

The general election may call for a new approach, but we aren't there yet.