Killing grounds

Hillary Clinton lost the election. She was by far the best candidate. The televised debates have shown that with great clarity. But that is no longer enough to carry the voters with you. To win, in today´s connected world, you have to show no mercy and spend day and night, and every other opportunity, attacking the image of your key opponent. Regarding your adversary, the more destructive you are, the greater the chances of winning the contest. After the victory, you can smile and say some nice things. The power is already in your lap.

The state of politics

I just spent two full weeks in the Southwest of the US and also in Florida. I met a good number of local fellows and most of them did impress me. They are part of those who make America great, on a daily basis and anonymous manner.

I was in Fort Lauderdale the day of the last debate between Hillary Clinton and her republican opponent. As I watched their duel, I kept wondering about today´s politics in a democratic context. To be more precise, I couldn´t stop my continuous bewilderment as I was confronted – through the TV screen, of course – with the extreme and primary mediocrity of the Republican candidate.

I have friends that are Republican supporters. I respect their options. But in the case I was gazing at there was nothing I could find that would allow me to anchor a bit of respect. 

On the US elections

When someone like Donald Trump is competing for the top spot, politics end up by focusing on temperament and the candidate´s suitability for the job. The debate is no longer about ideas and programmes. That´s what we are currently seeing. And that´s where the focus of Hillary Clinton´s campaign should be. But she should keep away from being directly involved in those attacks. People around her can do that business. She should continue to speak about the way she sees her presidency, her policies and priorities. As she does it, she should emphasise that on the other side of the spectrum there is only vacuity and incongruence. And keep repeating it as the aides keep underlining the opponent´s erratic personality.

Hillary Clinton

It is now certain that Hillary Clinton will be the democratic presidential nominee. That´s great news and also pretty reassuring. And one should also underline the excellent results she achieved in California, a key state. That has shown she can mobilize strong support in a dynamic, complex and varied state. I can only wish her well and above all the wisdom to keep saying the right things and be in a position to bring a large number of voters under her banner. She has to be able to win the election in November. The other option would be, sooner or later, a disaster for the US and also for those in the Western world. Let´s have no doubt about it. And also be clear and state it without any type of ambiguity. 

Do not underestimate Trump´s chances

The snags Hillary Clinton is facing – obvious today again as we got the results of the primaries in Kentucky and Oregon – do not augur well. She will have an extremely tough time fighting against Donald Trump´s populist campaign. Hillary will win the Democratic nomination, no doubt about that, but she will need a very well planned battle plan, and a different personal style, closer to people´s day-to-day preoccupations, if she wants to have a chance to win the presidential election.

It is not going to be easy at all. Trump is now changing his methods, softening his discourse, building friendships all over, and making sure he looks as a top class statesman. At the same time, he will remain a major attraction for many average people who are tired of traditional politics and life-long professional politicians. It is important to recognise he will be a formidable opponent. He is in this game to win and he knows one or two things about defeating political old hands. Just ask the other guys that were competing against him in his own camp. He should not be underestimated at all.