Choking Up In New Hampshire?

Video:
Clinton Fights Back Tears

Video of Hillary Clinton's emotional response to an audience question in New Hampshire this morning is making its rounds on the Web and on TV. It was a rare moment for a candidate perceived as tough and robotic. During Saturday night's debate, Clinton looked hurt when asked by the moderator why Barack Obama is so well liked – and she isn't. "That hurts my feelings," she replied.

But that was a debate, what happened in her morning event was much more spontaneous. (You can read about the question and watch her response here). And it's the kind of event which will drive a lot of discussion going into the tomorrow's primary voting.

In 1972, Democratic presidential candidate Edmund Muskie stood in front of the offices of the Manchester Union Leader to mount a counter-offensive against the paper which had harshly attacked he and his wife, at times in personal ways. An emotional Muskie appeared to cry as he attacked the paper in defense of his and the episode has been credited for his campaign's collapse after New Hampshire – a state he won but badly underperformed his own expectations.

There is less chance that Clinton's "moment" will have such an impact on her campaign and could even work in her favor. Hillary Clinton, unlike her husband, has had trouble connecting to voters on a positive, emotional level. But Muskie's tears (he later said it was melting snowflakes on his cheeks) ran nearly ten days before the primary, giving it time to sink in. Today's response by Clinton won't go unnoticed by a long shot but also may not have a chance to marinate among voters.

And, it's something that could easily cut two ways among voters. Some may see it as a genuinely display of emotion, others may think it contrived or a show of weakness from a candidate who has made her toughness a hallmark of her candidacy. More likely it will be just one more image in a campaign for the history books.

[obama1289]

This video switched me to an Obama guy after Biden dropped out. Please watch this moving video! It brought tears to my eyes.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=jPev5sEdTjg

[elizalexus]

She knows now she is losing and is starting to panic, that''s why she is crying. As she said, "this is not about politics, this is personal." Yea, like her narcissistic ego is getting crushed! Now we have Bill trying to make it a sexism issue "I can''t make her younger, taller and male" (I kinda thought he couldn''t make her any which way, which is why he chases all the other women). Then "someone" plants two men in the audience to yell sexist comments--all for her to save face and go down as a victim of sexism rather than of her own failings.

[libra127]

Posted by l8c6 at 11:34 PM : Jan 07, 2008

Well, if I catch your drift there, I8c6, I guess the "victims" better stick together and VOTE FOR A WOMAN FOR PRESIDENT. Fortunately, she''s the SMARTEST candidate out there. Go Hillary !!!!!!

[l8c6]

These filthy nasty wasted self righteous right wing neo cons who think they can buy and monopolize God will find on the last day of their worthless lives on this earth that shock and awe will delivered to them and they will have no choice like it or not but to face the consequences of the vile choices they made in this world.

Right wing republicans represent the nastiness most unethical, cheating, dishonest, hypocritical, inconsistent and vile side of humans. They only think God is on their side.

[l8c6]

skykk

Hell was created for hateful obnoxious steaming piles of excrement like you.

[jmontyjr1]

Emotional because she might be tired? They are all tired im sure, but we should all be more tired of seeing nothing change in Washington. I hope we can all see that what we need in Washington are people who want change- on both sides of the asile.

[barbaraf4]

There is something unseemly about HRC crying because Obama has taken the lead. I expect her to stamp her foot, next.

[obama1289]

Obama supporters and everyone, here''s is a video that will send CHILLS down your spine:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPev5sEdTjg

[tomtomasters]

Dear Hillary,

If want to win the White House, you need to represent the People. The people want Impeachment. Read this Hillary, and get the facts.

http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_dom_jerm_071221_impeachment_phobia_o.htm

[tjr3nc]

I''d like to know when this country will truly find a candidate that knows just how bad off america truly is and is focused on actually fixing our nation and taking care of the citizens of this country.Honestly how can anyone claim how they have helped all these nations while neglecting america,I fell first and foremost the focus should be deeply on America and repairing ourselves our people our economy,letting all these companies send the work and jobs overseas which is saving them billions yet everytday its costing us more and more,Wheres the intense focus on making all of americas citizens thfirst priority,we need immense healing inside our nation,For instance all the illegal workers taking jobs money and the amount of our taxes that is being spent on them,what about going green,we have the technology to make our automobiles run at 200 miles to the gallon,but lobbyists and the rich and powerful supress it,theres is such waste do to the greed and corruptness,lets get all the american citizens healthy wealthy and happy, the go out and attempt to lend a hand to the rest of the world.