Hillary's Name Recognition ...May. 23‚ 2008To the Editor: What still most distinguishes Hillary Clinton from Barack Obama in smaller, less cosmopolitan places, whether backwater Kentucky or small-town Puerto Rico, isn't gender or policy or recent campaigning, perhaps even race, but instant name recognition. She remains, having unsuccessfully presented herself as a truly, independent entity, the wife of a famous (or now notorious) president forever on the stump. Apparently, for her fans, the idea of a third Clinton term is less offensive than a third Bush term. In this regard, feminist outrage (as from Geraldine Ferraro) towards a black man, somehow leveraging his favored race to "steal" the prize destiny promised the entitled woman, is especially misguided, though not trivial when vote-counting. Obama has won states where he's gotten himself known, both by his own efforts and an electorate who follows the news, gets beyond media soundbites, and/or has a diverse population, not many older women, low-tech, blue-collar workers, or fearful bigots turning away from any non-white prospect. What's remarkable isn't that Hillary stays in the race -- perhaps she wants the VP spot, looking to Senate Majority Leader, or get her $20 million debt paid off by others. What's remarkable is the relative ease by which Obama locked up the race early, understood the bizarre Democratic party primary rules, and held steady as he marched methodically to victory. I expect more of the same. As Obama becomes a household name -- and John McCain's true colors, as a staunch, rightwing GOP leader 80% of the time, get wider visibility, I predict the Democratic nominee takes a popular vote lead by the end of June which he should hold, barring disaster. By July we'll be talking not just Obama picking up Clinton supporters but independents and disgruntled Republicans who fear a third Bush term as much as those on the left. Robert Becker Mendocino CA You can submit letters to the editor by clicking on this link: feedback@beyondchron.org or by writing to: Beyond Chron 126 Hyde Street San Francisco, CA 94102 415-771-9850 (phone) |