Hillary Clinton: The 'Iron Rose' of American Politics

(Baonghean) - The Democratic National Convention has chosen former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as its presidential candidate. This victory not only makes Clinton a historical figure in the United States as the first woman representing a major political party to run for president, but also helps the United States continue pursuing President Obama's plans to build a more approachable and friendly image of America.

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton speaks at the closing ceremony of the party's national convention. Photo: AFP.

Hillary, whose birth name was Hillary Diane Rodham, was born in 1947 into a middle-class family in Chicago, Illinois. Her father, Hugh Ellsworth Rodham, an American citizen of Welsh descent, owned a business that manufactured, designed, and sold bedding. Her mother, Dorothy Emma Howell, had English, Scottish, Welsh, and Canadian ancestry.

As a child, Hillary attended Maine South High School, where she was class president, a member of the student council, the debate team, and a member of the National Honor Society. With her vibrant and inquisitive personality, Hillary won first prize in the school's social science competition even while still a student.

Hillary Rodham entered politics in 1964, at the age of 16, supporting the presidential campaign of Republican Senator Barry Goldwater. Her parents encouraged her to pursue her chosen career. Hillary's early political views were shaped by her high school history teacher and pastor; she also had the opportunity to meet Civil Rights leader, Reverend Martin Luther King, in Chicago in 1962.

Although she greatly admired Reverend Martin Luther King – one of the most influential leaders in the history of the nonviolent movement and a peacemaker – Hillary Diane Rodham, coming from a traditionally conservative family, was initially a member of the Republican Party. However, after the assassination of Martin Luther King in 1968, Hillary's political views increasingly leaned towards liberalism, and she decided to join the Democratic Party that same year.

Before entering American politics, Hillary Clinton was known as a lawyer working for the Children's Defense Fund in Cambridge, Massachusetts, engaging in philanthropic activities such as researching immigrant issues like housing, sanitation, health, and education; conducting research on child abuse cases at New Haven Hospital; and providing free legal services to the poor.

Hillary Rodham and Bill Clinton met at Yale University when they were both students. In 1975, they married and moved to Arkansas. In 1993, when Bill Clinton was sworn in as the 42nd president of the United States, she became the first lady.

Throughout this period, alongside pursuing her passion for working at the law firm, Hillary Clinton remained a strong support system for her husband, even during what was considered an extremely difficult time. Even when her husband was smitten by the youthful charm of White House intern Monica Lewinsky, Hillary chose to forgive him. By overcoming these difficulties with such tolerance, Hillary Clinton gained increasing support and affection from the American people.

US President Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton appear together at a campaign rally in Charlotte, North Carolina on July 5. Photo: Washington Post.

After eight years of standing alongside her husband as First Lady, she began to break free from Bill's overwhelming shadow by winning decisively in the New York Senate race (55%/43% of the vote compared to her Republican opponent Rick Lazio).

In 2006, she was re-elected after defeating Republican opponent John Spencer in what was considered the most expensive race ($36 million). Two years later, Hillary Clinton began her first presidential campaign. Although she consistently led her opponent in the early days, she ultimately lost to African-American candidate Barack Obama in the final rounds. Thanks to her own support and the support of a large number of voters, Barack Obama won the presidential election and has held the White House to this day.

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton. (Photo: AP)

Under Barack Obama's leadership, Hillary Clinton was entrusted with the responsibility of Secretary of State. With her strong yet compassionate personality, Hillary Clinton achieved great success as Secretary of State, restoring strength and credibility to America's global mission through her shuttle diplomacy. In 2013, Hillary resigned as Secretary of State to focus on her campaign for the Democratic Party's nomination in the 2016 presidential race.

Returning to the Democratic Party race, on April 12, 2015, Hillary Clinton officially announced her candidacy for president in the 2016 election. Her campaign was meticulously prepared, involving a vast fundraising network, experienced coordinators, and political action committees such as Ready for Hillary and Priorities USA Action. In addition, she focused on issues of widespread voter interest, such as raising the income of the middle class, universal access to daycare and preschool, facilitating college admissions, and supporting the Obamacare program (Affordable Healthcare Act).

With practical policies supporting the underprivileged in American society, Hillary Clinton won with 2,740 votes while her opponent, Bernie Sanders, received only 1,824 votes. And at the Democratic National Convention that concluded on July 29th, Hillary Clinton officially received the nomination to become the occupant of the White House in the upcoming election on November 8th against Republican candidate Donald Trump.

Alongside Hillary Clinton in the race for the White House is billionaire Donald Trump.

Although the path to the White House remains fraught with challenges and can only be decided after the votes are counted, it can be said that Hillary Clinton's chances are very high at this point. Having held important positions such as Senator from New York, former First Lady of the United States (1993-2001), and former Secretary of State (2009-2013) under President Obama's administration, her extensive political experience is evident.

Hillary Clinton also enjoys the Democratic Party's advantage due to the improving US economy and President Obama's approval rating reaching 51%—the highest in over three years—and her support from the incumbent president. Furthermore, her policies are geared towards the middle class, the poor, immigrants, and religious beliefs—those who make up a large portion of the US population.

More importantly, if she wins, the plans and achievements of the current President will continue to develop. All these reasons give the "iron rose" a significant advantage over candidate Donald Trump, who is considered a notorious conservative and has no political experience whatsoever. It is very possible that American history will record the name of the first female President, Hillary Clinton.

Canh Nam