The Political Chase

Clinton’s questionable management skills

Hillary Clinton has hammered Barack Obama repeatedly by declaring her 35 years of experience decisively trumps his “lack of experience,” and that only she is ready to be president on “day one.”

Well, if Clinton cannot manage the operational progress of her own campaign with a few basic questions along the way about the campaign’s financial status, how can she assert any claim to be ready on day one?

From the WaPo:

The removal of Doyle, 42, [Clinton's campaign manager] was portrayed as an amicable one initiated by the campaign manager herself. But it gave credence to what some supporters have said for many weeks — that the campaign had spent too much money yielding too few results and that fresh management and advice are needed for what could be a long battle against Obama. Doyle did not tell Clinton how rapidly the campaign was burning through money, according to one campaign official, who said Clinton learned about her financial constraints only after the New Hampshire primary on Jan. 8.

Clinton’s ignorance of the facts because Doyle did not tell her is no excuse. Shouldn’t Clinton have required periodic updates?

What does it say about Clinton’s judgment when she hires a campaign manager that does not possess sufficient management skills to raise an alert, in advance, that the campaign is on the brink of bankruptcy?

Clinton’s campaign is a $118+ million operation [1], which is the equivalent of a small-to-medium size business. How can she possibly manage the government with a proposed budget of $3.1 trillion, if she is clueless that her own $118+ million is on the brink of bankruptcy?

Hillary’s remarks January 28, 2008, in Hartford, CT prior to President Bush’s State of the Union Address:

I am so honored and humbled to be in this race because I believe with all my heart that our country can do better. It will have to start on day one facing all of the challenges that will be waiting in the Oval Office.

In the January 5, 2008 New Hampshire debate, Clinton said:

I am offering 35 years of experience making change and the results to show for it…[T]here are a lot of differences [between the candidates] that I think need to be aired for the voters of New Hampshire because I stand on my record of experience.

Moreover, if Clinton cannot keep her eye on her campaign’s checkbook, can she slam George Bush for not keeping his eye on Al Qaeda?

And in all fairness, the same questions should be raised about John McCain.

Hey! Now, here’s a thought. Maybe Hillary should look into Quickbooks for Non-Profits. She can get a free 60-day trial, which would help with that cash-flow problem she’s had lately, and besides, she might not need it for more than 60 days. But if she thinks she will make it past Texas, it’s on sale — $374.95 rather than the normal price of $449.95! And guess what Quickbooks highlights as the top key feature.

Demonstrate financial accountability to your voters Board of Directors with the Statement of Financial Income and Expense

[1] Through December 31, 2007