Suggestion for talking points

From:hummeranne@gmail.com To: podesta@law.georgetown.edu Date: 2016-02-10 00:43 Subject: Suggestion for talking points

​Dear Mr. Podesta, I am a baby boomer and a long-time fan of Hillary Clinton. It puzzles me every time I hear young people and women of my age say that they either don't like Hillary or that they don't trust her. My career has been spent raising money for environmental causes (The Heinz Center, World Wildlife Fund etc.) and in developing communications strategies for non profit organizations. I have always been involved in democratic campaigns. My first experience was making calls for LBJ when I could not even vote! Here are a couple of suggestions for messaging that I think would be effective. Next time Bernie brings up her vote on the Iraq War: Mrs. Clinton: I think we all understand that POLITICS is about promoting ideas and GOVERNING is about compromise and working out ways to make things happen. For instance, Senator Sanders has been faced with situations in his own district. He opposes wasteful spending in the military but when given the chance to bring in civilian jobs to Vermont to work on military projects he has done so. Some would argue that this is a direct contraction of his own views but others realize the practicality and necessity of bringing jobs into a community. As you know, I voted for the Iraq war, given the facts at the time. When new information emerged I changed my position and came to view the our Iraq involvement differently. As politicians we suggest solutions to many problems. When governing we have to deal with the reality and practicality of setting policies that are fair and reasonable for all people. There is a constant push and pull between politics and the reality of governing. I believe I am a leader who understands the differences between campaigning for office and governing once elected. Next time Mrs. Clinton is asked about the trust issue I suggest she humanize herself more: Of course it bothers me that people feel that they cannot trust me. I don't really understand why so that makes it difficult to address. My passion is service to my country--I love politics and governing and all that goes with it. I have had enough experiences in life that I sometimes don't trust people either--sometimes that feeling is rational and sometimes it is not. In those situations I try to judge people by their actions and hope that people will do the same for me. I don't always handle things perfectly but my intentions are honorable. I love this country and everything I have done since I was a young girl growing up in the Midwest has been about public service. I also trust the voters to choose the person best qualified for the privilege of serving as President of the United States. When asked about why people don't seem to like her: I have feelings like everyone else and of course I care what people think of me. My mother told me years ago that "not everyone will wish you well in life but I expect you to do your best no matter what." Like everyone, I have faced many personal and professional obstacles and disappointments in my life. I could either wallow in the things that did not work out or move forward to make a positive difference. I have always chosen to move forward. From children's issues to national health care, I have always jumped right into the middle of things, to develop policies that will help the greatest number of people. It is not the job of the President of the United States to be liked. It is the job of the President to make sometimes unpopular and difficult decisions because it is the right thing to do. It is the job of the President of the United States to lead with integrity and honesty. That is my pledge to the American people. I wish you continuing success. I am so looking forward to Hillary being our President. With best wishes, Anne Hummer 3413 Nimitz Road Kensington, MD 240 505 5983