Hillary won – So, what is the big-deal?

So what, Hillary won yesterday in Pennsylvania, another battle ground state, despite all odds with margins defying Political Pundits?

She was to win, because she is ‘Clinton’ – a national leader who spent childhood at Penn State. She was to win big, say by whopping 30% margin but closed only at 10% margin in this huge state. Hmmm! What an argument?

Does it matter really that Hillary won, a State which is a true representative of America in terms of demographics? Does it matter to get only 215 thousand additional votes against rich and popular Barack Obama?

Well, if I have to report and write exactly in same stereo type fashion as being adopted by CNN or MSCNBC for last 90 days, then it does not matter. Hillary is still way behind, thus she should just quit because famous anchors of CNN / MSCNBC Wolf Blitzer (Situation Room) / Keith Olbermann (Countdown) says so. Have you seen their program of-late? Do find time to watch it. They and their guest will convince you why Hillary should quit on a yesterday basis as practically CNN and MSCNBC has become the quasi mouth-piece of Obama campaign.

But, I would like to change the course and attention on few facts on ground, which is true from day one, in this democratic primary race between Hillary R. Clinton and Barack Obama.

First thing first, a new comer in national politics, with no credible tested Senate or Service back-ground (other than Chicago), Mr Obama has done a terrific job. Go to any place in America, be it universities, mall, high-end restaurants or intellectual clubs, you will not miss the presence of Mr Obama in discussions. He is charismatic, he is great looking and he speaks well. Wow, we have a new messiah for all good things and hopes for America. This notion practically got reflected again by massive margin win at college and corporate crowd of Philadelphia vis-à-vis rest of the Penn State. Actually he managed to sweep over 100K votes alone in this city predominantly dominated by students, white collar and of course African Americans. Win is a win is a win – so what it is an elite win!

Hillary down on national polls, campaign contribution, media and super-delegate support, still managed to pull an impressive victory against many odds and exit polls. She proved once again, and particularly to all nay-Sayers (CNN / MSCNBC), that she understands American people and American politics. She proved the point, (like McCain -Republican nominee) that American Presidential race cant be won by throwing money or buying media or by clicking with only 1-2 groups (read African and white collar Americans) but by connecting with all i.e. Whites, Asians, Latinos, Jews, Catholics, Veterans, Immigrants and Masses.

We should not be worried with the final out-come of this race now or its impact on Democratic Party as now it is an even fight ahead. Let the best person win the nomination and serve the country.

However, I must highlight that, out of blue, surprisingly 3 set of people (working independently and without intention) deserve to be credited for her stunning victory yesterday besides Penn Governor Ed Rendell and Phil Mayor Michael Nutter. They are :

1. Sean Hannity (Hannity’s America) – Fox News
2. Lou Dobbs (Lau Dobbs tonight) – CNN
3. ABC sponsored primary debate on 16th April 2008

The above 3 actually pointed for the first time at different occasions in last 30 days that Mr Obama needs to be checked further before accepting his words and plans as Gospel Truths. For the first time in last 6 weeks, we saw a weak, human like politician as Mr Obama was not prepared to take the criticism and direct heat from media, critics and masses as Hillary or John McCain face every day.

It is surprising to see that international brands and balance news channels like CNN and MSCNBC are so against H.R. Clinton that some times you wonder what crime has she committed against these national channels, which refuse to find any virtues in her past and present work. Come on guys (Wolf B, Keith O, Anderson C), if like Fox news, you also hate your ex-president Mr Bill Clinton and cant stand him, then for heaven sake, for professional journalism, judge Hillary based on her achievement and delivery so far and not just because she is Mrs. Clinton. If America, the most progressive county in the world (with 55% population as women), is not ready for first Women President yet, then America should shop preaching about democracy across the world. Media should high-light this on a daily basis if they claim to be Free and Fare.

