Isn't it curious how Hillary keeps harping on experience when, clearly, based upon the traction that Gov. Richardson got in the race, America could care less about it?

No Democratic candidate has more political experience than Richardson. He was in Congress, the Clinton cabinet, and is a sitting governor and therefore he is the only candidate with executive experience. Despite this he's relaxing at home in New Mexico now, out of the race, because he couldn't resonate with Americans.

Moreover, the person who is giving Hillary fits, Mr. Obama, is, admittedly, not the most experienced candidate. He does, however, have vision and the ability to connect with people and charisma and the ability to communicate effectively. He also seems to have things like character and honesty and a predilection toward unity as opposed to disunity.

Hillary quickly adopted Barack's "change" message. It will be interesting to see both how she plans to further co-opt Obama's message and approach, as well as how Obama will counter.

I think how Barrack will counter is the most significant question. That will be the test of his push. She obviously did well switch to the tears and the message change, it will be up to his camp to modify their message over the next couple of weeks.

Hillary quickly adopted Barack's "change" message. It will be interesting to see both how she plans to further co-opt Obama's message and approach, as well as how Obama will counter.---MBM

Senator Clinton is really trying to 're-consruct' herself.

She is doing that re-construction in the image, manner, thought, and strategy of Senator Obama.

She has told America that she is 'that 'black' man' they are looking for.

PEACE

Jim Chester

^^
I partially agree w/ what urbansun wrote on this.

Obama will have to interject more specificity into his stump speech, giving more detail about what he'll do. He shouldn't lose the "change" dialogue, but he will need to add to it. His change argument has traction in the minds of the youth (20s, 30s) and the upwardly affluent. But a lot of people (read: middle, lower classes) need to hear the details of how his health care plan bests HRCs and they may not have heard enough about that, if some of the NH exit polling is to be believed.

(I've seen a lot of commentary suggesting the turning point was not HRC's cryfest but rather her aggressive counterattack in Saturday's debate, outlining her plan vs. his.)

Obama's increased policy detail may also help him once his media scrutiny intensifies (probably after SC or Nevada if he wins that). He's basically had a free-media love fest up until now, but at some point the media is going to peel him like a grape...because that's what they do to all serious contenders. Some conservative columnists have dropped tid bits/rumors about Obama's involvement in "curious" real estate investment deals in the Chicago area. Who knows what's true, but the coverage is coming, so it's best he has other material to blunt the scrutiny.

Somewhat of a sad commentary on the savvy, condition and spectrum of America politics as a whole, isn't it?