Senator Kirsten Gillibrand(D-NY) has been helped and hurt by being underestimated throughout her political career. She was not expected to win her first congressional race, but she did. When she was appointed to the U.S. Senate to fill the unexpired term of Hillary Clinton, many thought she would be unable to win the seat on her own. But she did - and ten years later she is one of several U.S. Senators (including two other women) running for president in 2020.
The national political press is currently infatuated with the candidacy of Senator Kamala Harris(D-CA). Politico, an opinion leading publication in Washington, D.C., declared last week that Harris had clearly grabbed the early momentum with her campaign launch and others described her as the one to watch. But in an environment where voters are looking for authenticity, it would be a mistake to overlook Gillibrand. During three days of campaigning in New Hampshire this past weekend, she came across as genuine, honest and unafraid to offend if offense was the price of telling the truth.
In Littleton, New Hampshire Sunday morning, near the Vermont border and on the edge of the White Mountains, Gillibrand spoke to about 250 local Democrats who take their duty to shape the field of presidential candidates very seriously.
She walked into the room with the casualness of a neighbor. She explained to the crowd who she is, how she got here, and what she stands for. She did not avoid tough issues or tough questions. She listened and met any challenge head on and with respect. She promised if she is elected - it is how she would govern.
She endorsed the idea of Medicare for all and said she is fine with replacing the current healthcare system she says is controlled by profit making insurance companies who put shareholders ahead of patients.
When a doctor sitting in the front row told her that idea would put him out of business and force him to layoff his 10 person workforce, she disagreed directly and explained why she thinks he is wrong. There was no waffling. When she was done, even the doctor acknowledged, she could be right. A solution will require everyone to think differently, she said.
In a room of politically active Democrats eager for candor, Gillibrand delivered.
She stressed her middle-class roots and how similar upstate New York (she is originally from Albany) is to New Hampshire. She explained that on issues like healthcare, gun control, education and job creation, she approaches each problem facing her constituents as a mother would. As if her constituents' problems are her problems. Her family. Her children.
The message had resonance.
The Democrats running in 2020 face a key strategic issue: How to address the presidency of Donald Trump? So far a few have decided to handle Trump by ignoring him and focusing on policy differences. Others in the party argue the only way to succeed against Trump is to get in the mud with him.
Gillibrand seems to have found a middle path. She sees the president himself as an issue that requires a solution. An issue that cannot be ignored. She forcefully argued he is deliberately ripping the country apart, destroying America's reputation with foreign powers and weakening the nation at home and abroad. Strong emotion crept into her voice as she made these points. She sees Trump as a threat to the country that must be removed.
During a short walk on Main St. in Littleton, Gillibrand was more than capable of interacting with voters directly and for as long as she felt necessary. She was not being handled or told what to do by staff. She had no need for protection from real people. This too will be a plus in a race about authenticity.
At a store that claims the world's longest candy counter, Gillibrand began talking with three girls who were filling their bags with treats. When they asked her who she was, she said, "I'm Kirsten. I'm running for president. I'll be the first woman to have the job."
"Cool," was the answer back. The girls were delighted a possible future president was taking the time to talk to them as Gillibrand turned the conversation back to favorite candies and babysitting.
Gillibrand left New Hampshire Sunday afternoon feeling as if her first major political trip through the state was a success. Although the initial weeks of her campaign have not had the same corporate efficiency as the campaigns of senators Harris and Elizabeth Warren, she did seem to deliver something they did not - a humble, human touch, and sincere understanding of what it means to be a public servant.
As a result, Gillibrand is putting that approach to the test. Elected office as service to others will be on the ballot in New Hampshire in 2020.
© Dean Pagani 2019
dean@deanpagani.com I ThisDecisiveMoment.com I DeanPagani.com
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© Dean Pagani 2019