All Is Fair In Politics
Why is it not surprising that the currently-leading contender for the Democratic presidential vote is trailing the five leading Republican presidential contenders in what is described as "match-ups"? It is after all, Hillary Clinton, a woman, a notoriously strong-willed and determined woman who has top billing for the Democratic nod.
Why would a woman whose history in politics and whose private life has been fodder for much excited speculative gossip even harbour any expectations of winning against male candidates with much less intriguing backgrounds? One, moreover, who seems to bring out compelling polarizing attitudes in the U.S. body politic.
And since the two Democratic rivals trailing her in popular support among Democrats, Barack Obama and John Edwards, seem impressive enough in the minds of the voting public in match-ups with the Republican contenders, it would seem that in America, as in North America, women still take a substantial back-seat in political opportunities to their male counterparts.
In a first-contest state like Iowa, it would appear she hasn't a hope in hell. Women should, after all, know their place, and in the White House it's as spouse-of only.
All is not lost, if the Democrats are looking for hope, since Barack Obama is out there pulling a strong second, and he has a winning card up his sleeve. The enlistment of the First Lady of U.S. television entertainment and life-management - none other than the telegenic and ever enthusiastic Opra Winfrey. She will do her magic for Barack Obama, hauling in the female vote, never quite persuaded that they want to see Hillary Clinton in the White House again, in any event.
Mr. Obama is playing hardball now, even going so far as to use girlspeak in his bid for the female vote: "You guys have been measuring the curtains for a while, you telling me she can get away with not winning Iowa?" he asked winningly addressing a televised discussion with female panellists. Hammering in the message that her front-running status is lost if she fails to beat him in Iowa, a state which has never backed a woman for statewide office, or for Congress. No one told him, evidently, that this gambit bordered on patronizing.
Ms. Winfrey is available and ready to go, prepared to campaign right by Mr. Obama's side in Iowa, beginning the nominating process. And then, it's on to other early battlegrounds; more reasonable states - relatively speaking- New Hampshire and South Carolina. But Mrs. Clinton has her own trump card in her ever-popular husband and former president, Bill Clinton, who will be campaigning alongside her in Iowa. That will either endear her to some swing-voters or infuriate them convulsively.
Obama and Oprah, or Hillary and Bill. Formidable together as a force of nature and political manoeuvring. But on their own? It's anyone's guess, right? Interesting suspense, nice show.
Why would a woman whose history in politics and whose private life has been fodder for much excited speculative gossip even harbour any expectations of winning against male candidates with much less intriguing backgrounds? One, moreover, who seems to bring out compelling polarizing attitudes in the U.S. body politic.
And since the two Democratic rivals trailing her in popular support among Democrats, Barack Obama and John Edwards, seem impressive enough in the minds of the voting public in match-ups with the Republican contenders, it would seem that in America, as in North America, women still take a substantial back-seat in political opportunities to their male counterparts.
In a first-contest state like Iowa, it would appear she hasn't a hope in hell. Women should, after all, know their place, and in the White House it's as spouse-of only.
All is not lost, if the Democrats are looking for hope, since Barack Obama is out there pulling a strong second, and he has a winning card up his sleeve. The enlistment of the First Lady of U.S. television entertainment and life-management - none other than the telegenic and ever enthusiastic Opra Winfrey. She will do her magic for Barack Obama, hauling in the female vote, never quite persuaded that they want to see Hillary Clinton in the White House again, in any event.
Mr. Obama is playing hardball now, even going so far as to use girlspeak in his bid for the female vote: "You guys have been measuring the curtains for a while, you telling me she can get away with not winning Iowa?" he asked winningly addressing a televised discussion with female panellists. Hammering in the message that her front-running status is lost if she fails to beat him in Iowa, a state which has never backed a woman for statewide office, or for Congress. No one told him, evidently, that this gambit bordered on patronizing.
Ms. Winfrey is available and ready to go, prepared to campaign right by Mr. Obama's side in Iowa, beginning the nominating process. And then, it's on to other early battlegrounds; more reasonable states - relatively speaking- New Hampshire and South Carolina. But Mrs. Clinton has her own trump card in her ever-popular husband and former president, Bill Clinton, who will be campaigning alongside her in Iowa. That will either endear her to some swing-voters or infuriate them convulsively.
Obama and Oprah, or Hillary and Bill. Formidable together as a force of nature and political manoeuvring. But on their own? It's anyone's guess, right? Interesting suspense, nice show.
Labels: Politics of Convenience, Realities
posted by Pieface | 6:33 PM
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