by Ginger Voight

Created on: May 06, 2008

Now that John Edwards, the true populist candidate, has exited the race - it is a position that needed to be filled to appeal to those lower income voters. Hillary Clinton has established herself as such after jumping on some comments made by her opponent, Barack Obama. But it wasn't just a ploy for votes. Given her historical passion for things like universal health care, it's a position that seems like a custom fit.

Especially when she has an entire resume of fighting for the underdog, both as an advocate and a lawyer. Even though she was not raised blue collar, or even as a Democrat, her liberal ideals underscore her "populist" position.

The problem is not so much with her politics or even her social status. The problem comes from her personality itself. Long defined as cold and controlling, many average Joes who slug through their 9 to 5 find her off-putting.

Unfortunately for Hillary, this is a bit of a Catch .22. If she shows her vulnerable side; her femininity will be called into question in her ability to lead with a level head. Even in 2008 there are those who believe that a woman is simply not emotionally capable of an authoritative position. Ironic, given that women have historically been primary caregivers and nurturers; who handle the most difficult job of all - essentially sculpting generations - thus proving themselves as born leaders.

This, of course, is not to suggest only blue collar workers are guilty of such a mindset; but generally speaking blue collar workers tend to have more traditional ideals. They also tend to be more conservative.

With her long resume of "firsts"; first student to deliver a commencement speech at her alma mater Wellesley College, first female law firm at Rose Law Firm in the late 1970s, first "First Lady" to run for political office, she epitomizes a true feminist in every sense of the word. In a country where this term leaves a bitter taste in the mouths of many men (and quite a few women), it would seem her biggest obstacle could arguably be her many achievements.

Fortunately for Clinton, those achievements are also what prove her claim of being a "populist" to be true. She has worked tirelessly for the poor and for children, proving her own self description of being a "mind conservative and a heart liberal", from her college days on.

Unfortunately for Clinton, she's had to spend so much of her time taking a hard line against the popular Barack Obama that it reinforces the notion this country has had of her since the early 1990s.

As with Obama, if she wants to appeal to the blue collar worker she must demonstrate the ability to act on her speeches. Anyone can say they have the best interest of the lower to middle class at heart; but ultimately actions are what will sway voters.

To steer away from the "bitch" label, she needs to concentrate more on her own accomplishments rather than her opponents' shortcomings.

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