Presidential Dream        
Kristen McNaule is a Political Science Student who accompanied Professor Haussman to Hillary Clinton’s campaign.
Hillary Hopes for a Revival

In her 1969 commencement speech at Wellesley College, Hillary D. Rodham dreamt of the opportunities for all Americans that could be achieved only with a fair and just government. She recognized that “years dominated by men with dreams” had led America astray from realizing equality and equal opportunity. She was inspired to create change. Now, almost four decades later, she is on the verge of the United States Presidency, a role that carries with it enough power to invoke these changes on a national, and even international scale. But her campaign has been wrought with challenges, and she will need to use her trademark strength to get through this turbulent primary season.

Her marriage to former U.S. President Bill Clinton, gave her an insight into U.S. Federal politics unmatched by her rivals. An unconventional First Lady, Hillary Rodham Clinton took an active role in politics through her attempts to implement policies that would benefit all Americans, particularly universal healthcare reform.

Throughout her career as a lawyer and politician she advocated child welfare and was an extremely influential figure in women's rights. After sitting on a number of boards, Ms. Clinton was elected as Senator for New York in 2000. This helped her gain the credibility she needed to make her a frontrunner for the 2008 Democratic Presidential nomination.

But a variety of factors have posed problems for Ms. Clinton's potential for electoral victory. The infamous sex scandal involving her husband and Whitehouse intern, Monica Lewinsky, has been a blemish on her political career. Many felt she made the wrong decision by staying married, and some have suggested her marriage is politically motivated. This, combined with her sharp eloquence and clear policy objectives, has earned her a reputation for being “cold,” and has alienated her from the public.

Her image softened in the lead-up to the New Hampshire primary when she teared up during a question and answer session. However, some criticised her for being too emotional, while others accused her of using it as a publicity stunt.

Despite these issues, Clinton was easily favoured for the Democratic nomination during the early stages of the campaign. But her dominance ended as Oprah Winfrey chanted Barack Obama's name to spectators in South Carolina. Oprah pleaded with potential voters to vote for “change,” while demeaning Clinton's political “experience.”

Oprah's enthusiastic support of Obama was a massive blow to Clinton's campaign, given their shared demographic. Clinton appealed to the same middle aged women that typically watched Oprah, and she had counted on this support during the U.S. Primary season. But in a society often governed more by entertainment than by politics, Oprah's influence on Clinton's Presidential aspirations was detrimental.

February 5th, 2008, better known to American voters as “Super Tuesday,” brought Clinton essential victories in states like California, New York and Massachusettes. While Obama won more states, Clinton earned more delegates. She also had more support from Super delegates, giving her the advantage at the conclusion of Super Tuesday.

Since Super Tuesday Obama has won nearly every primary. He now leads in delegates, and some super delegates are considering switching their support to Obama. Clinton has replaced her Campaign manager in hopes of a revival.

While the Republican voters have clearly chosen John McCain as their representative, the Democratic nomination continues to be a close race. There are still important primaries remaining, including Texas, Pennsylvania and Ohio, which she will need to win to remain in contention. Perhaps a refreshed campaign strategy will help keep her in the game. -R