Since Senator Clinton has backed out of the race, one of the issues that Senator Obama has had was how he could woo the woman that had supported her. Because of how long this campaign went on, it really became an issue of loyalty to the candidate and not to the party, one that Howard Dean, the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, was worried about. But, when Clinton backed out, the Obama campaign really stepped up to try and unite the party.
But the big question is…Did he?
Yes and no. Right now, he is doing a good job trying to make his case clear to the women who had supported Clinton. Information is being spread making it known that McCain doesn’t have a good track record for women and doesn’t really support important women’s rights. This is good; however, it’s not the very best that he can do. But, it’s still early.
Add the fact that, for a long time, his wife was the target a lot of ridicule and you can imagine that it was very difficult for women to side with the Obama campaign. That has changed.
Today, Mrs. Obama made a pitch to the National Partnership for Women and Families, a woman’s advocacy group that really supported Hillary Clinton in her campaign. By her going out and showing that she is a woman that, like any other, has things to worry about and has had to work hard with her husband to raise their kids, she is showing that she is human. Women are going to want to see that.
Many months ago, Clinton broke down and cried on camera. There was an uproar in the blogging community and in the media. Some accused her of being a fake. Others accused her of being genuine. The crying, it is argued, actually helped Clinton gain more support. By appearing human, more people suddenly flocked to her campaign. This was important for her and it is exactly what Mrs. Obama is now doing. She is appearing human.
But is it working?
I think so. By giving this speech and saying things like, “It’s [lives of working families] a cause that I have championed and will continue to champion no matter what the outcome of this election,” she is showing that she is human. She is showing that families are important to her.
That is really important if Senator Obama is going to gain the vote of the middle-class woman. If he wants that vote, they need to appear human.
Add the fact that Michelle Obama appeared on “The View” and wore a styling black and white dress (which is now hot in the boutiques) and you are seeing a campaign that wants to unite the party. But, the really big question comes down to this:
Are Clinton supporters ready to put their anger aside and unite? I say yes.
About Jacob Cohen Donnelly
Most Recent Comments