The other half of the Hillary voter equation: character and other intangibles
By civil truth Posted in Archived — Comments (3) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
Susannah has written an excellent blog earlier today How to Reach Out to Clinton Voters Using Specific Issues that follows up on the excellent comment to a blog several days ago titled Hi--I'm a Clinton Democrat Now Supporting McCain.
However, especially when dealing with an opponent whose campaign rests on image rather than substance, we need to engage Hillary voters not only at the rational level regarding issues, but we also need to engage at the emotional level regarding the intangibles, since this level can be as powerful or even more powerful in driving voting behavior. This will be critical for electoral success.
Thus I would also like to initate thought and conversation regarding the similarities in character (the favorable aspects, that is) that Hillary shares far more with McCain than with Obama, to help Hillary voters transfer their allegiance to McCain.
Of course, Hillary has helped quite a bit in terms of the public statements she has made regarding why McCain is more qualified to be President than Obama
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Let me propose a slogan that would apply to both Hillary and McCain:
Tried and True
Fleshing that out, here are some character traits that would support this slogan: triumphing over adversity without breaking (rather than inventing a resume), firmness and resolution against adverse winds (versus wavering and pandering), experience in leadership, iron determination, competence, speaking clearly and thoughtfully (versus constant equivocation and inconsistent restatements yielding obfuscation).
Of these, the strongest correlation I see in terms of character finding its proof in practice is this:
Hillary's resolution in sticking out the primary race until the Party leadership raided the game to award the nomination to her opponent, steadfastly resisting demands and pleadings to give up
matches well with
McCain's strong will, first in his Vietnam POW status and later in his "maverick" reputation for yielding to pressure.
Yes both are "tried and true" in the furnace, compared to Obama who wilts and quails at the first sign of objection.
We need someone who stands up for what is right rather than someone who wants to please and get along with everyone (everyone who "counts", that is...)
Well this is a starting point, anyway.
But we're not going to win this race by engaging minds alone, we also need to engage the hearts of the Hillary voters...
Mike DeVine’s Charlotte Observer columns
www.theminorityreportblog.com
"The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race." - The Chief Justice
Hello Friends,
I too find there is a common thread between John McCain and Hillary Clinton. First, they are both strong and Yes, they don't melt under pressure. Second, both candidates are a household name. I didn't know who Obama was and I still don't. What I learned of him, I don't like. He doesn't arouse my mind,, he actually scares me for some reason.
I hate it when I am accused of not supporting him due to race. That would never enter my calculations. Everyone is different. I hate it when they accuse Senator McCain of being old.. .or Senator H Clinton of being a woman, or of wearing too many pantsuits ;)
Both Hillary and John are hard working, viable, public servants. I approve of their experience and intelligence.
so sue me.... ;-)
Great job Civil Truth. You make an excellent point, in that both Hillary Clinton and John McCain have exhibited that they are "tough customers" that don't yield to pressure. Recommended!! :-)