August 27, 2008

Clintons Will Continue to Hurt Obama and His Reputation

PHOTO: Can Obama Trust the Clintons?

According to A.P., former President Bill Clinton's mythic political skills face a major test when he takes the rostrum at the Democratic convention tonight, looking past his disappointment -- some say anger -- to speak in support of Barack Obama, the man who ended Hillary Clinton's run for the White House.

Hillary Clinton passed the same test last night with a soaring rhetorical paean to her own historic run to be America's first woman commander in chief and a convincing call for her still-angry backers to unify behind Obama, whose victory would make him the first black U.S. president.

While Bill Clinton's speech on the third night of the convention will only be a courtesy accorded former presidents, Obama -- who speaks tomorrow, the last night of the convention -- needs his support desperately. And there were fears Clinton, one of the finest political orators of a generation, would overshadow Obama's vice presidential running mate Sen. Joe Biden, who closes out today's session.

Bill Clinton, who showed flashes of anger over what he felt were unfair attacks on his wife during the Democratic primaries, has given Obama only tepid support since Hillary Clinton ceded to Obama in the close and hard-fought battle for the party's nomination in June. The ex-president was to speak shortly after his wife's name was symbolically placed in nomination -- a nod to the New York senator's strong bloc of delegates who will be in the hall here in Denver, many of them still itching for a fight.

There were fears in the Obama camp, which felt obliged to allow Clinton's pro forma nomination, that the floor demonstration for his vanquished rival could be a blot on the party's hopes of showing a unified front against the Republicans and their resurgent candidate, John McCain.

PHOTO: Is Bill Clinton Pinocchio?

A FEW POLITICAL PR TIPS FROM THE REPUTATION DOCTOR FOR BARACK OBAMA RE: THE CLINTONS:

* Continue to look over your shoulder in regard to your relationship with the Clintons. Bill Clinton wants the presidency for his wife more than anything right now and Hillary Clinton would do almost anything to get it too!

* No matter what Bill Clinton says tonight and what Hillary Clinton said last night at the Democratic Convention, they both still think you will lose on election day. Trust me, they start their presidential campaign for 2012 for Hillary this fall!

* The Clintons believe your inexperience, and the racial divide that still exists in America, will be your down fall in November. I believe if you can gain the trust of white women, Latinos and some independents still on the fence by the end of October, you can still win against the odds!

* Don't be afraid to respond directly to your critics, expose their vulnerabilities and also still stay on your message of CHANGE. You will need both a great jab and a right hook to win this election. Use both!

* Allow your greatest third-party endorsees to discuss your great strengths much more in public. If you do most by yourself, it appears like chest pounding. Let them discuss your strengths much more in the coming months. Especially Caroline Kennedy and Senator Ted Kennedy, Senator Joe Biden and your wonderful wife.

* Don't be afraid to take a stand on major issues. You will never have all Americans agree with you. Stop trying to make everyone happy! Some will ALWAYS disagree with you. That is O.K. Speak clearly and loudly about your opinion and policies on key issues. With risk comes reward!

* Go to church each Sunday morning with your family with Bible in hand. This will help show those American who have doubts about your faith exactly who you are spiritually.

* Your reputation with your God, your family and with yourself is most important. If you remember those three key audiences in that order when dealing with tough decisions, they will allow you to sleep more soundly at night. These key audiences should be your guide day in and day out to stay on the path to truth, integrity and morality. God bless you on your continued journey!

PHOTO: Barack Obama Speaking at the 2004 Democratic Convention

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 CNN, Fox News Channel, MSNBC, Court TV (now TruTV), ABC News, ESPN, CBS News, CNBC, 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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