Hillary Clinton: Has the Iowa Penny Dropped?

Ever since I got interested in American politics, one issue has confused me. Why did those seeking election not actively seek the women’s vote? It’s a straightforward issue. In America, there are more women than men who have the franchise. True, the margin is narrow but if a presidential candidate can attract the support of a substantial majority of women voters, the game might be as good as won.

Six years ago, Hillary Clinton was the front runner for the Democratic presidential nomination. In fact, she was “out of sight,” before the primary season started. Then came the Iowa caucus. She got a bloody nose when Barak Obama beat her into second place. True, Hillary recovered soon after in New Hampshire but the damage had been done. She fought a troubled fight, as she told too many fibs, such as being under sniper fire when she landed in Bosnia. Obama got the nod.

It is twenty six months before the next presidential election. Unlike Hillary and the Democrats, there is no Republican politician who has any real momentum or “the big mo” as the Americans coin it. In contrast, Mrs Clinton seemingly has no electable opposition for the Democratic top spot. However, two years is an eon in politics and by September, 2016, the field will look very different. Mrs Clinton will find it difficult to retain her lead for such a long time. What will she do to keep herself in the number one spot?

Last week may have provided the answer to this question. Hillary spoke to a Democratic Women’s Leadership forum event in Iowa. During her twenty minute speech she name-dropped Mary Burke and several other Democratic women running for office in November. She quoted Senator Patty Murray (D.Wash) about building relationships: “You work together and you get the best outcome you can.”

Last week’s speech is evidence that Hillary is going after the women’s vote. There are other women who might put their hats in the presidential ring but, at the moment, Mrs C has the gender field to herself. Currently, she is opposed by an array of Republican men. I anticipate her bringing out the argument that “it’s time for a woman president.” Added to this, she can also suggest it’s time for a new type of politics that gets beyond the DC grid lock in Congress. If she doesn’t make the gender card too obvious, she will be in a strong position.

I am not saying that Hillary will get the Democratic nomination. It’s far too soon to speculate with any accuracy. However, if I have understood her strategy correctly, I believe it’s not only a good one, it could well lead to a victory.