Hillary Rodham Clinton has announced that she is again officially running for President. Her announcement was long anticipated. Her path has not been, nor will it be, a smooth one. She definitely brought baggage to her earlier run to procure the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. And controversy is already haunting her this year as the debate over her email usage has become an issue regarding her honesty and trustworthiness. However, her audacity and zeal to become President are amazing.
Much has changed in this country and the world since Hillary Clinton had a limited or truncated term as a U. S. Senator and as Secretary of State…not an extensive as she begins another presidential campaign. Today, the international threat of terrorism is significantly more prevalent and growing. Has Hillary a position and plan to deal with this matter?
The Iran nuke “deal,” although still in the negotiation stage, is controversial and may fall apart. The situation in the Ukraine is very unsettled, and the push by Putin for more power and territory remains a challenge. In this case, the response of the United States has been weak and not as effective as it should have been. Then there is the continuing rise of China with all the complications that issue brings to U.S. foreign policy.
The office of the President of the United States should not be a reward for political survival. At this point, little is known on where Ms. Clinton stands on many of the critical issues facing the United States today. Let’s hope this matter improves during her coronation process if that is the way the primary season for the Democratic Party proceeds.
With her announcement, Hillary is hoping her previous baggage will go away, and the American electorate will not have Clinton fatigue. What does Hillary stand for? What are her world views? What are her ideas on domestic issues and how to address them? Can she make the hard decisions of a Commander and Chief?
Ms. Clinton has questions to answer. The American people deserve these answers. Seeking to be the first female president and perpetuate a family dynasty are not good reasons to elect a candidate for President. The issue of dynasty also haunts Jeb Bush.
Perhaps some Republican operatives and potential Democratic candidates are correct, new faces and new ideas are wanted and needed in this campaign.
Hillary Clinton did not have an extremely outstanding record as Secretary of State. Air miles and photo ops do not a statesman make. Her “reset” with Russia failed, and other international achievements are difficult to recall. Negotiations with Iran, and any deal made there will certainly be a large piece of foreign policy found on the plate of the next President of the United States.
Then there is the Republican majority in Congress with whom the next President must try to work. The current relationship between the Democratic President and the
Republican Congress is not outstanding. Can Mrs. Clinton deal effectively with the Republicans controlling the Congress?
As Hillary’s second quest begins, she appears to be recasting herself and her campaign. Will this recasting be as much a failure as her “reset” with Russia?
The 2016 campaign is young. Mrs. Clinton certainly dominates the Democratic field at the moment. Will this domination and potential coronation be a fact in the fall?
During his presidency, Bill Clinton, after a defeat, said, “ I am still relevant”.
Perhaps Hillary is attempting to ascertain if she is still relevant in 2016.
Carol Voyles says
Yes, we deserve detailed answers. Let’s start with the details Mr. Fletcher has difficulty recalling.
Among other things as Secretary of State, Hilary opened Myanmar for the first official visit since 1955, negotiated a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas with the help of Egypt, tightened sanctions against Iran throughout the European Union, significantly reducing their purchase of Iranian oil, and created the Dept. of Justice Office on Violence Against Women, raising the issue internationally in nearly a dozen countries.
At least Democrats do talk about issues. Listen carefully to the Republican candidates. Count on them, when they’ve exhausted their rhetoric, talk about Democrats.