Posted on 11/12/2007 3:53:26 AM PST by KentTrappedInLiberalSeattle
DES MOINES - Where did Hillary Clinton's mojo go?
That's what her campaign has to be asking after a rough two weeks. And more importantly, they have to be wondering how to recapture that fading aura of an unstoppable juggernaut.
Top Clinton strategist Mark Penn doesn't own up to his candidate suffering a dip, but he admits it's been tougher of late.
"The opponents went negative, and that created a new dynamic and a different set of headlines," Penn said.
The new dynamic emerged at the debate in Philadelphia two weeks ago, but didn't just spring from sharp criticism by her opponents. Clinton stumbled by offering fuzzy answers to some questions and refusing to take a stance on Gov. Spitzer's license plan for illegal immigrants.
Then Camp Clinton's damage control backfired as she was pounded for suggesting the "boys" ganged up on her. And Bill Clinton brought more scorn when he said the attempt to get an answer out of his wife on licenses verged on John Kerry Swift Boat territory.
Now Penn and company plan to stick to the high road, talking about Clinton's strength, experience and vision for America, fund-raising at a torrid rate and deploying Bill Clinton more.
They're also launching counterattacks, calling her opponents mudslingers.
"I think it's sinking in to the electorate that people who had pledges to not attack Democrats were abandoning those pledges," Penn said.
Clinton remains way ahead in national polls, though some have shown a slip and a survey in early voting New Hampshire out yesterday showed a tightening race there.
The focus for staving off any Clinton collapse, though, starts in Iowa, where the candidates wooed party faithful at the state Democrats' biggest event of the year over the weekend.
Iowa Democrats said they didn't feel Clinton is headed down yet, but many thought the bruises were starting to show over her immigration nonposition and a new flareup over revelations that Hillaryland planted questions in two "conversations" with voters.
"I've turned a little more negative on her because of the immigration issue," said Terry Edwards, a trucker from Waukee, Iowa. "She flip-flops on that. I'd like to know where she stands."
"She's vulnerable, definitely," said Paul Willis of Thornton, Iowa, who said Clinton has what it takes to win, but could also implode. "As people get to know the other candidates, they're saying, 'Maybe there is a second choice.'"
Some Democrats saw damage from the attacks but liked Clinton more.
"I think it is hurting her, although for me, it's made me feel a little better toward her," said Roy McCoy, of Riverside, Iowa. "I don't like bullying."
Anyone know if there’s a specific “Stop Hillary!” list I should be PINGing the good news to...? ;)
If you call this bullying, what do you call non stop body slams against President Bush for the better part of a decade. If she can't stand the heat, she better stay out of the kitchen. If she can't stand the kitchen, she better get out of politics.
“I ain’t no wayz tired”
He's lying. He obviously hasn't watched a single congressional confirmation hearing since George Bush was inaugurated. And, in particular,there is no way anyone who doesn't like bullying can be for either one of the Clintons: they are the most ruthless,dishonest,dishonorble pair of political thugs I have seen in over 65 years of awareness in politics.
Liar.
“I never give them hell. I just tell the truth and they think it's hell.” - Harry S Truman
On the morning following the debate, Clinton came out FOR... licenses to illegals.
This voter needs to ask himself one question. What will Billy be doing while his wife is busy being president? That ought to scare him to death. 24/7 hall roaming Slick boy.
There is no doubt that a Hillary presidency will throw us all back into the Whitehouse Jerry Springer Show. Yuck.
“hillary! clinton suddenly vulnerable.”
don’t believe it. red herrings are everywhere, compliments of your friendly democrat party spinners.
hillary! will win in 2008, thanks to the obnxious-more-than-fifty-percent of the “american electorate” who are now fellow travellers.
I keep meaning to ask you, and keep forgetting: what’s that quote in your sig line from...? ;)
I’d bet Old Roy there works for her campaign in Iowa.
LLS
As did Obama
Since when is John Edwards one of the “boys”...? ;)
Yes she did. Everyone knows here in Gnu Yak that Boss Spitzer’s fiat decision is a political failure of the first degree, and that he is a lying scumbag. Moreover, the thuggery that is going on in Albany is a vivid harbinger of life in the US under a Herself the First of Charlatan “Presidency” and I think most of the sane people left here in this rusted out wasteland are getting that message. There has to be an uprising against this socialistic revolt against Liberty.
LOL!
It’s almost like they think she can’t win so even her media allies are starting to turn on her just a little. I think they are being counterproductive though because IMHO Hillary is the Dems’ strongest candidate. They are doing us a favor by getting Obama nominated, though I doubt that will happen. Some think Edwards would be a stronger general election candidate but I am not so sure. Maybe I am in the minority but I think their best bet is to go with Hillary.
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