8 of 11

US elections 2008: Assessing Hillary Clinton's appeal to the "blue collar" vote

by David Giza

Hillary Clinton doesn't have much appeal among blue-collar voters particularly of the male gender. Many traditional men especially those who have served in the military don't like women who are forceful and demanding like Mrs. Clinton.

Her continuous selling of herself as someone who is tough becomes tiresome after awhile. Her insincerity comes through as well which isn't appealing to blue-collar voters. More than other demographic groups, they value straight shooters and despise liars and phonies. Hillary Clinton, by her words, actions and mannerisms, comes across like this on all counts.

She has lied about her opposition to NAFTA. This agreement between Canada, Mexico and the United States that was passed in 1993 by the Congress has immeasurably hurt American blue-collar workers particularly in the manufacturing industry of our national economy.

During that debate, she stood behind her husband Bill Clinton on that issue. She probably wasn't directly involved in it but she said nothing at the time to refute it in any way. I don't believe that she cared one whit about NAFTA but was much more concerned with passing national health insurance. In fact, she wanted that issue first and foremost to be debated and discussed before passing NAFTA.

Hillary has stayed with Bill because she wants to be president. She has had high ambition, almost more than her husband. While I see nothing wrong with that attribute, some blue-collar men might not admire that quality.

Hillary Clinton is a hardcore feminist. Many men in general don't like this but blue-collar men find this especially offensive. She believes that women should have superiority over men in all situations. If elected, you would see more female commanders in the U.S. Armed Forces. I don't believe that too many blue-collar men would rejoice at this prospect.

She has been an ardent supporter of gun control. She is the typical liberal on this issue by equating crime with guns. She doesn't focus on the person rather the weapon being used. Many blue-collar men own guns not just for hunting but also for their own protection or their families security. Her views contradict their beliefs.

Helium, Inc.
200 Brickstone Square Andover, MA 01810 USA