A Crying Shame

Hilary Clinton is getting desperate. The political pressure - which has been mounting for months - seems to have taken its toll on the hard-to-crack former first lady. Clinton's emotional display in New Hampshire yesterday came in the wake of a miserable third-place finish in last week's Iowa caucuses.


Clinton broke down in a room of mostly undecided women voters while responding to an innocent question: "How do you do it?"


"I have so many opportunities in this country. I just don't want to see us fall backwards. This is very personal for me. It's not just political. It's not just public. I see what's happening and we have to reverse it."


Now, I believe the teary eyes and wavering voice were both sincere and strategic. Think about it. Hillary is an intelligent woman who knows - and plays - the political game well (although she lambasted those who view elections as a game).


No doubt what Hillary felt was genuine, but I'm convinced she's a woman who is very capable of harnessing her true emotions and doles it out when she deems necessary. Indeed the campaign trail is difficult for any woman - or man. It's not for the faint at heart or regular Joe or Jane. As readers and viewers, we take for granted that these candidates are too human and have flaws and feelings like the rest of us.


And as the sole female candidate, Hillary has consistently shown the public how strong she is (depending on your definition of the word strong). But it was political genius to whip out the "I-really-am-sensitive" card when she has had little else to use in her favor.

Some say that she shouldn't have played the "weaker sex role" and her tears embarrassed the entire female gender. Others are relieved by her softer side. I don't know if will help her. Who knows if a strong woman's tears can stand against a charismatic man's optimism.