I have been a Bernie supporter since he announced but never expected the race to be this tight. As a (biased) outsider, it seems Team Clinton is making many of the mistakes of 2008 and has not heard what voters actually want. The concern is that if she wins, will she have the support of the whole party going into the General Election, or will many Sanders supporters stay home and/or vote for a 3rd party?
It seems that Clinton is too focused on polls and a roadmap and not focusing on what people want from a politician in 2016. I think Sander’s appeal is part due to “Democratic Socialism” but part is also due to being as ideologically pure as a politician can be and part due to not playing the dirty game of politics as much as Clinton.
I also think as I mention below that Hillary is too fixated on the 1990s and early 2000s. The youth don’t care about that time. Focusing on that era makes her seem out of touch. Moreover, looking back many ideas from that time now look right-wing (such as trade agreements, welfare reform, etc)
Here is what I suggest moving forward
1) Clinton should apologize for the Wall Street Donations. Her explanation that she didn’t know she was running can be valid BUT she should follow that up with this “I realize many Americans have a problem with this. I am my own candidate and not a candidate of Wall Street. As such, I am going to donate all of the proceeds to ______ charity today. (she probably doesn’t need the money. If she wins, she is President. If she loses she can fatten her pockets on a speaking tour this summer). There is no downside to doing this- it makes her seem to be listen to the people.
2) Going forward reject Wall Street money. People on the Democratic side don’t like it in politics so don’t take it. (I realize this may not be feasible. .she may rely on that $ for the viability of her campaign)
3) Pick 2-3 messages and go with it. They do not have to be contrasts to Sanders. By shifting her message everyday, it confuses the people.
4) End politics as usual attacks on Sanders- Get rid of nasty people on your side. That may even include Bill
5) realize the youth want to move forward. Many millennials don’t know the “glory days” of Bill’s presidency.. just that he received oral sex and lied about it. Furthermore, Bill has acted somewhat un-presidential in his attacks on Obama and now Sanders. Act like a former president not a mouthpiece for the campaign
6) Keep Chelsea away- she has a huge mansion in NYC married to a millionaire. She doesn’t connect with young voters and doesn’t help.
7) act positive, not negative. By playing you-too against Sanders (on the Democratic retreat for example) turns off voters
8) Don’t take minority voters forgranted. Seems like she is about to do that. Doing so in a sense insults their intelligence
9) Try to shift the race so it is against the Republicans, not Bernie. Remind voters that we have to unite.
10) admit when she is wrong. Look at positions where she can “evolve”. Example- decriminalization of marijuana. What’s the downside? She can make a joke- Bill smoked but didn’t inhale.. most people in the 1960s and 1970s did…
11) Avoid being Mitt 2.0- you remember.. the guy who passed the Healthcare Bill in MA and then campaigned against it. DOn’t do that to Universal Healthcare. Don’t make this stupid argument that Bernie will end our system. Make your message. You can say Bernie’s is not feasible and won’t pass. But don’t lie about it. You were the champion of universal healthcare.. don’t be that person on some days (when polls say you should be)
