Keller @ Large: Hillary Clinton Saying As Little As Possible
BOSTON (CBS) - Hillary Clinton came to Keene, New Hampshire Monday, and what happened was exactly what we've come to expect from well-funded front runner campaigns - carefully-choreographed "town meetings" in which the candidate meets with townsfolk who are already ardent supporters of him or her; or, in the case of Monday's event, a "round table discussion" with every bit as much spontaneity and realism as the town hall meetings.
And for the most part, it worked.
Secretary Clinton got what she wanted on the TV news, nice pictures of her listening intently to the anxiety of picturesque working folk, occasionally interjecting soothing promises to "fight for you."
In the meantime, the not-so-picturesque working folk I spoke with on the streets of Keene seemed to want a bit more substance.
When I asked what issues they'd like to see Clinton talking about, they mentioned urban decay, U.S. military exposure overseas, and the proposed Pacific trade deal that has organized labor furious with the Obama administration.
Of course, none of those topics landed within a mile of Monday's Clinton event, and I completely get it. Hillary Clinton, like front runners of both parties before her, wants to go as far as she can saying as little as possible, and leave the position-taking until after she gets in.
And if that leaves you feeling cynical, take a look in the mirror and ask yourself if you've ever written off a candidate early on because they took a position you didn't like.
And also, consider the current incumbent and ask yourself - would you rather have a candidate make a ton of campaign promises they can't and won't keep?
Listen to Jon's commentary:
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