Press Speculates On Clinton-Hassan Ticket

A recent New York Times article speculated that New Hampshire Governor Maggie Hassan may be chosen as a running mate alongside former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.The April 22 article, titled “With Eyes on a Possible Clinton Run, Debate on a Two-Woman Ticket,” by Jennifer Steinhauer listed four “rising women of the Democratic Party:” Hassan, Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand of New York and Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts.Politicians had differing opinions on the feasibility of a two-woman ticket. “It’s certainly possible to have two women,” Senator of California Dianne Feinstein (D) stated in the article. “I am not sure it’s wise. You want a ticket that represents men and women.”Others, however, see the potential of such an unprecedented action. “Yet there is an incipient counterargument among female politicians and campaign veterans that a two-woman ticket may be just the sort of medicine that Americans—who polls suggest have grown weary of status quo leadership—are craving,” Steinhauer wrote.Other publications, like the Concord Monitor, also prompted discussions of the possibility of Hassan’s candidacy, and the reports have been the subject of campus-wide discussion. Democratic Club co-head and lower Preeya Sheth said she believed that Hassan’s current position is favorable for the selection. “Currently, Governor Hassan is the only democratic, female governor in the country, meaning she has a good chance of being a contender on a Hillary Clinton ticket,” she said.Democratic Club co-head and upper Joe Platte, who has done volunteer work to support Hassan since he was eleven years old, said he felt that the governor has the necessary capabilities to secure the deciding votes in the election. “Governor Hassan is one of the best people I know at connecting with voters,” Platte said. “She has a way of explaining and persuading that is almost unparalleled in today's politics.”Governor Hassan’s confident demeanor, as well as her will to fight for what she believes in, lends itself to a candidate position, Sheth continued, “What makes her a good choice is that fact that she knows how to handle the far right: the Tea Party is strong and fighting in New Hampshire, but Governor Hassan hasn't backed down.”This undeterred leadership in the face of controversy serves her well in her ability to negotiate tough situations and deals. “She was able to pass a balanced budget in 2013 and has a very high approval rating here in New Hampshire,” Sheth said.Republican Club co-head emphasized Governor Hassan’s distinguished leadership in the Democratic Governors Association. “She is currently the Democratic Party's only female governor and has been in the top leadership of the Democratic Governors Association,” Decker said.William Hinkle, press secretary for Governor Hassan, spoke of the positive effects of Hassan’s work in New Hampshire. “Governor Hassan loves serving as Governor of New Hampshire and working with all Granite Staters to maintain the state’s status as one of the safest, healthiest and most livable states in the nation,” Hinkle said.Hinkle also stressed the energy Hassan has dedicated to prioritizing the people. “The Governor remains focused on standing up for the priorities of the people of New Hampshire, and she will continue working to bring people together to reach bipartisan solutions that will strengthen our middle class, support job-creating businesses and keep New Hampshire’s economy moving forward.”Upper Arslan Berbic was very impressed with Hassan’s public presence while campaigning for her. “She was able to move a lot of young people and they were very supportive and they just went ahead and helped her out.”Platte, too, has had the pleasure of working with Hassan since a young age. “Personally, she has always been very kind and generous to me. I was only 11 when I first volunteered and she still was able to take the time to make me feel like my work was important.”Platte appreciates her ability to make people who help her feel appreciated. “She has a lot on her plate so the fact that she still will take the time to stop and try to connect with her constituents is something that is sadly uncommon today. She is by no means, an average politician,” he said.Principal and husband of Governor Hassan, Tom Hassan, separated his wife’s politics from the Academy, but still expressed his appreciation of the work she does in bettering the state of New Hampshire. “I am very proud of her service to the state, something that I know she wants to continue,” Principal Hassan said.In response to recent praise, Hinkle said, “The Governor was honored to be mentioned alongside such strong women leaders.”