Democratic Primary Endorsement: Clinton

Many Americans will vote for Hillary Rodham Clinton because she is female. Our country isn't leading in political representation by women and there is much progress to be made. However, there are many other reasons than gender to vote for the she-Clinton.

As a dynasty candidate, there is plenty of chin wagging about her life and 33 years in the spotlight, as First Lady of Arkansas, then First Lady of the United States, then U.S. Senator from New York, and most recently, U.S. Secretary of State. Her opponent, Bernie Sanders, is by many accounts, a much more likable guy. However, nice, smart guys don't always make the best presidents and world political affairs are not just about appealing to the sensibilities of young, white, highly educated voters.

As former Secretary of State, Clinton has experience negotiating with world leaders, undoubtedly no picnic. The former New York senator also has skill at party politics and her deft hand playing the superdelegate side of the primary race shows her political competence. It takes cooperation to get things done in a democracy and the U.S. system of checks and balances requires the president to work with Congress. Thus, long held alliances and trust built over decades combined with a deep understanding of the issues are what it takes to lead the country effectively.

Speaking of alliances, the Democratic front-runner is married to former President Bill Clinton, one of the most popular presidents in history (ranking third in a U.S. Gallup Poll in 2011). The Clinton Foundation they founded in 2001 works with countries throughout the world as a nonprofit humanitarian organization with a mission to improve health and wellness and the lives of girls and women globally. The U.S. could certainly improve its international reputation. Years of warmongering and weapons brokering have done considerable damage, and terrorism continues to pose a threat to our national security.

Being president of the United States isn't necessarily an enviable job, but Clinton is not a rookie to the White House. As a prior Cabinet member, she is the most experienced candidate for the job. This goes not only for her expertise with hostile countries, but with aggressive members of Congress. The constant character assassination by Republicans that is likely to dog any Democratic president is something her public relations team may already be handling. At any rate, it's not likely to slow her down as she takes care of business.

Clinton was elected the first female senator from New York in 2000. She has made voting rights a big part of her current platform and that is an issue that deserves to remain in the national spotlight. Her voter base is as diverse as the country. Democratic voters who vote for Clinton in the Oregon primary will help to elect the woman most likely to become the first female U.S. president. Come November, Americans will then have the opportunity to vote for a woman presidential candidate nominated by a major party for the first time in history.

Vote for Clinton.