It’s official. One of the most powerful women in politics has finally, decidedly, and happily announced her intention to run for President in 2016. Hillary Clinton announced on Sunday that she would seek presidency. This will be Hillary’s second run for President, after her work in the 2008 election. She is very likely to be the Democratic nominee in the next election.
Mrs. Clinton announced her intentions at the end of a two minute video released. The video hits many of the big issues: the job market, education and human rights. It includes numerous families stories of how they are getting ready for big changes in their lives. Cut to Clinton: “I’m getting ready for something too. I’m running for President.”
What’s next for the former First Lady, senator, and Secretary of State? She’s hitting the road, quietly campaigning in Iowa, a site of one of the earliest caucuses. Her first campaign rally isn’t until May, but she wants a chance to meet voters one on one, in a more intimate setting.
Many of us know Hillary Clinton, but not all of us know where she stands on issues. In regards to her policies at home, Mrs. Clinton remains quite close to the current ideas. Keep Obamacare, overhaul the tax code, reform immigration, and beef up education by making pre-k more available and college cheaper. Abroad, however, Clinton is seen as a relatively aggressive Democrat. She’s encouraged military action in Iraq, Libya, and Syria, and is considered a leader is pushing Iran to reduce nuclear power. Most controversially, she plans to really emphasize women’s rights on this campaign, which she downplayed because of her own gender in 2008.
While she is the first Democrat to announce her bid, there are many other possible contenders in the wings. Vice President Biden, former Governor Martin O’Malley of Maryland, former Senator Jim Webb of Virginia, Independent Senator Bernie Sanders, and Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts are all considered possible challengers. She is leading them in polls by as much as 50 points nationwide, but 66 percent of democrats say that they would like to see her face a strong competitor in 2016.
Webb, Sanders, Warren, O’Malley, Biden
Whether you agree with Hillary Clinton or not, success for women anywhere is success for women everywhere. She is one of the most serious contenders to become the first woman President, and women should support her as a person, even if they can’t support her issues. The clearly gendered attacks have already begun, such as she is too old (she’s 67) and her makeup and clothing choices. According to Fox News, nearly a quarter of Republicans say that the fact that she would be the first female President makes them less likely to vote for her. Ten percent of independents, ten percent of women, and nine percent of self-described liberals agree. Even five percent of self-described liberals that are women say that they’re less likely to vote for her because of her gender.
All in all, Hillary has certainly stirred up a lot of dust with her Sunday video. Watch it and stay informed, because there is sure to be a lot of excitement between now and 2016.
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