There has been a lot in the media in the past 24 hours over Hillary Clinton's emotional display during a campaign event in Portsmouth New Hampshire on Monday. Mrs. Clinton's eyes welled up and her voice broke as she answered a question about how she copes with the daily demands of campaigning. People have since questioned whether the tears were genuine or if she conjured them up as a way to look more human or likeable.
First of all, I can only imagine the rigors these candidates are put through on a daily basis. They’re up campaigning until the very early morning hours only to awake just a few hours later to do it all again. You really couldn't pay me enough to do it. I do not want to judge Clinton's intention, reaction, or her politics in this blog, but what I do wonder is would it have been received much different if she were a man? Would it be socially acceptable to see John McCain welling up talking about how tired his 70+-year-old bones are? For that matter, is Hillary's reaction being accepted?
In some fashion I image her reaction will change some peoples views of her and highlight the fact she is a woman. Being a woman myself it does not change my opinion on Hillary Clinton the candidate. Do you men out there feel differently? Is she human or weak?
I guess the voters will answer that question.
Comments (1)
Amy,
Great Post!
I saw the media clips and I was turned off by it. She was playing specfically for the New Hampshire women voters. (Give her credit, it worked!)
It was a sign of weakness (Dare I say manipulation because she was nearly 10% down in the polls) plain and simple in my eyes. It's not what I want or desire from a leader; man or woman.
Yes, we're human, yes we have emotions but if you're wanting to lead this great Country, then you'll have to learn how not to show emotions in public. Passionate speaking is one thing, but eyes swelling and voice cracking is another.
Having been in an elected position myself, leadership forces you to detatch what you'd like to do versus what needs to be done.
One final thought. Look back towards women leaders over the years and for the life of me, I've never seen one cry in public when it pertained to government business. One specifically that comes to mind is the former Benazir Bhutto.
Posted by Paul | January 9, 2008 4:35 PM
Posted on January 9, 2008 16:35