Why I Support Hillary Clinton

I told someone today that they, "know my reasons" for being a Hillary Clinton supporter. That person does know, but it occurred to me that not many people do. It's so easy to jump into the fray and get caught up in the play-by-play that after a while it doesn't matter why any more. But it should. After all, regardless of your opinion of them, politics frame the character of our nation. Therefore, I think we should all remember why we believe a thing, all the time. This is an opinion essay, my opinion about Hillary Clinton.

I remember seeing Hillary Clinton on television for the first time, of course, in 1993 when she was immediately a very visible First Lady. And I remember saying to my twenty-something friends, "Watch her. She looks like the President, not him." This excited me; I saw a woman who I thought could punch through the ultimate glass ceiling for women in the United States. That was change. That was a shake-up to the "institution" I barely knew anything about back then. Hillary fascinated me, and I began following her career.

Bill Clinton's presidency was the biggest ball game of the '90s, and Bill conducted himself like a baller. Literally. Reality TV was born in the press room of the White House as political opponents of the president sponsored egregious invasions of the privacy of a presidential family. But, let's not forget that he balanced the budget, came out in support of gays, brought the United States into the digital era, and created "casual Friday." So, when you're wearing jeans at the office, say, "Thank you, Bill." He was the most successful President in the modern era, peaking at 73% approval rating, trumping Ronald Reagan as most popular President since WWII. He also appointed women to Secretary of State and Attorney General, the highest offices occupied by women in the United States. Still.

Every time I hear the critics call her cold, I remember my first impressions of Hillary again. She wants to be President. You have to want to be president to do it, and even if you don't support her, you can't say she doesn't want it. I believe she is focussed, not cold, like a form of Yoga. The "real Hillary" everyone wants so much breaks through when she wins a victory, or when she is greatly discouraged. On the clock though, when the heat is on, she is all business, direct and authoritative, presidential.

People are drawn to Hillary Clinton because of the contradictions she represents. She is expected to be warm and cheerful, and clap excitedly when she wins a victory and instead she thrusts her fist in the air and gives a hoot. She is expected to bow and pat her hair, but instead she rushes to the front of the stage and delivers a champion's speech. But, we also see that elusive Real Hillary here and there. Scant views into her real private life, off hand remarks, the voice of her daughter, all contribute to a slowly growing pool of information about the woman behind the politician. Every time Hillary shows a glimpse of this person, people love it, crave more. But it would not be real if she put it on like a coat. The authenticity of these moments is what makes them so poignant -- they're real. Just as real is the level-headed, "cold" Hillary, who is decisive and confident. Just as real is the politician who has spent over a decade building a network of cooperation and vision. She has made compromises in her career, and mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes, even Presidents. It's how we learn.

Hillary Clinton is not only the most capable Democrat in the race this year. She is the most capable person to be the next President of the United States. With Hillary Clinton as President, the United States will be returned to prosperity, peace, and forward thinking, blazing a new trail for all Americans. Hillary has the experience, dedication and knowledge to lead this country, and make real history.

Vote Hillary!