A Turning Point [View all]

During one of the debates, Trump kept mentioning the Rust Belt States--Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Hillary did not.

It seemed a turning point to me. Trump was speaking directly to the voters in these States, and Hillary just kept on offering her Resume and her Policies. Those things (experience, policies) are important, but you have to throw some red meat to the voters, which is what Trump did. I realized at that debate moment that Trump was addressing the voters directly and Hillary was in trouble. Trump was a cunning and ruthless salesman.

Hillary had the experience, no doubt, but she was not a good campaigner, in my opinion. Trump has an instinct to go for the jugular and Hillary was just not good at speaking to the voters concerns. In campaigns, reason flies out the window at some point. It is more about instinct and emotion, and Trump is a snake oil salesmen who could sell ice to eskimos. The Democrats need to nominate people who appeal to the interests, needs, and prejudices of the people, not cerebral policy wonks who have been in Washington for decades.

So, it is good to have candidates who are smart and experienced, but that alone is not enough. We have to nominate candidates who are good campaigners and who can speak directly to what voters think and need. They should also have the capacity to throw some punches as well. Hillary may have been too sincere and too civilized. Maybe we need a street fighter instead of an honor student.