Was John McCain's response below adequate? A couple interesting issues come up. The first one is with the ubiquity of internet media. Anyone can take video on their cell phone and upload it to YouTube. It's a sea change from just two presidential elections ago. Behavior that is entirely appropriate in one setting is not necessarily appropriate at all when viewed out of context on a computer screen.
The second issue is of course gender. It is very interesting that Hillary pulled out the gender card, albeit obliquely, this soon, right after the last debate. It shows that the campaign was worried about her performance. It shows that they are not messing around.
Gender of course cuts both ways. It's harder for a woman to project the image of being a strong leader. Yet on the other hand in a campaign she can draw sympathy and portray her opponent as a bully--I'm of course thinking of Hillary's '00 Senate campaign, and the moment in the debate when Lazio walked over to her brandishing a piece of paper, a gesture that completely backfired.
Did McCain's answer backfire? No. McCain's got nothing to lose. He only gains publicity for this incident. Does Hillary gain? Sure. This is just the type of Republican reaction she can capitalize on in the general election. After all, more women vote than men.
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1 comment:
I think that Hillary is in a tough position with this because she has to know all the right things to say to make sure she doesn't look weak and for men this may be easier.
-Kelly Beck
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