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In reply to the discussion: Gary Hart: Billion-dollar Clinton campaign should 'frighten' Americans [View all]elleng
(141,926 posts)and is more comfortable with retail politics than Clinton will use similar themes against the frontrunner more than fifteen years his senior. I think hell draw a generational distinction, just because its obvious. I think he will pursue this search for new leadership theme, Hart said.
To that effect, he pointed to Barack Obama who harnessed energy from the liberal base in 2008 and became competitive through his online fundraising as a potential model. So, could a Martin OMalley do that? Possibly. If he develops an identity and a persona that a number of those searching 50 percent can identify with, Hart said, arguing that Obama had a depth of feeling, understanding and thoughtfulness that very few political leaders had.
While OMalley wont be able to compete dollar-for-dollar with Clinton, according to Hart the former governor could remain competitive if he earns enough small-donor online contributions to compete in early states and gain momentum.'