https://news.cgtn.com/news/2020-05-05/Is-Hillary-Clinton-waiting-in-the-wings--Q...Is Hillary Clinton waiting in the wings?
Freddie Reidy
Former president Bill Clinton (L) stands on stage with his wife, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton (C) and their daughter, Chelsea Clinton, after Hilary addressed a presidential primary election night rally, New York, U.S., June 7, 2016. /AP
Former president Bill Clinton (L) stands on stage with his wife, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton (C) and their daughter, Chelsea Clinton, after Hilary addressed a presidential primary election night rally, New York, U.S., June 7, 2016. /AP
Editor's note: Freddie Reidy is a freelance writer based in London. He studied history and history of art at the University of Kent, Canterbury, specializing in Russian history and international politics. The article reflects the author's opinions, and not necessarily the views of CGTN.
Joe Biden's campaign has taken another hit with the renewed allegation that he sexually assaulted former Senate staffer Tara Reade. While Biden is now leading Trump in the polls, serious questions remain over the presumed Democratic candidate, with confirmation of his nomination as the official candidate at August's party Convention looking less from certain.
The allegation surfaced in 2019 where Reade was one of 20 women who alleged Biden had made them feel "uncomfortable." DNC (Democratic National Committee) chairman, Tom Perez likened the allegation to that of the email scandal which marred Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign. "This is like Hillary's emails, because there was nothing there."
This seems something of a clumsy statement as many people still view the former secretary of state as anything but innocent in the matter. Demonstrating a wider issue in only addressing the party faithful rather than the swing voters and those on the fence who are more likely to be swayed by such developments.
Perez did point out that Biden had gone through an extremely rigorous vetting process when he was chosen as Barack Obama's running mate in 2008. Depressingly however, the truth is somewhat irrelevant. It is a question of perception and Biden needs to be whiter than white in comparison to Donald Trump.
Lingering question marks over the Democratic candidate will blunt vital Democrat attack lines on the incumbent President's character.
Biden's campaign is presently in the curious position of being in the ascendency in the polls, but simultaneous polls conducted by Emerson College also indicate that 57 percent of the electorate believe that Donald Trump will secure a second term.
This is probably attributable to continued frustration at the president's handling of the COVID-19 crisis, rather than Joe Biden's long-term appeal as a future president. The frustration at the president's handling of the coronavirus pandemic is being met with a quieter frustration from Democrats at Biden's inability to take full advantage of Trump's weakened position.
Last week's special guest at Biden's digital town hall meeting was Hillary Clinton of offered a glowing endorsement. Many also noted that Clinton demonstrated far greater energy and engagement. With much more policy detail and analysis than that offered by the candidate.