Hillary has an impressive resume and is wicked smart - that's what drew me to her in 2007. I have the battle scars from many contentious Kos threads to prove my bonafides. 2015 began with me 'considering' Hillary, strongly. Life goes on, and I'm no longer sold by faith and personality. Hillary's avoidance of hard questions and inability to commit more than saying she is "considering" important progressive policies weakens her candidacy.
Expanding Social Security is the most recent progressive policy Hillary is 'considering'. It's a very encouraging statement, and would directly address the looming retirement crisis (high 401k fees, lack of savings, Wall St. selling people down the road). It would be an even stronger statement if she actually stood up and fought for it - she could 'consider' anything.
Would you accept an employee telling you, "I'm 'considering' having that report on your desk by Friday"? Vague statements of support don't hold much water - especially among 2016's populist electorate, which is responding to the candor of Sanders and Trump. Moreover, it's compounding her authenticity problem, because Hillary has refused to answer the tough questions.
The issues she's avoiding taking a position on are core to progressives:
-Where does she stand on Keystone XL?
-Where does she stand on single payer? (This one is personal: I have an autoimmune disease, and was just denied my doctor's recommended treatment by my insurance company. I'm not alone.)
-Does she or does she not support a $15 minimum wage?
-How would she regulate Wall Street while being openly against Glasse Steagall?
-Yes or No - Is she for or against TPP?
-How will she raise middle class wages?
Are her remarks on Social Security a sign that she's listening? Her supporters would say so.
However, Hillary has had nearly 70 years to listen and form her own opinions. Running for President wasn't something that she happened upon overnight. It's reasonable to expect her to have her own strong beliefs. She's "considering" positions - great. How about considering being direct with us? The lesson isn't far from home.
Bill Clinton roared into office saying, "I feel your pain" while his opponent relied on inertia. Hillary is "considering" feeling our pain. Instead of "it's the economy stupid", we are hearing, "I'm considering that it's the economy and that stupidity could be a factor".
My autoimmune disease isn't 'considering' that I need the insurance company to deliver healthcare. Americans who are living on the edge of a cliff aren't considering that their 401ks are empty and retirement is an impossibility. Pandering isn't enough, Hillary.