[Jim Noble]

Why, given the enormous power and connections of the Clinton machine, were they not able to achieve in 2016 what the ‘rats managed to achieve so well in 2020

Because, since the rise of Obama in 2007, the "Clinton machine" has not had enormous power OR connections. The Obama machine is at war with the Clintons, always has been, and has reduced them to almost nothing in the Party.

[fortes fortuna juvat]

Because, since the rise of Obama in 2007, the “Clinton machine” has not had enormous power OR connections. The Obama machine is at war with the Clintons, always has been, and has reduced them to almost nothing in the Party.
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Interesting perspective, yet they had enough power and connections in the Party to win for Hillary the nomination for President in 2016!