The New Hampshire Debate and The Dems

Preface: Let it be known in this discussion below that I use the name Hillary for Hillary Clinton and Obama for Barack Obama because that is what I have grown accustomed to saying in referring to them and not intending this way of speaking of them to be interpreted as a sexist application of first names and last.

I also want to register my complaint that Congressperson Dennis Kucinich, Ohio, was not allowed to participate in the New Hampshire debate. The Republicans allowed Ron Paul in on their debate and he is a fringe candidate too. Kucinich describes himself as the Democrat's Democrat meaning he stands up for the ideals of the Democratic Party implying the mainstream candidates have wavered from principled positions and people's party values. I agree with him.


Discussion on the Debate:
After serious discussion on nuclear warfare and terrorism, Hillary came out swinging at Obama pointing out his recently shifting positions on health care from single payer to private insurer to a form of health insurance that does not require individuals to buy health insurance unlike Hillary and Edward's health care plans among other positions she saw as inconsistent.* Edwards joined in defending Obama by stating (I am paraphrasing) whenever agents of change speak, the status quo attacks, a cheap shot I thought. I felt Richardson talked longer and got more air time than any of the other three. What he said was informative but also irritating as it left the main players with less time to make their points. I would have liked to hear more long winded talking from Hillary but that is not Hillary. She is not a talking machine like Obama, Edwards, and Richardson.

At one point, Hillary was told by the questioner that polls showed that on substance the public supported her but that on the likeability factor they preferred Obama. Hillary replied "that hurts my feeling" but " I will go on". Obama with his head down jotting notes said "You are likeable enough" which I thought was a snide and caustic
remark. There was something sexist about it. Hillary had the good grace to say "Thank you" to that remark.

Obama did make an eloquent response to Hillary's criticism (paraphrasing) that words alone cannot make change. She spoke on the side of her experience and the changes she has already accomplished in her 35 years of public service. Obama spoke about the need for a President to convince his public that they need change. I think this is true.

It is obvious to me that Hillary will have to make a lot of new effort to catch up to Obama's recent surge in popularity in New Hampshire and elsewhere. Will heads roll behind the scenes? There is still a long way to go and things happen. It will be more than interesting to see if the Best Man or Best Woman wins in this case. As an older woman myself I feel for Hillary. At the same time, I think her campaign people should have helped Hillary do a better job of appealing to the younger age group right from the starting gate. How to do this may not be as easy as it sounds given the universal institutional ageism that exists in our society.

Hillary's approach is down to earth and honest. She does not make promises she cannot keep. She thinks about all the options. All three, Obama, Edwards, Richardson in New Hampshire are busy raising expectations. Perhaps, Hillary needs to dream a little more; and Obama needs to get down to earth and not just push a pie in the sky kind of platform. Too bad we can't have three Presidents at the same time. I like Edwards too. Or how about Co-Presidents Clinton and Obama. That would be something else. Obama could give the speeches and Hilary could do the work. Or am I talking about how the real world is, the men often talk a lot, while the women get things done, oh dear.

* It appears that Obama also voted for a Cheney energy bill which diverges from Obama's present position on the need for us to not be reliant on oil.