Before signing off, here are few questions that must be answered by all stake holders of Democratic Party:

1. Barak Obama has not won a single big State with diverse population base like New York, California, Florida, Texas, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. So, if he is chosen nominee then how could he ever compete with aggressive Republicans led by John McCain.
2. The Primary math is not in favor of Hillary Clinton. Every body knows it and talks about it. No Brainer there. So, the argument is that she should quit. But a larger strategic question is that even Mr Obama can’t get to the finish line at the end of the Primaries on his own. He will have to woo Super-delegates to achieve that. So, why this double-standard of one candidate quitting mid-way?
3. If the argument is that Super-delegates should not go against the will of people, then same argument holds true for delegates from battle-ground states to support Hillary, whole-heartedly and now as she is being the winner there.

In conclusion, I must acknowledge that indeed, it is a Big-Deal that Hillary Clinton won yesterday with convincing double digit margin at Pennsylvania. It was a Game-Changer.

Manish Jaiswal

for

News and Reviews
http://www.newsandreviews.in/index.php?blog=7&p=228&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1

Hillary Clinton : Six Solid Steps for Sure Success

“When going gets tough, Tough gets going”. That should be Hillary R. Clinton, the next President of America.

However, if proverbs were to chart history, then every thing would have been so easy to predict or achieve. Now the million dollar question! Why is Hillary Clinton going through a rough patch in the race, when she has every thing it takes to be the next President of America? If she has knowledge, if she has personality, if she has right experience and if she is ready, then why not a smooth sailing for her vis-à-vis her opponents?

This was baffling me hence I tried doing a bit of back-yard research (in Atlanta / New York and Jersey City) and here is what I could extract to solve the puzzle:

• Some think she is not trust worthy. When I asked why, then there is no firm answer
• Some think she is rigid. Again when asked for data, no convincing answer
• Some think she is like Bush, bringing family era into American politics. When I asked what is wrong with that, if an individual is good to rule and govern. Again no convincing counter argument

So, perhaps the above 3 reasons could be why a formidable Mrs. Clinton gave room to her young opponent. Clearly it is more like a communication or perception challenge, which we face in Corporate-World every day. Perception, not handled well on time, mostly becomes reality.

Perhaps, Hillary has to talk about her strengths in mega proportion now. She has to remind every one that she is ready to lead and direct a new course for America that will bring Prosperity, Happiness and Hope back to every one. A desired change and the buzz word from her opponent camp.

If I were to lead her campaign, I would initiate the following 6 steps on a yesterday basis.

6 solid steps for a sure success:

1. Visibility: Have more programming events at CNBC / MSCNBC / CNN and International Channels (Asian / Spanish). She must appear more often on the national media, not just through expensive Ad campaigns only but also on popular TV & Radio shows.

2. Heritage: Hillary has to show her past work, including the time at White House as First Lady. Being the First Lady in past is no shame or weakness but a privilege. Show the footage about her social work in the past with Women / Afro Americans / Asians / Latinos / Education and Jobs. This will put her in direct contrast against mere words of Mr B. Obama.

3. Experience: We all know, there is no substitute to experience. Hillary has more experience than Mr Barack Obama. Present that to the Americans and world media. Show her past exposure with world leaders and her firm understanding about the world affairs, both Economy and Polity. This relevant experience will provide strong foundation for the successful American Foreign Policy. A much needed requirement for the Super-Power. This will indeed give her the edge in the campaign.

4. Strengths: Bill and Chelsea are her biggest strengths and assets on her side. She must learn to leverage them well. Bill Clinton is an undisputed Brand. It is like Pope for Christians. Don’t put him into the back-seat. So is Chelsea. Let them campaign to different audiences. Ex President Mr Clinton can reach out to Afro Americans / Asian and Hispanics while Chelsea can easily win back College and young crowd.

5. Message: Hillary has every thing on her side. She is a successful Senator / mother and a loyal wife. A core of the American Values. Let her present that image to media and masses. When she is on the dais or at debate, let her say that she is proud of her past and a symbol of American Dream. Like her, every women, every girl and every American could be the First Lady or the next President of America. This message should be repeated without fail.

