Clinton or Obama: Who Is Better At ‘Framing’ Progressive Issues?
Clinton has stated -- rightfully or wrongfully -- her ability to "get things done." Obama has reaffirmed his belief in the transformative power of leadership to mobilize grassroots support to "get things done." These are oversimplifications of both their perspectives, but not by far.
Clinton spent many years as a corporate lawyer for the Rose Law Firm in Little Rock. She has repeated how she is ready to meet the challenges of the Oval Office "from day one." She has said that she has been an agent of change because she has worked with the likes of Bill Frist. Clinton posits herself as a decision-maker and bi-partisan dealmaker on our behalf.
Obama, on the other hand, has posited that he is a transformative figure (thus the comments on Reagan), who leads by bringing people along with him, and by people then mobilizing to influence Congress. It's the difference between a corporate lawyer and a Wal-Mart board member as compared to a community organizer who also honed his political skills as a state senator dealing with the needs of a South Side Chicago district.
One can call it top down vs. bottom up, but that would be a bit too simplistic.
For the full BuzzFlash Editor's Blog, go to: http://www.buzzflash.com/articles/editorblog/040Mark Karlin
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