On Friday, November 6, 2015, in South Carolina, MSNBC host, Rachel Maddow, held three individual interviews with the Democratic Presidential candidates as part of the Democrats southern strategy in the 2016 presidential campaign. The Republicans control the governorships and state legislatures in most southern states. As a result, the Democratic Party has a fundamental problem with its connection to its membership on the ground level, and they are not winning elections.
This forum was an innovative format that allowed each candidate a chance to tell their story.
There were no personal attacks or name calling, and the three candidates, Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, and Martin O’Malley were respectful, yet showing a contrast in their platforms and vision for America.
“Tonight’s first in the South Democratic Candidates Forum on MSNBC was a breath of fresh air, with serious candidates showing respect for the American people and addressing voters like adults. On the same day, we found out the economy added another 268,000 private-sector jobs during the month of October, and wages grew this month at the fastest pace since 2009,” says DNC Chair Representative, Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
From the very beginning of this program, Rachel Maddow was in control and questions were professional, factual and on point. This was not a debate to make each other look bad, but a factual conversation with an opportunity to talk from the heart. The program was a well thought out forum which stuck to the message that the Democratic candidates are ready to lead and govern.
When this article is published, it will mark one year until Election Day 2016. At this point, Hillary is the front runner, but the other two candidates at the forum showed that they are formidable opponents. Senator Sanders received the largest and loudest applaud with his position that the middle class is disappearing and the economy is rigged for the wealthiest 1%. He believes that all education should be free, and young Blacks need jobs and education instead of jail and incarceration.
Ex-Governor, Martin O’Malley showed that he is a career politician who knows how to operate across both aisles and execute innovative initiatives. It appears that he works for the people, he has a long list of progressive proposals, and he is very intense. At this point, he only has 2% of the Democratic vote in the polls, but he looks presidential, and ready to fight.
Finally, there is the front runner, ex-Secretary Clinton who believes that America needs to take a “collective breathe” and look at itself in the mirror. All three of the candidates talked about Black Lives Matter, but Hilary understands that she will probably lose the election if Blacks stay home and don’t vote. As the front runner, Mrs. Clinton is struggling with all the controversy and scandals of being Hillary Clinton.
On one level, Hillary has always worked with the downtrodden, minorities, women, seniors, and children. But as the ex-first lady, Hillary has amassed a huge fortune and she is being paid by the wealthiest 1%. Her foundation that she owns with her husband is probably worth about $500 million, and people are asking the question “Why is she running for the job of President of the United States?”
Rachel Maddow did a great job, and she makes Democrats proud. This forum was informative, yet funny and fun. Everyone left more engaged in the political process and Blacks felt that the presidential candidates care about our plight in America. It is obvious that Rachel Maddow has her finger on the pulse of America, and the Democrats are ready to govern and lead for four more years.
