Resource Analysis 4 - Condi vs. Hillary

         In his comparative political biography Condi vs. Hillary, Dick Morris analyzes and illustrates the contest between Condoleezza Rice and Hillary Clinton in the election of 2008. In his book, Morris contends that Condoleezza Rice is the only Republican on the national scene with the credentials and credibility to lead the Republican Party in 2008. He also outlines how the Democratic Party is likely o return to its one source of political power in the last several decades – the Clinton family. The resulting race would be the perfect political competition as it pits two of America’s most popular and controversial women against each other, opening a new era in American politics.

            As he outlines the upbringing and political background of both Rice and Clinton, Morris contrasts the two Secretaries of State and thus the opposing political groups of which they belong. Describing Rice as, “rejecting group identification and insisting on her ability, as an individual, to rise above the limits her race and sex imposed on her,” Morris identifies Rice as the core belief of the Republican Party: “That it is the individual who matters, regardless of circumstance, geography, race, sex, or even poverty” (79). On the other hand, Morris explains that, “Like Hillary, the Democratic Party and its surrogate bodies deal with groups, seeking to enhance their cohesion and feeling of communality” (77). He continues that the Left’s sense of group and issue identification is so great that feminist groups have largely opposed Republican women candidates who do not follow the feminist line on abortion rights, endorsing Democratic, pro-choice men instead. This firmness on the importance of community both highlights the differences between the Republican and Democratic Parties, as well as provides a bit of foreshadowing when it comes to the lack of female support that Condoleezza will have due to her somewhat lackluster approach to women’s rights.

            For the most part, however, Morris’ comparative analysis places Rice in a very favorable light as she is described as one who is constantly “defying the odds” with her life story that “tells us why she could be a great president” (70). In fact, when finally attempting to come to a conclusion as to which Secretary of State would most likely succeed as president, Morris states, “[Rice’s] evolving understanding of the need for a morally grounded foreign policy shows how much this woman can grow to meet new demands and situations” (280). However, “Hillary’s inability to accept criticism makes it harder for her to grow” (280). Thus, Morris concludes that the election of 2008 will be the nest great presidential race. With the possibility of two popular women as candidates, the voters will make history no matter which female powerhouse wins in the end.