So as expected, Carly’s recent debate performance has now piqued sufficient interest in her history at HP. It’s a perfect exercise in political Rorschach which reveals more about the analyst than the subject. In my opinion this is what will make a Carly nomination the most problematic. If there is so much ambiguity in her performance that anyone can conclude what they wish, then Carly’s candidacy will be at the mercy of whichever side can master the political narrative. Given the political realities of the country, the deck will definitely be stacked against a candidate coming from a prestigious background in the private sector. At worste this makes Carly a Romney but without the clear record of success that Romney had. But, as is now becoming evident, Carly is far more than a second rate Romney when it comes to political skills.
The question then remains, are Carly’s skills sufficient to dominate the narrative which will define public opinion about her tenure at HP? This was precisely the rock upon which the SS Romney shattered.
For those interested in doing a deep dive into the Roshomon phase of Fiorina’s resume, here is a list of (growing) links:
This is the Add that Could Sink Carly Fiorina’s Campaign, Washington Post
Carly Fiorina’s Business Record: Not So Sterling, NY Times
Brilliant, or Blunder? A Rashomon Roundtable on Carly Fiorina’s Compaq Acquisition, Bloomberg