The speech given yesterday by Mrs Clinton was an exception in itself (the message was very clear) + but was originated by these subtle forces. Sure it was the consequence of evidence (Mr Obama had more delegates and she did not have a chance to be elected as the democratic candidate) but also of many subtle (and hidden) movements. Among them, the enormous pressure she has received from many democratic leaders that were afraid of dividing the party + the hidden meetings Obama and Hillary have held + the uncovered result of the negotiations held by the latter (Hillary as Vicepresident?, debts of Hillary´s campaign to be paid by Obama?, we will never know). What we know is that everything surrounding the speech was really prepared such as Obama going on vacations that weekend to let her get the whole atteiontion + the dress code of Hillary (plain colors for this occasion) + the place itself (New York and a scenario carefully packed with American flags).

Chapter 1 one closed. We start the second one with a question: Will Mr Obama be elected as the President of the USA? To a big extent the response depends on Hillary. As I explained in a previous post the approach taken by the two candidates was really different:

1. Mrs Clinton bet on her experience and ability to drive the country. Something that has brought her the support of latin people + blue collar white workers + women.

2. Mr Obama has positioned himself as the personification of change. Which has made him a phenomenon (not a politician) with high support in educated + young + independent people, but not on the ones supporting his democrat rival.

The tricky part is that he needs to get on board the supporters of Mrs Clinton to win the elections, and here she plays a crucial role. He could select her as Vicepresident, by which he is likely to get the support of these segments, but risk contradicting his core message: Change.

The second part is to be exciting. For a successful campaign will not only depend on taking the right decisions (the what) but being able to play with and its subtle elements in the right way (the how). In the very short term, a smart approach will be required to soften the wounds made in the democratic party and be able to convey a unified message and approach for the democratic electors.

Let´s see if Mr Obama can, right Mrs Clinton?

Think Different!!!

Ignacio Gafo