The Iowa caucus loss and the threat of a repeat in New Hampshire led to staffing shifts and a personality change in Hillary Clinton, both of which top advisers now credit with her new style and higher position in the polls.
"Since the end in New Hampshire and since [then], she is the Hillary that we all used to see in private. She's passionate and really cares about the country, not herself, but it wasn't coming out before," says a key associate. "Now it is, and guess what? It's what the rest of the country wanted to see too."
Add to that recent staff changes, namely the addition of the former first lady's longtime friend and chief of staff Maggie Williams, and insiders say that the campaign is largely firing on all cylinders. Despite earlier rumors that Williams would replace campaign manager Patti Solis Doyle, the thinking now is that she will help "run interference" for Doyle and Clinton from other staffers while Doyle runs the "nuts and bolts" of the effort.
The tag team will report directly to Clinton, who aides say has confidence in both. Associates describe the addition of Williams as one of many other expected moves to bring on board former officials who understand how Clinton works.
Paul Bedard
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