I do not want Hillary Clinton to be president, but I am getting more comfortable with the idea. And although there is no evidence I am part of a trend, I can see how the country could move tentatively into her camp.
Let’s face it, most of us remember Hillary Clinton from the days of her husband’s presidency and most Americans – at the end of that eight years – had Clinton fatigue. It was a natural reaction for many to be repulsed by her run for U.S. Senate in New York. It was natural for her senate colleagues to be suspicious of her when she first arrived.
Since that time, Sen. Clinton has made a special effort to shatter the conventional wisdom surrounding her. Knowing that many expected her to be more a celebrity than a senator, she set out to build a reputation as a serious worker. Knowing that Republicans expected her to be highly partisan, she set out to build relationships across the aisle. Knowing that many in New York expected her to be a senator from Manhattan, she has spent a great deal of time and effort in the often ignored, northern part of the state.
On Her Own
As a result, people are beginning to notice she is her own person. People are taking a second look and concluding it is unfair to punish her for the sins of her husband.
I have even heard Rush Limbaugh saying he has a “certain amount” of respect for her, because of all she has been through. I assume Limbaugh’s “certain amount” of respect is still very small, but the fact he would even acknowledge it says a lot. Anyone who has survived the personal and political humiliations of Hillary Clinton and is still willing to get into the ring is due a certain amount of respect.
She appears to live and breathe politics, policy and government. And after eight years of a president whose style is more CEO than commander in chief, someone closer to Jimmy Carter on the hands-on management scale might be what the country needs. I would like to know that the next president is giving it his or her all – at all times.
A Clear Portrait
To win she must continue to set herself apart. She has to distance herself from all the worst instincts of her husband’s administration. On the war, instead of playing word games about her vote for authorization, she should just admit she made a mistake and focus on the future. She is wasting too much time trying to blame her vote on George Bush. That’s something Bill would do.
She must continue to work harder than anyone else. Leave no room for doubt about her personal commitment to public service. For those worried about another eight years of Bill Clinton in the White House, she should assure the public that in this case we won’t be getting two for the price of one – we’ll only get her.
She must avoid being seen as a party to the street fighting politics her husband’s team was known for. She must make turning the other cheek her specialty. To engage directly against her opponents will bring back all the wrong memories — whether that is fair or not.
If Hillary Clinton can convince the country that electing her does not mean handing control of the government to all the special interest groups typically associated with the left wing of the Democratic Party, that she will be our president not theirs, then she has a chance. The odds are against her, but they are not as stiff as they were when she last left the White House.
Dean Pagani is a former gubernatorial advisor. He is V.P. of Public Affairs for Cashman and Katz Integrated Communications in Glastonbury.
