Pseudo Monarchs and Hillary’s Announcement
If Hillary Clinton wins the Democratic nomination and goes on to win the Presidency, the White House will be occupied for the last two decades by Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton. See the pattern? Are we establishing a pseudo monarchy in the United States? It is fairly easy to argue that no, we are not because we hold elections every four years and often switch from a Democratic president to a Republican president, inherently our system does not allow for monarchical control. However, there is something to be said for electing members of the same family all in a row. One could argue that the pattern ends here but who’s to say that Jed Bush (Gov. Florida) or Chelsea Clinton are not interested in pursuing the presidency. Are the American people becoming lazy and electing a familiar political name? What about all the rhetoric of “change” so apparent in this election cycle? Is electing Clinton going to be a change?
A look at Clinton’s announcement speech can offer a glimpse into what, if any, real change will be possible with Hillary in the White House. There were many aspects of her announcement speech that do not fit into the conventional outline of announcement speeches. In January 2007, Clinton announced that she would be forming a presidential exploratory committee. The timing of this announcement was on the earlier side, however, everything about this campaign cycle has happened fast and early. I think that this early announcement was an advantage because it created buzz about her and only her. Hillary chose to announce on her website and the clip was filmed in her living room. She was seated on a floral couch in a warmly lit room with framed photos of her family setting on the table behind her. There are two strategic elements present in Hillary’s location choice. One, the online method. Hillary’s use of technology can be interpreted two ways. She either announced via the web because she saw it as a means to reach many people or she wanted to avoid a live announcement where a multitude of things could have gone wrong and journalists would have been able to ask questions right then. Second, Hillary’s location in the home emphasizes that she’s a woman. This is an extremely important element because she has often been criticized for being too harsh and, dare I say, ambitious like a man. Personally, I think Hillary made a great move by announcing online. She was able to be in a comfortable setting, practice as many times as she pleased, and most importantly she used technology (symbol of progress) to her advantage. Her use of technology demonstrates an “in touchness” with the world and the times. It is also a symbol of change. In stead of doing the classic announcement speech as a famous landmark, Hillary thought about how people communicate and the internet plays an increasingly important role in media coverage and political communication among citizens. The photographs of Hillary’s family are her podium supporters. She easily could have had Chelsea and/or Bill sitting with her, but she chose not to and that send a strong message that she is able to stand on her own. This element is also a change from conventional announcement speeches. Hillary covered a wide range of topics from the war in Iraq to healthcare. She did not go into depth on the issues but mentioned the once important to her.
I see Hillary’s announcement speech as an example of change. Although I do believe that the Bush-Clinton domination of the White House over the last two decades is not for the best, I do not see our country falling into even a pseudo monarchy. If elected Hillary will make changes from both the current president and from her husband’s presidency in order to maintain the prosperity of our United States.
A look at Clinton’s announcement speech can offer a glimpse into what, if any, real change will be possible with Hillary in the White House. There were many aspects of her announcement speech that do not fit into the conventional outline of announcement speeches. In January 2007, Clinton announced that she would be forming a presidential exploratory committee. The timing of this announcement was on the earlier side, however, everything about this campaign cycle has happened fast and early. I think that this early announcement was an advantage because it created buzz about her and only her. Hillary chose to announce on her website and the clip was filmed in her living room. She was seated on a floral couch in a warmly lit room with framed photos of her family setting on the table behind her. There are two strategic elements present in Hillary’s location choice. One, the online method. Hillary’s use of technology can be interpreted two ways. She either announced via the web because she saw it as a means to reach many people or she wanted to avoid a live announcement where a multitude of things could have gone wrong and journalists would have been able to ask questions right then. Second, Hillary’s location in the home emphasizes that she’s a woman. This is an extremely important element because she has often been criticized for being too harsh and, dare I say, ambitious like a man. Personally, I think Hillary made a great move by announcing online. She was able to be in a comfortable setting, practice as many times as she pleased, and most importantly she used technology (symbol of progress) to her advantage. Her use of technology demonstrates an “in touchness” with the world and the times. It is also a symbol of change. In stead of doing the classic announcement speech as a famous landmark, Hillary thought about how people communicate and the internet plays an increasingly important role in media coverage and political communication among citizens. The photographs of Hillary’s family are her podium supporters. She easily could have had Chelsea and/or Bill sitting with her, but she chose not to and that send a strong message that she is able to stand on her own. This element is also a change from conventional announcement speeches. Hillary covered a wide range of topics from the war in Iraq to healthcare. She did not go into depth on the issues but mentioned the once important to her.
I see Hillary’s announcement speech as an example of change. Although I do believe that the Bush-Clinton domination of the White House over the last two decades is not for the best, I do not see our country falling into even a pseudo monarchy. If elected Hillary will make changes from both the current president and from her husband’s presidency in order to maintain the prosperity of our United States.
posted by Cate Cetta | 12:36 PM
8 Comments:
Very interesting post Cate. I hadn't thought of the past elections as the beginning of a pseudo monarchy. However, Chelsea's recent remark, "You're the first person to ever ask me that, and I don't think it's any of your business" regarding the Lewinsky scandal hurting her mothers campaign as well. Also, McCain is still climbing with his new endorsement from Nancy Regan. I think this endorsement will be strong toward his campaign since so many people are fond of President Regan and what he did in the White House.
I did my post earlier this semester on both Hillary and Barack's announcement speeches and I would have to agree with Cate's points. Given Hillary's platform I would definitely say that her choice of announcement speech was the most appropriate for her candidacy. I'm not sure if any other candidate could have pulled it off, especially if it were a male.
I agree with Lynda saying that not many others could have pulled off the change of announcing the presidency online. I think that because she is a woman, the traditions of other male presidents are being a little bit more waved. She is trying to conform to the political male setting but she is lashing out. I think that had a male candidate done this it would have been an uproar in the media saying that the male has no respect for tradition. I feel that because she is a woman she is getting offered a chance to set her own agenda on what would be tradition.
A last name like Kennedy, Bush,or Clinton would certainly be a good jumping off point when entering into the political world seeking office, an interesting point made by Cate. I never looked back at the last three presidencies and put that together. If Hillary does take office, that would sure make for a curious pattern.
I too never thought about the possible "pseudo monarchy." That is a very interesting point. I know each individual claims to be their own person and have their own unique policies, but I think W. Bush's policies were quite similar to daddy Bush's policies. And I'm sure Hillary's will be pretty much the same as her husband's. Considering our country's current status, I vote we change it up a bit and get out of the "pseudo monarchy" cycle. Although, from what some of you girls said in class, it sounds like all the candidates are somehow related to each other anyway:)
I can honestly say it wouldnt surprise me if people support Hillary because she is a familiar face. People find comfort in sticking what they know, especially if it is satisfying. I think they do this because they fear the unknown. I think Bill Clinton supporters will worry and think less about supporting Hillary because they automatically associate her with a positive opinion.
Kerri's comment on comfort is an especially interesting one. That American politics runs the risk of descending into what is safe or convenient seems to mock the spirit in which out country and out government was based. There is a lot that is wrong with our country today and relying on what has been done before is not the most secure approach in fixing it.
Pseudo Monarchs? maybe.
We definitely have established political parties have dynastic families. It is surprising (or perhaps unsurprising) that if you look entering into politics is almost like inheriting a family business, the way some families remain in the public sector.
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