Subject: Suggestion for talking points
From: Anne Hummer <[email-masked]>
To: [email-masked]
Date: Tue, 9 Feb 2016 21:43:46 -0500

​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