Is Hillary Melting Down?

That's an honest question. This week has been very bad for her after the debate debacle. Granted, the media loves a horse race, so I think some if it is media-created (just as it is on the GOP side with the Thompson is lazy, Guiliani can't win in the South type stories).

I haven't really addressed the debate, which I see as the potential turning point in her campaign. Her performance was universally panned...by Democrats, Republicans, Independents, everyone. The answer on driver's licenses was simply unreal.

But let's move on from the debate, because I don't think that's the issue here at this point. It happened, and it could have been dealt with. Instead, I want to focus on her campaign's actions after her performance.

The campaign immediately dispatched the spin crew, who suggested that she was piled on because she was a woman (at least, I believe it was they who made that suggestion). Her opponents pounced first on the debate performance, smelling blood in the water. Then they pounced on the "gender card" story. Obama pulled out the "I Don't Play The Race Card™" tactic, which I think was effective for him.

In fact, Hillary has been addressing her gender for the last few months. She refers to the "all boys club" and what not. Strategically, I think this is a big mistake. I can only assume it's intended to galvanize the female vote, but there's not an indication it's worked.

Anyway, here are some events that lead me to ask the question. I suppose it's far too early to tell whether she is melting down.

The Debate Clip


Debate Coverage/Opinion

GOP Attacks Hillary

This next one is genius: She has a bad debate performance, plays the gender card, her opponents attack her, and she plays it as "being tough enough to withstand these kids of attacks."

Hillary: Heroine Under Fire

Obama

Bush 41 Gets Into It



I think she's obviously still the frontrunner, but I do wonder how far this will go.

I realize you think that's clever, but it doesn't make any sense. Do you disagree it's been a bad week for her? Do you disagree that it was a very poor debate performance? I'm asking a question, jimmac.

Hillary may or may not be melting down. Personally I think she will likely recover from this. That's just my opinion. If you can't offer a reasonable one, then I kindly ask you to go away.

I fully agree with you here. As Dick Morris said recently, Obama is Candidate Future, Hillary is Candidate Present, and Edwards is Candidate Past. In other words, his lack of experience is going to hurt him, at least this time around. Edwards is not really getting traction this time. He seems much more wacky this time than last, and perhaps that's why people aren't responding.

Wait...so your position is that nothing actually has happened? Hillary is in the same shape she was a month ago?

I'm asking you a question and you're avoiding it. That's what's happening. I'm asking if she is in the same "great shape" as she was. I'd like an answer.




Well, her polling is down in several places, particularly in New Hampshire. The story hasn't gone away either. She just keeps making it worse, and so does Bill. But you have you're opinion and I accept that.


I love this talking point about "gotcha" questions! It's like you read her lips, as that was her exact line. Tell me, was it a "gotcha question" to ask what her position was on driver's licenses for illegals in New York....you know, since she is the NEW YORK SENATOR and all? And let's let pretend she hasn't gotten more than her fair share of bullshit, softball questions over the years. Gee, I wonder why that is? Perhaps because the Clintons threaten anyone who dares actually ask a real question and demands and actual answer other than the standard musings about what the definition of "is" is?


I don't know as anyone is hoping for her to do well in the primary. Perhaps some of the party elite are, but the rank and file pretty much wants her stopped, period.


I didn't say that her performance was a meltdown. I said that afterwards, I wondered if her follow ups and vacillating were the beginning of a meltdown.


It was not the focus grouped, polished performance one would expect from her. And it seems to be getting worse by the day this week.


Duh, jimmac.

--If Rudy is given the nod, he will win.

--McCain is done.

--Ron Paul has some great things to say. But he's also kind of nuts. Every time I listen to him I like what he says, and then he says something that makes me go "right...THAT'S why I'll never vote for him."

1. Pulling all our troops from the entire world.
2. Getting rid of the CIA
3. Never getting involved in any foreign conflict, ever.

These things are not realistic, and he supports them. Thats just the beginning. Don't get me wrong, I like him because he's a strict constructionist with regard to the Constitution. But he goes too far.