Hillary’s last best chance

Tonight, both the Democrats and the Republicans debate here in New Hampshire. The Democratic debate represents Hillary Clinton’s best chance to push back against the surging Barack Obama. Hillary has little choice but to make her move tonight, with the primary on Tuesday she has to change the story fast. If Obama wins on Tuesday, he would become the overwhelming favourite to win the nomination. 

There is, though, still no sign that the Clintons have come up with a compelling reason for voters to back Hillary. As The New York Times reports this morning, the campaign is still searching for a rationale for her candidacy that goes beyond inevitability and electability. One blind quote from a Clinton adviser sums up their dilemma: “Hillary says she’ll change things, but then voters see Bill and hear them talk about the 1990s, and it’s clear that the Clintons are not offering change but rather Clinton Part 2,” said one veteran adviser to both Clintons.