The one really big thing the polls are telling us right now is that the American people want a Presidential candidate who tells it like it is.
Donald Trump is the prime example of the unplugged guy who says outrageous things and is fun to watch. Ben Carson and Bernie Sanders are also anti-establishment “outsider” candidates who are doing far better than expected.
Hillary Clinton is the prime example of someone who’s telling it like it isn’t. Her campaign is boring, ultra-cautious, and buttoned-up. She’s facing an enthusiasm gap.
But despite her apparently disastrous poll plunge, Hillary is still in a place where nearly every competitor would like to be.
Her campaign has a ton of money and a strong organization to fight the primary and caucus states next year after Iowa and New Hampshire.
Unlike Sanders, or Trump for that matter, she has strong support among minority voters.
Above all, she is un-peaking early and still has plenty of time to recover. At this point in 2007, with 14 months to go before an election, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson were the top two Republicans in the race. Remember them?
To turn things around, Clinton must make just one really big change. Instead of keeping the press and her critics at a distance, she should welcome them in. Answer their questions until she’s blue in the face.
The former First Lady, Senator and Secretary of State needs to get into the trenches. That should include an offer to make regular appearances before Republican-led committees in Congress. She’s a very smart and seasoned operator, who would do nicely in the spotlight offered by Capitol Hill.
Instead of just doing friendly softball TV shows like “The View” or “The Ellen DeGeneres Show“, she ought to go on Fox. Appear with the scrappy Bill O’Reilly. Do a bunch of talk radio, just like Trump has.
Fight back, Hillary. Get your hands dirty. Take on your critics in unedited, spontaneous settings. Go beyond the political echo chamber.
Detractors say Clinton is too defensive and doesn’t like the press. Those aren’t disqualifications for the White House.
You don’t have to be the most likable candidate in the race. Face it: she never will be.
But people do respect a fighter. And above all they want someone who explains in clear English exactly why she wants to be President.
She should find her passion and shed her caution. And yes, be herself.
Recent polls say Democratic voters care far less about the email server controversy than journalists or political elites.
The reason why Bernie Sanders is gaining support not just because he’s an outspoken liberal. Voters may not agree with all his positions, but many see him as authentic, who sticks to his guns.
Hillary Clinton, if you want to win the Democratic Presidential nomination, stick to yours.
Here Hear! 