It's time for the Obama team to admit that Hillary Clinton is probably the most valuable asset for reinvigorating the Dem agenda.
Perhaps it doesn't help that I'm watching National Geographic program 'Inside the State Department', but Hillary Clinton post-election has found a way to be human - and yet remain on an elite level. She has inherited some of the Obama cool, but lost nothing of the Clinton's common touch.
With the program in the background as I type, it's ironic that Hillary just used the line "perhaps there will be some way to relate to that person". Of course she was speaking of her briefing papers on foreign dignitaries which includes small factoids about the personality, but one can't help but remember that Hillary is a policy wonk that always does her homework - and that includes when she politicks (remember that accent that shifted by region?). She explains that the importance of detail is that the small connection can bring success with a world leader...and she could well add that 'relating' is just as valid for a voter in Appalachia.
"People want to look you in the eye...they want to get some sense of your humanity...to see if they can trust you" Again, Hillary is referring to speaking with foreigner leaders, but American voters of the Walmart type are no different. In fact, the common criticism of Obama - like most politicians - is that they're out of touch - precisely with the 'Walmart mom' demographic. While we are always reminded of Obama's intellect and good character, we rarely see his humanity. To wit, how could a tanned golfer and lobbyist-friendly millionaire type like Boehner find a way to tug more heart strings than Dems like Obama? Crocodile tears? No...Boehner doesn't just think about his philosophy of govt, he feels it.
Maybe being away from DC is good for the political soul, but Obama can't afford to keep Hillary hidden away. It's time for Hillary to come out of the cold and join other Dems in the fire. But over what fire will she warm her feet?
P.S. The poll choice 'Special Advisor' should read "...becomes the primary liaison between Obama and the American electorate..."