Without a doubt, Clinton’s most compelling features are her dedication and intelligence. When Clinton speaks, she demonstrates not only thorough preparation and vast knowledge, but also a complex understanding of issues. These qualities have shined not only during debates, in which she has consistently delivered thoughtful answers, but also in situations that allow her to move beyond brief sound bites. Whether she takes questions from a crowd in California, discusses health care with a room full of experts or responds to probing questions from journalists, Clinton reveals an ability to move beyond vague statements of principle and demonstrates her understanding of the severity of the problems that we face as a nation.
Clinton does not only recognize these problems, she inspires confidence in her ability to produce concrete solutions to improve the lives of everyday people. The next president will need a strong understanding of how Washington works in order to achieve crucial goals such as universal health care, stronger environmental policies and restoring America’s reputation in the world. Ideological opponents and special interest groups are not going to sit quietly while profound changes take place, so we need someone who has been in Washington long enough to know the players and the game. It is not enough to denounce the influence of special interests and applaud bipartisanship—one must be ready to overcome the obstacles and build strong coalitions. Having been a part of the Washington political scene in a variety of capacities since 1993, Clinton knows how to get things done. Though I am confident that he serves the people of Illinois well, Senator Barack Obama only reached Washington in 2005 and has spent much of the subsequent time running for president without learning how to turn good ideas into substantive policies.
Looking at her record, one can see that Clinton has a long history of hard work and efficiency. Long before her tenure as a first lady or as a senator, Clinton demonstrated a commitment to helping neglected and abused children. While still attending Yale Law School, she helped represent foster children and parents in court, and worked on cases that created legal standards to identify and protect abused children. After graduation, she worked for the Children’s Defense Fund and helped run legal aid clinics for the poor. Her efforts to promote equal opportunities for women include leadership of an American Bar Association committee that raised awareness of sexual harassment and equal pay issues. During her service as first lady, she persevered through difficulties in reforming health care, and helped to create the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, which provides health care to millions of children. Since being elected to the Senate in 2000, she has either written or co-sponsored legislation to increase the minimum wage, extend health care coverage to National Guard members and reservists, bring more qualified teachers into the classrooms and promote numerous other efforts. In looking for a candidate who can turn this country around, one can see in Clinton the will and ability to put the U.S. back on the right track.
Furthermore, we can look to Clinton to be a strong leader during a time of great challenge. We can be reassured by her strong national security credentials, which include active service on the Senate Armed Services Committee and an intelligent plan to bring American troops home responsibly. As a woman of significant international stature, her election would inspire confidence and optimism in parts of the world that have been dismayed by the policies of the Bush administration. Beyond asserting general principles, like the importance of building global coalitions and engaging enemies, she has specific proposals to restore America’s standing in the world. Such plans include increasing access to primary education worldwide. Her sensible priorities abroad, combined with her natural characteristics of strength and vision has made her a leader whom other leaders are willing to follow.
As the Democratic Party advances to the general election, it should be looking to Hillary Clinton as the best candidate to beat John McCain. When Americans compare Clinton to McCain, they will see that she is a well-vested candidate with significant experience, strong national security credentials and the ability to handle tough economic challenges. Clinton’s proven record of addressing the issues that concern women and Hispanics will help her put together a strong coalition to win the election. In Clinton, we will have a nominee who is ready to handle the challenges of a long, grinding general election campaign and won’t let anyone “swift boat” her out of a victory.
I fervently believe that Clinton is the best choice to create a stronger America—an America that takes better care of its citizens and acts as a positive force around the globe. After seven difficult years, it is time for us to step up and elect a leader who will make us proud.