Two Democratic candidates visited LA this week. The differences between the two candidates' strategy can best be summed up in two photos marking the most significant photo op of each candidate's visit:
I am currently a Bernie Sanders supporter. But I really do want there to be a honest discussion of the issues and I want to make my final choice based on a honest and civil debate. The problem right now is only one candidate is speaking to me. A few more thoughts on this beyond the squiggly.
To start, I don't think Hillary is bad, and I will vote for her if she gets the nomination. So let's get that out of the way. However, I am sitting here watching 2008 play over again and wondering how she can be letting this happen. Yes, it's early. But right now, there is one candidate making an attempt to speak to all Democratic voters, and one laying low, doing big money private events, and letting "inevitability" push her campaign along. We already know how that story ends.
And it's not just Bernie spreading his message! Hillary is getting hammered by Republicans, and sitting mostly idle while those on the other side actively define her as untrustworthy and overly calculating. There's still a great chance that she wins the nomination, even with this strategy, but she needs to fight back against Republicans ASAP or she will be seriously damaged going into the general election. This claim is backed up in her poll numbers, which went from a solid lead in every swing state to very close contests in most of them.
So I have to ask - how is she not correcting a strategy that has thrown away her huge lead in both the primary and the general? And has she learned anything at all from 2008? Because sitting on the sideline while every other candidate on both sides tours the country revving up enthusiasm just doesn't work, no matter how "inevitable" you are. At some point, Hillary needs to campaign in front of people in the 99% who can't afford $2700/plate dinners, and ask them for votes. Because as far as I know even Kim and Kanye only get one vote each. And while their money is nice, a huge war chest can only do so much to stop genuine momentum. Ask a fellow named Barack Obama if you want proof.
* EDIT * I just woke up and took a look at the comments. It restores my faith in humanity a bit that a lot of people have no idea who's in the photo with HRC! That is Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. They are a very rich/famous celebrity couple - the pic was taken at a private fundraiser for HRC attended exclusively by LA's elite.