Form, not substance, will determine the Democrat nominee
The candidate enters the room. Applause, excited whispers. Candidate strides to
the podium, scanning the crowd, making sure the cameras are on. Halfway to the podium
the candidate pauses. Eyebrows go up, mouth opens, surprise registers and up comes
the arm, pointing to someone in the audience. A dozen people start swiveling their
heads to catch a glimpse of the anointed. Finding no-one, a full half will be amazed
that the candidate actually remembered them from that meet and greet 5
years ago. Wow!
At the podium, candidate remembers to smile, sometimes pointing again and mouthing
an imaginary conversation with another good friend they're surprised, surprised
to find in another area of the audience. Finally, hands up, palms out, a look of
humility, before registering whatever emotions have been scripted for that particular
venue. Now, down to business.
The script may vary but there are certain established rules that Democrat candidates
must follow if they are to have a chance at the brass ring. Image is first and foremost.
Apparel, accessories, makeup and hairdo determine that important first connection.
For women: A business suit accompanied by a touch of lace or jewelry to remind
the voters that they are still feminine. No pants suits, unless you have fat legs.
(Fat legs bring forth negative images and poll worse than pant suits) Easy on the
make-up or you'll suffer the fate of Kathleen Harris, however botox is highly recommended
for candidates over 50. Showing cleavage is risky. You could be consigned to the
ranks of trailor trash or you could get lucky and be the focus of a national conversation
for up to a week. Generally not recommended.
For men: For important debates, a red power tie is mandatory. For county fairs,
its recommended that jacket be removed and sleeves pushed up to show you're a regular
guy. Color co-ordination is important and in informal venues, a stray lock of hair
falling over eyebrows is recommended to show how natural you are. For younger candidates,
a touch of gray at the temples gives the necessary gravitas.
The life of a candidate is not easy. Varying from the script can cost crucial votes.
It is essential to couch all answers in the most general terms so as to avoid alienating
an important voting bloc. Taking a stand is not recommended. At this stage of the
game, it is essential to appear to be all things to all people. Only a novice gets
sidetracked by the issues.
Also important is to know where the cameras are at all times. Candidates are advised
to take their cue from Bill Clinton. He got caught
coming out of Ron Brown's funeral laughing. Pro that he is, he immediately discovered
he was being filmed. Shoulders slumped, head went down and his hand went to his face,
ostensibly wiping away a tear. From joy to sorrow in two seconds flat. It played
in Peoria.
Body language is something all candidates must master. Pointing is out. Its essential
that all four fingers touch the thumb when emphasizing something. Hillary has this
down pat. Also, wide sweeping motions signal openness and passion but should be used sparingly.
Nodding the head while listening signifies agreement without having to actually
commit.
Tears are tricky. For women, they could signify weakness or, if you're lucky, a
stray tear can garner you (another) national conversation and points for being human. In
men, a gentle misting of the eyes can do wonders for sensitivity ratings. Again,
this tactic, to be effective, must be used sparingly. Undecideds may not vote for
a sissy.
Democratic candidates must also follow general mandates from their party leaders.
If the mud slinging gets to the point of appearing to divide the party, steps must
be taken.
Democrats favor a touchy-feely photo-op to give the impression its all in good fun.
After a week of trading barbs, Obama and Clinton were required to make-up. They
were photographed invading each others space, almost appearing to swap spit. Hands
on shoulders, lips planted on each others ears, both mouths going at once, laugh,
smile, nodding of the heads, another laugh, touch, touch. Presto, we're really buddies
despite what he or she said. John Kerry and John Edwards had this down pat, going
into clinch mode ad naseum, hands all over each other, whispering in each others
ear every 2 minutes. Hey, it worked with the gay lobby. And the feminists.
Even if a candidate masters all the rules, unexpected catastrophes can and do occur.
George Allen found this out the hard way after being caught uttering the word macaca.
Obama could lose the race in a hot second if a photo of him smoking made its way
to the internet. And Hillary, well, its hard to say. Hillary has shown inhuman resilience
in the face of hundreds of scandals that would have toppled lesser mortals. Considering
she will go to absolutely any lengths, my bet is she will be able to surmount most
unforeseen obstacles. (Don't forget, she still has those 1,000 FBI files.)
All the candidates are to be commended for coming so far. For
being able to present whatever image will work best with a particular audience. And for realizing so quickly
that the 2008 presidential race will be won based on form,
not substance.
She lives in South Carolina
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