While eschewing emotion - and its companion, vulnerability - Obama should be careful not to sacrifice empathy, the 'I feel your pain' connection that sustained Clinton. This connection is the shorthand people use to measure their leaders' intentions. If people believe you're on their side, they will trust your decisions.

Summary

This quote emphasizes the importance of empathy for a leader like Obama, who is often known for his rational and intellectual approach. While it is necessary for him to avoid being overly emotional or vulnerable, he should not disregard empathy. Empathy allows leaders to connect with people on a personal level and understand their pain or struggles. It helps build trust and allows people to believe that their leader has their best interests at heart. By maintaining this connection, Obama can ensure that people will have faith in his decisions.

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