Clinton / Sanders #2: The Look of Authenticity

“We’ve said from day one that we take nothing for granted, and two, we’re humble, which is a direction from Hillary herself,” said Matt Paul, Mrs. Clinton’s Iowa director.

— Challenging Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders Gains Momentum in Iowa (NYT)

Humility isn’t something you can dictate.

Like the scent of a new car — or fresh baked bread at a real estate open house, Hillary’s Iowa campaign photos so far have demonstrated the ultimate concern, engagement and compassion. And that’s the problem. They are too demonstrative. They virtually shout “empathetic” and “accessible.” Hillary may be earnest and committed, even deeply so. But the Clinton’s remain stage-managed to the n-th. And in Iowa, it rings of contrived.

In contrast, do you know what’s significant about this photo from Bernie’s gig in Davenport (besides the fact he’s been so ignored by the media, Getty’s clients aren’t purchasing and publishing these photos)? Exceeding rare in a campaign photo now, it’s the fact not a soul is messing with a mobile.

Between the two shots, each riveting in its own way, I’d say Sanders is even money.

See: Clinton / Sanders #1.

(photo 1: Barbara Kinney for Hillary for America. caption: April 14, 2015 – Jones Street Java House in Le Claire, Iowa. photo 2: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images. caption: Attendees listen as Senator Bernie Sanders, an Independent from Vermont and 2016 U.S. presidential candidate, speaks during a town hall meeting in Davenport, Iowa, U.S., on Thursday, May 28, 2015. Sanders formally joined the 2016 Democratic presidential race this week, hoping to start ‘a political revolution to transform our country economically, politically, socially and environmentally.’)