by Jacqueline Stoughton
“I’m running for president.” This was the announcement from Hillary Clinton we’ve all been waiting to hear her say for two years now.
This will be Clinton’s second run as a Democratic nominee, after losing the Democratic primary to President Barack Obama eight years ago. Her official campaign kickoff event is expected to happen next month.
“Everyday Americans need a champion, and I want to be that champion,” said Clinton in her official campaign announcement video. “So I’m hitting the road to earn your vote – because it’s your time. And I hope you’ll join me on this journey.”
Eight years ago, Americans made history by electing the first African American into office. Assuming Clinton does well, America is about to make history yet again by electing the first woman as president of the United States.
It’s no doubt that she will win the vote of most women; she’s already become a monumental inspiration for women in politics, being the only first lady to be elected to the senate, and serving as a global diplomat with impressive loyalty to the man who defeated her in the last presidential race.
Democrats are already pouring in copious amounts of donation money. I’m talking in the range of about $2.5 billion of expected donation money. Yes, of course these are good things, but are the intentions true to genuinely wanting Clinton to succeed?
Many think it may just be a desire to want to make history again by being elected the first woman president. Another theory says it’s just a ploy by Democrats to keep a tight grip on the White House, especially now with Republicans controlling both the House and Senate.
Clinton’s campaign will focus primarily on improving the economic status of the middle class, increasing wages and reducing income inequality. Focusing in on women’s rights, especially when it comes to equal pay, will make her a big contender with women voters. Along with equal pay, Clinton will concentrate on other issues (mainly those more important to women) throughout her campaign, including paid family and medical leave, higher minimum wage and age access to affordable childcare.
Downplaying gender was a major mistake during her previous presidential campaign, a mistake she doesn’t intend to make this time around. Taking advantage of being a woman running for presidential office, and what this means for the women’s rights movement as a whole, could be her key to victory.
Clinton’s announcement comes at an unfortunate time in the midst of an email scandal where she was criticized for using a private email account for professional matters. This potentially casts a lot of doubt on her by potential voters. But if anyone can redeem themselves from an unfortunate circumstance such as this, it’s the queen of the hill.