Even though Hillary Clinton withdrew and endorsed Barack Obama weeks ago, and even though we've known that Clinton would be campaigning for Obama, it was still surreal to see them on stage together today in Unity, NH. They hugged, they kissed, they laughed, they joked. And they both delivered strong speeches that had the very mixed crowd united at the end.
It was a reminder of how powerful a surrogate Clinton will be for Obama in certain states this year. Not just because of what she says in her speeches, but because of her drawing power. The event today got roadblocked live coverage on all the cable news networks and I suspect that every joint Obama/Clinton event from now until November will get the same treatment. Obama still hasn't even used his joint rally with Bill Clinton which will be another media frenzy, and then he has the event with both of them, and then one with Chelsea, and on it goes. Obama will be able to steal entire days of media coverage whenever he wants just by pulling a Clinton on stage with him. It's ironic that all the tension between Obama and Clinton during the primaries is what is going to keep the media interested in them for months now. Had this been a regular primary battle, it wouldn't have been as interesting. Instead, Obama now has millions of dollars worth of free cable news time in his back pocket.
The event also showed how different Clinton comes off when the pressure is gone. She was relaxed, funny, and sincere in her endorsement. Many questioned her motives throughout this campaign, and many questioned whether she would ever really get behind Obama. I think those questions have been answered.
I fail to see the upside of this. The Clinton name is very unpopular with independents and registered Republicans. I fail to see how Obama hopes to capture some of this vote if he keeps mingling with her.
Posted By: Rick (Guest) on June 27, 2008 at 03:48 PM
A lot of the people who were going to vote for her are saying that they will vote for McCain now no matter what. So, Hillary and Obama are trying to be all buddy buddy for the democratic party. But I feel the same way as you Rick. Obama best hope that every african-american and democrat who is going to vote for him get off there arse and put the vote down, cause the republicans are ready for a rally behind McCain I do believe ...
Posted By: y2josh (Guest) on June 27, 2008 at 08:42 PM
STAY CURRENT