Carly Fiorina Awkwardly Encourages Voters to Keep Doing What They’re Doing

“She’s positive, she’s passionate, and she’s principled,”

said Ovide Lamontagne, Carly Fiorina’s New Hampshire state chair. “I think she’s picking up,” agreed his wife. Lamontagne spent several minutes introducing Fiorina at the Superbowl party at The Yard’s Seafood and Steakhouse, claiming it was she who won the Saturday Republican debate. Fiorina was excluded from the eighth Republican debate, but her campaign declared she won nonetheless. Lamontagne spoke with audacity and energy. He encouraged listeners to “talk, talk, talk” to their friends, family, and even their neighbors to vote and volunteer for Carly, dismissing her low polling numbers and promoting her “win.”

When Fiorina took the stage, she started by mentioning her roots. “I first started thinking about running here in New Hampshire,” she reminisced. She then blamed the media and it’s uncontrolled power for removing her from the debate: “There were only seven on the stage last night…the game is rigged by…politicians and media executives.” She went on to explain why it should be the people, not the media, who should be choosing the debaters for television. “You are the people of New Hampshire, these are your votes, your delegates. Show the nation that you know how to pick presidents.”

The vibe at the restaurant was mixed and slightly tense. Some voters were long-time Fiorina followers, wearing supportive t-shirts and toting along children who shrieked Carly’s name. New Hampshire resident Vivian has supported Fiorina for over a year: “She is probably one of the brightest candidates I’ve ever met…she’s stronger here in New Hampshire than people give credit.” Vivian credited Fiorina’s business background and strong debate skills as some of the reasons she aligned with her.

Yet when Lamontagne — and even Fiorina herself — congratulated the room for exceptional support and volunteer work, voters were uncomfortably silent.

“We — now — have to go for the win,” Fiorina exclaimed, but there were no claps or shouts of excitement to be heard.

Only a few times toward the end of her speech were there murmurs of agreement. Some voters were initially unsure, but attended in hopes of being persuaded.

“We’re undecided,” said John Vancor, who drove four-and-a-half hours with his wife to hear her speak. “We came here undecided, [but] we kinda felt momentum.”

Taryn, a first-time political event-goer and Independent, commented, “There’s a misconception that she’s not strong enough to make decisions.”

The media — and many voters — are not following the same train of thought. According to Real Clear Politics, she is polling at 4.7%, just above Ben Carson at 3%. Yet Fiorina remained strong throughout the event and refused to bow to her low numbers. “We will beat Hillary Clinton as you know I can.”