A group of marketing experts is weighing in on how they would re-envision likely 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton for a new campaign, the
Washington Post reports.
"Clinton and her image-makers are sketching ways to refresh the well-established Hillary brand for tomorrow’s marketplace," the Post wrote of their efforts, geared at presenting future voters "with a winning picture of the likely candidate … from her economic opportunity agenda to the design of the 'H' in her future campaign logo."
For the marketers, the challenge is unusual because most voters know Clinton well from her days as first lady to her years as a New York senator and then President Barack Obama's secretary of state, the Post said of her more than two decades under public scrutiny.
For her biggest political challenge yet, marketers will seek to find that perfect blend that will offer voters more authenticity, the Post said, noting her difficulty in her failed 2008 presidential primary run when she appeared "overly programmed."
“Look at Budweiser. That’s what Hillary Clinton is. She’s not a microbrew," noted a former Obama campaign adviser. “ She’s one of the biggest, most powerful brands ever in the country, and recognizing that is important.”
The Hill noted that both Clinton and another political well-known, Jeb Bush, are fighting the baggage battle before their possible races ever begin. Difficult moments from Clinton's past, it noted, are already being resurrected.
"For the former secretary of state, the new scrutiny of Clinton Foundation donors — especially foreign governments and wealthy non-U.S. citizens — is bringing back memories of Whitewater and the selling of the White House Lincoln Bedroom to political patrons."
Whatever image Clinton decides to embrace for 2016, she has a ways to go in recreating a new political vision, according to polls tracking her favorability.
According to the
Huffington Post Pollster chart, an amalgam of 223 polls, Clinton splits voters with 46.8 percent viewing her as favorable while 45.6 percent see her as unfavorable.
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