CNN reports today that former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s campaign is close to signing a lease on a campaign headquarters in Brooklyn, N.Y.
In all the excitement (you felt it too?), most readers seem to have skimmed right past the most interesting tidbit. Clinton is all for equal pay and a living wage for all, but in order for her to break through that final glass ceiling to make that happen, she’s going to need some supporters to offer up their spare bedrooms to younger campaign staff.
Former RNC online communications director Liz Mair happened to catch that little catch.
Hillary Clinton apparently has no interest in paying a living wage to her staff. Asking supporters to take them in. http://t.co/pnaM08tDCs
— Liz Mair (@LizMair) March 14, 2015
Apparently, it's "standard" for campaign staff to be paid so little they can't afford rent w/in miled of campaign HQ. Says a Hillary fan.
— Liz Mair (@LizMair) March 15, 2015
No biggie. These staffers are young, ambitious and anxious to have the work experience to add to their résumés. As they gain real-life skills and assume more responsibilities, they’ll be able to command higher salaries. Or they could take entry-level jobs at fast food joints and then immediately go on strike for a $15 an hour starting wage.
I guess this explains why I was able to pay my mortgage on RNC salary. And why no RNC staffer I've ever heard of has to live w donors.
— Liz Mair (@LizMair) March 15, 2015
Ditto every other campaign I've consulted for, BTW. Maybe Dems really are lipservice re: "living wage," though. I have no idea. I'm not one.
— Liz Mair (@LizMair) March 15, 2015
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Main point w the Hillary "wont-pay-staff-enough-to-afford-rent" thing is that it will make her attacks on any other employer re: wages weak.
— Liz Mair (@LizMair) March 15, 2015
Hard to criticize a small business-person for not wanting to pay $15 or $20 an hour if you won't pay campaign staff a living wage.
— Liz Mair (@LizMair) March 15, 2015
No, it’s easy! Just ask any Democrat politician.
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