Ability Quote by Mark Shields
![“[Hillary Clinton] showed, while in the Senate, that ability to connect and reach across and to forge alliances. I think she will be better [than Barack Obama]. But I think the problem with connecting emotionally with the people remains at large is - in a wholesale way.” quote by Mark Shields](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/109/mark-shields-1572_ability_hillary-clinton-showed-while-in-the-sena_2745008.jpg)
“[Hillary Clinton] showed, while in the Senate, that ability to connect and reach across and to forge alliances. I think she will be better [than Barack Obama]. But I think the problem with connecting emotionally with the people remains at large is - in a wholesale way.”
About This Quote
Source Opinion column, 2008
Clinton’s Senate skill in coalition‑building contrasts with broader emotional disconnect in politics.
In simple terms: Clinton built alliances, but politics lacks emotional connection.
Key Takeaway
Bridge policy with genuine empathy.
Themes
politics
leadership
alliances
empathy
communication
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
political
commentary
When to use this quote
- campaign strategy
- legislative negotiations
- public speaking
Key Concepts
bipartisanship
public trust
emotional intelligence
Questions to Reflect On
- How to authentically connect with constituents?
- What limits empathy in political arenas?
A Different Perspective
Emotional outreach can be perceived as insincere.
![“I think she [Hillary Clinton] would be far superior to President [Barack] Obama, who is basically remote, aloof and not involved with - he doesn't deal with members of Congress.” quote by Mark Shields](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3c0/mark-shields-1572_aloof_i-think-she-hillary-clinton-would-be-far_2017984.jpg)
![“There will just always be a distance between you and the people around you. Now, [Hillary Clinton] can clearly emotionally connect with her intimates within the zone of trust. It's just the wall outside the zone of trust is so impermeable.” quote by David Brooks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/515/david-brooks-644_clinton_there-will-just-always-be-a-distance-bet_3111339.jpg)
![“It's important for presidents to emotionally connect, with the country in times of crisis, but also with people in Washington. If you can't emotionally connect - and [Barack] Obama is not the greatest, but he can at least do it - then people won't be with you when the times are hard.” quote by David Brooks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2a6/david-brooks-644_barack_it-s-important-for-presidents-to-emotion_2274357.jpg)
![“Kathy Burgess describes [Hillary] Clinton as fun and an all-around great person but admits it doesn't come through well.” quote by Tamara Keith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b31/tamara-keith-25382_clinton_kathy-burgess-describes-hillary-clinton_2292192.jpg)
![“I do think that she [Hillary Clinton] will prove that she's the best, whether she's in the White House or somewhere else. I think it will very much be a historic moment, when we are able to say that we actually have done something like put a woman in the White House. Its very interesting to think…” quote by Madeleine Albright](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/144/madeleine-albright-1360_able_i-do-think-that-she-hillary-clinton-will_1793496.jpg)
![“My church [Catholisism] is hurting from arrogance and from its indifference to the suffering of children that were abused and the inclination of the leadership to protect the institution, rather than the children.” quote by Mark Shields](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/14e/mark-shields-1572_arrogance_my-church-catholisism-is-hurting-from-ar_144776.jpg)
