The Playbook for a Comeback

Strategists outline how they'd take back momentum for Clinton's campaign

By Jonas Oransky, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 13, 2008 12:43 PM CST

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The Playbook for a Comeback — Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., gestures during a campaign stop at the McAllen Convention Center in McAllen, Texas, Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) (Associated Press)

Can she get back on her feet before she’s counted out? The Washington Post’s Chris Cillizza asked Democratic strategists how Hillary Clinton could regain momentum in her faltering campaign. The four-point play:

Follow Bill’s “It’s the economy, stupid” lead: Put out a "white paper" talking up the first Clinton fiscal boom. It’ll play well in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Drop the play-it-safe strategy and make news. Perhaps a tour of places in Ohio that prospered under Clinton I, floundered under Bush II and will rise again under Clinton II.
Don’t forfeit the “candidate as cause” sweepstakes to Barack Obama: She’s made $12 million on the web in the past week, and should get the word out that people believe in her, too.
Play hard in Wisconsin: The Feb. 19 primary could twist her way (there are plenty of blue-collar Badger Staters), and a strong showing next week could blunt the Obama-mentum.

(More Hillary Clinton stories.)

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