The Enthusiasm Gap

Since the polls tightened last week, I heard a lot of speculation about “the enthusiasm gap” and I just…(sigh). I understand that people want to feel connected to the political process and they need to feel engaged by a candidate but what about your right and duty as an American citizen to vote in free and fair elections? There is much buzz about Hillary Clinton’s inability to rally the Obama coalition to her camp and that is why we are seeing the Obamas and Joe Biden out on the campaign trail in support of Sec. Clinton.

My message to anyone who supported Obama for President In 2008 and 2012, and is now having a difficult time supporting Ms. Clinton, is “get over yourself”. Hillary Clinton is a policy wonk. She will be fantastic at developing and implementing policies that will create real meaning in the lives of Americans. But, she is not a good politician. When it comes right down to it, I think she dislikes campaigning and in a way, I find that refreshing. There is no pretense and very little pandering to the electorate. She would much rather have a meaningful discussion about issues than slinging mud and insulting the other candidate. I am reminded of a line from the TV show “The West Wing” when President Bartlett is running for re-election and press secretary CJ Cregg is complaining about going on a campaign trip and Toby Ziegler makes the point that CJ doesn’t like campaigning because it takes time away from helping.

The last point I will make on this issue is this, if the Republican candidate for President does not make you enthusiastic to get to the polls to vote for someone else, I just don’t know what to think. I guess you get what you deserve.