6. Presentation: Clothes are good but she must have a solid presentation too. Hillary has to start saying that she is better and she is ready for the post. She is ready to serve. She is ready to instrument CHANGE that is both acceptable and durable. Her speeches should have life and vigour. She should not read the speech. She should speak from her heart. Americans love heroic ways and oratory skills. She must work on this part which is weak, I must admit.

It will be shame to see that Hillary R. Clinton, with all her capabilities missing the finishing line. I sincerely hope, soon some one in her team could work on these 6 Solid Steps. If yes, then she will be the next president of America. I am still hopeful.

Cheers !!!

Manish Jaiswal

for
http://www.NewsandReviews.in

link - http://www.buynowindia.com/newsandreviews/index.php/MKJ/

For a corporate executive like me, doing a political prediction could be suicidal, but I will take my chance. I am pronouncing today, that Mrs. Hillary Rodham Clinton will be the next president of United States. Trust me, it will be a good news for America and the World.

I am new in this country hence does not have any bias for any political party, affiliation or groups। Being a student of History, my judgment is based on facts on ground. The Florida Win by Mrs. Clinton and Mr John McCain clearly puts Democrats on the front seat. They are now sure to win the Presidential General Election in Nov 2008 under the leadership of Hillary Clinton.

Mr Barack Obama winning South Carolina (SC) with huge majority due to polarized voting by African American’s, sealed his fate। Clearly it proved that his Presidential bid has racial overtones. The enthusiasm by African Americans to vote only for Obama, as seen in SC elections (he got 81% of Black Votes) has killed Whites / Latinos / Asians and Sr. citizens support for him. With only 20% of eligible African American voters and say another 25% support from other groups (Independents and Young Voters), Mr Obama could never make it to the finish line now. If Mr Obama was a good student of politics, he should have gone very slow in South Carolina to remain above the politics of race. If Mrs. Clinton had won SC, then Obama would have surly created history by becoming the first Black President of America. Alas, that was true as that is not going to happen now. Thus pundit says, set your strategies for war not for battle wins. Never mind, there will be election pitch again after 7 yrs. He is still very young and quite talented. I personally like his oratory skills, confidence & charm.

How can I be so sure about my prediction?

Well look at the election results at Florida। It is a big State with diverse population including Whites / Blacks / Hispanics / Cubans and Asians. Hillary got over 50% of the total votes, which is why I fee and declare that she will be the winner in Nov 2008 elections. My prediction is that the Super Tuesday (21 States going for Primary on next Tuesday) and rest of the States elections would bring identical results making Mrs Clinton a clearer winner. The margin of WIN could be 5-10% up or down, based on the demographics & race distribution in the given State.

I am aware that many Republicans and fairly good chunk of Independents just don’t like Hillary Clinton, but she is good and ready for he post। She is quite articulate and she has the best experience amongst candidates in the fray. Most importantly, she knows the meaning to Governance and World Politics. America being a Super Power can’t indulge into experiment with President Elect. USA today needs a charismatic World President, acceptable to all, more than a war monger Commander-in-Chief. Her husband Mr Bill Clinton, the most famous Democrat after JFK, is another asset on her side.

Political Gurus and News Channels know this for sure, but can’t speak out as they are not in business of speculation। For economic reasons and the fear of retribution, they don’t want to favor a candidate or declare the Winner before time. The only person, who could have given some fight to Mrs. Clinton, would have been Mitt Romney, with deep pockets and solid Corporate background. But I guess McCain would be contesting against her who would continue to talk about War on Terror and how Iraq war is going right to remain relevant to the conservative Republican base. This will further alienating majority of Americans, as they are more concerned about Economy, Jobs, House Foreclosure and Health Care. For them Iraq and prolonged war is a curse and they want to end it ASAP.

Hence, now there would be no contest ahead। Mrs. Clinton will win hands-down. She will write history by becoming first Female President of America. I guess it is long over due considering America is the champion for Capital Economy and Democratic World.

I take this opportunity to congratulate her in advance by saying "Welcome to the White House Mrs President". The America and world awaits your leadership.

Manish जैसवाल

http://www.newsandreviews.in/

for
http://www.hillaryclinton.com/