When I read this editorial in this morning's Atlanta Journal Constitution I had to agree 100%
Here is the pertinent excerpt. I especially agree with paragraph 3:
Clinton a far cry from weak
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 01/11/08
"Did Hillary Clinton cry, tear up or just get something in her eye during a meet-and-greet with voters in a New Hampshire cafe?
There's been more discussion this week about whether Clinton cried than about her health care plan or her strategy for Iraq. According to the post-mortems of her unexpected New Hampshire victory, Clinton's misty eyes humanized her and caused hundreds of women in New Hampshire to cast their vote for her rather than Barack Obama.
Debate still rages over whether a teardrop actually fell. But if a tear had fallen, does that mean Clinton is unfit for the White House? Given the looming recession, the collapse of the real estate market and the war in Iraq, it's a wonder more Americans aren't weeping."
In writing off Clinton and then crediting her resurgence to tears, pundits underestimated the candidate as well as the voters. It's ridiculous to proclaim that legions of female voters could be swayed by that hint of a tear. After all, Mitt Romney has choked up during the campaign — to no avail.
Perhaps the New Hampshire women who were forecast as Obama voters switched to Clinton after watching her debate the other candidates or answer questions at campaign events. Pundits drubbed most of Clinton's public appearances in New Hampshire, saying she was wonkish and bogged down in detail, while Obama was inspirational."
Maureen Downey, for the editorial board
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 01/11/08
6 comments:
I would certainly hope that people in general or women in particular would not decided to vote for - or not vote for - someone based on emotions. Muskie and another guy (I can't remember his name) lost due to showing their emotions, if I remember correctly.
Kenju Yes I remember when Muskie cried openly during his run for the presidency. His campaign ended soon after.
God forbid someone should show any real emotion....it's looked at as weak and everyone is ready to judge you. Whether Hilary would be my choice or not...showing her emotions shouldn't be scutinized by the media...nor anyone else's. It certainly shouldn't be a factor in how you vote.
Tears are the last thing I would worry about in a candidate. I'm looking at their records and where their money is coming from. The latter tells a lot.
I am Canadian.. but none the less I have been watching the Democratic happenings in the States with interest. I know I don't have a vote.. but I really like Hillary and hope she does well. I don't know about her tears.. but she seems to have some darn good ideas and insight.
Hi Chancy. I have some catching up to do here :)
I love Ms. Hillary; and, I think it is darn time somebody cried for this country. There is plenty enough to cry about here. It is time that we humanize the situation we are in. The woman knows all the ins and outs of what happens on the hill. She has my vote from the start.
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