" 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. "
- Dee Dee Myers

In the given statement, Dee Dee Myers advises former President Obama on maintaining empathy as a crucial trait for leadership, even when he avoids emotional displays and vulnerability. She suggests that while Obama's approach to staying detached from strong emotions might be strategic, it should not come at the expense of understanding and feeling his constituents' pain, which Hillary Clinton used effectively in her campaigns.

On a deeper level, Myers emphasizes the importance of empathy as a critical component of leadership and political success. By connecting emotionally with voters, leaders can foster trust and credibility among their followers. Empathy allows leaders to demonstrate genuine care for people's wellbeing and concerns, making them more relatable and trustworthy. When constituents feel understood, they are more likely to support decisions that align with the leader’s vision, even if those decisions might be difficult or unpopular at first glance.

Dee Dee Myers is a former White House Press Secretary who served in President Bill Clinton’s administration from 1993 to 1994. She has since become an influential political commentator and strategist, known for her insights into leadership styles and their impact on public perception and trust. Her advice reflects her extensive experience in the field of politics and communications.