Let the mask slip
One of Clinton’s biggest and most long-standing problems has been authenticity — or, as many voters see it, the lack of it. She consistently scores very poorly when poll respondents are asked whether she is honest and trustworthy.
Last September, a New York Times story on how Clinton aides were planning for her to show more spontaneity drew derision even from other Democrats.
“Today’s @nytimes story on HRC read more like The Onion: Her detailed plan to show more authenticity and spontaneity. #Justdoit!” David Axelrod, the former senior advisor to President Obama, tweeted soon afterward.
Conversely, one of the most compelling moments of Clinton’s long political career occurred in 2008, when she came to the verge of tears while discussing the toll of campaigning shortly before the New Hampshire primary. She won that primary, despite polls having shown her trailing then-Sen. Obama by a wide margin.
More of those human moments might well pay political dividends.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member