May 8, 2008

Hillary Clinton Just Gave McCain the Presidency

PHOTO: Hillary's Entitlement Problem

She was the First Lady, but, in my opinion, she won't be the first lady president. But this is more than political analysis. This column is about reputation analysis. To be direct, Hillary Clinton has an ego problem! She believes she has earned the opportunity to be president. Hillary believes she is ENTITLED to be president now! Like a spoiled child high on sugar and filled with too much self-love from an out-of-touch parent (Bill's role), Hillary needs to come down to earth. She can't win and in my opinion, she gave the presidency to Senator John McCain by staying in the race this long. She's raised the issue of race inappropriately at least a few times in her campaign. In fact, some in New York are calling her the "white" Al Sharpton for her race baiting techniques to gain more white voters.

Hillary wants a couple of more victories in states where white voters dominate the Democratic Party. She may do just that, but she still can't win. She continues to hurt her party by staying in the race and as a result, John McCain will ride a limo to the White House. Hubris seems to be her best friend today with false pride riding in the back of her pant suit pocket.

PHOTO: Barack Obama Will Skate to General Election

Barack Obama's reputation is not in shambles. He has weathered the Rev. Wright storm. He has positioned himself as the calm in the storm. He held a statesman's role throughout. It appears Obama is a man of integrity. Also a Christian man slow to anger and quick to listen before speaking; all very biblical indeed. We see him as an attractive and intelligent black man running for the White House. However, to be accurate, Obama is not a black man, but a bi-racial man. Yes, in this country the one drop "rule" still seems to be in place by most. What is the one drop rule? It is a rule set during slave days which said one drop of black blood made you a black man in America. Yes, Barack Obama, Tiger Woods and I are black men. But we are also men of many races and backgrounds. My blood includes English, Irish, Chinese, Caribbean and African lineage from my father's side (He is from Trinidad) and my Mom is bi-racial of black and white parents just like Barack. Yes, we are black, but we have much more inside of us than our black skin will ever let you know. We embrace it all. I am Barack Obama! I am Tiger Woods! I am Mike Paul! I am America!

PHOTO: McCain Moves from Grave to White House

But John McCain is America too. In fact, he is more like America than I am! I always remind those of us on the West and East coast of America that we are statistical outliers in American politics. Much of America lives in the country or rural suburbs, loves country music, prays before eating each meal and attends church every Sunday. Those red states are REAL and outnumber the blue states. They too want change, but what type of change? Are they ready to vote for Barack Obama in the general election? The general election is very different than the primary. The Democratic in-fighting and indecision in picking a candidate has improved the chance that a Republican maverick by the name of John McCain will get comfy in the White House soon. Notice how he hung back to let Clinton and Obama throw punches at each other for months. Soon we will learn much more about this American war hero. We will be re-educated about his incredible heroism at war and his no nonsense approach to getting things done. His experience will speak volumes. Others will also try to label him too old and just like Bush (appearing out of touch). Look for McCain's experience to allow him to weather almost all the storms he'll face.

We are all looking for a candidate which exudes honesty, trust, experience and the temperament to lead and listen. McCain's Achilles' heel? His temper. If Obama can tap into that temper and stay calm in the storm again, he may still have a chance. But I put my money on McCain for now. Let's see what happens next. Either way, you should get involved in the political process. Just don't watch from the couch. Why? Because your country's reputation is everything too!

Remember, do the right thing when your reputation is in crisis and seek the counsel of an experienced reputation management expert. It will be a major challenge, but ultimately the rewards of repairing your reputation will be great. Why? Because Your Reputation Is Everything!™

About Mike Paul

Mike Paul is editor of The Reputation Doctor blog. The Reputation Doctor is a nickname given to him by various clients. Mike's blog is located at www.ReputationDoctor.com. He appears regularly on Fox News Channel, CNN, MSNBC, Court TV (now TruTV), ABC News, ESPN, CBS News, BBC, and others as a weekly contributor and expert in the global news regarding corporations, CEOs, celebrities, athletes, politicians and other public organizations and public individuals with reputations in crisis. Mr. Paul is also president and senior counselor of MGP & Associates PR (www.mgppr.com), a leading strategic public relations and reputation management firm based in New York. For interview requests, speeches, senior counseling or other business opportunities with Mr. Paul, call 212-595-8500 or email info@mgppr.com.

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