The prompt was to write a research/synthesis paper on any subject of our choosing. I chose Hillary Clinton. The following are my 10 pages.
I would mostly like help on any grammar and syntax errors. Any help is greatly appreciated.
In our nation's history there have been few elections that narcissistic politicians have not dubbed "The most important election in history." Although the upcoming 2016 presidential election is not the election of FDR, Kennedy, or even Lincoln, its importance should not be understated. At a time of monumental domestic social reform and a rapidly globalizing world, the need for a strong president with national as well as international experience has seldom been greater. Correspondingly, this begs the question, "Who?" Democrats, however, seem to have already found their answer as they rally their support behind nominee Hillary Rodham Clinton. Clinton's potentially historic status as the first woman nominee by a major party combined with near ubiquitous name recognition among many other qualifications make her an undeniably attractive candidate for 2016 nomination by the Democratic Party. Alongside her experience and widespread appeal, these qualities make her not only the foremost, but also the strongest candidate for 2016.
EXPERIENCE
Hillary's decades of experience begin even before her years as an author, Secretary of State, presidential nominee, and New York Senator; they date back as far as her years in the White House under the first, and hopefully not last, Clinton administration. As first lady, Hillary took an unprecedented role in policy reform, gender equality, and international diplomacy. One women's empowerment magazine essayist even suggests that "Hillary Rodham Clinton has been acknowledged to be the most openly empowered presidential wife in American history, save Eleanor Roosevelt" (Rajghatta). Likewise, Clinton took on multiple roles in government beyond those of her traditional duties. Appointed head to the Task Force on National Health Care Reform tasked with nothing less than "creating a national healthcare reform plan" ("Hillary Rodham Clinton"), Hillary gained first-hand experience in leading national policy making and creating reform at the highest levels of government on one of the key issues which still face the nation today. "No first lady had ever been given such an important assignment" ("Hillary Rodham Clinton"). During this time, she also expanded her efforts in gender equality and women's empowerment in collaboration with the Department of Justice by creating the Office on Violence against Women (OVW), an organization that is active to this day. In doing so, Hillary was able to gain experience both working with departments serving the Executive Branch as well as creating progressive change and social responsiveness from the office of the Executive itself. And although some critics outcried these appointments as nepotism on part of President Clinton, prior to her time in public office, "Clinton was considered one of the country's leading attorneys" ("Hillary Rodham Clinton") and already had experience at the highest levels of government "as a member of the impeachment inquiry staff during the Watergate scandal" (Clinton) as a staff attorney of the House Judiciary Committee. Furthermore, despite her activism on a domestic level, Hillary was also able to become one of the most influential First Ladies internationally as the most traveled first lady in history. Hillary's extensive role as the First Lady even went as far as to earn her the title "Co-president" from critics of the Clinton administration, and she was frequently quoted as saying, "If you vote for him, you get me" (Clinton). This firsthand experience she gained not only proved her ability to maintain a role of executive activism, but also provided her with eight years of White House experience even before being potentially elected to the office herself.
Using the widespread approval she gained during her tenure as First Lady, Hillary propelled herself into an increasingly active role in national politics after leaving the White House with the end of the first Clinton Administration. Sworn in on January 1st, 2001, Hillary "became the first sitting first lady to be elected to office" ("Hillary Rodham Clinton") following her election to the seat of New York Senator. During her term, Hillary remained a vocal proponent of her beliefs despite being a first term Senator. Her voice would be heard not only in the main chamber, but also in the "several Senate committees, including the Committee on Budget, the Committee on Armed Services, and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions" ("Hillary Rodham Clinton") and eight further subcommittees she served in. During this time, Hillary not only gained experience in forming national economic and social policies across various issues in multiple legislative departments, but also in responding to the needs of a changing world. In Congress, Hillary was part of the first responders who drafted legislation and "played a leading role in the investigation" ("Hillary Rodham Clinton") in direct response to the 9/11 attacks which would come to define much of United States foreign policy from that point on. In turn, her terms as senator allowed her to develop a strong, informed stance on her economic, social, and foreign policy long before her first bid for presidency in 2008.
After easily winning reelection to the Senate in 2006 Hillary began her presidential campaign in 2007, during which she set multiple historical landmarks as the first woman to run in the primary of all fifty states as well as the highest number of both delegate votes as well as popular vote of any woman in history.
Despite losing her 2008 presidential campaign, the years following her defeat make Hillary an even stronger candidate for presidency. Appointed under the Obama Administration, Hillary's years as Secretary of State gave her both even more experience under a White House administration, as well as invaluable experience as the nation's top diplomat that will be especially applicable in the rapidly globalizing international community of today. In that role, "Clinton has become the first former first lady to serve in the United States Cabinet" ("Hillary Rodham Clinton"). During which, despite the loss of international trust caused by the previous Bush Administration which Hillary attributes to "economic collapse" (Clinton) and "two wars" (Clinton), Clinton was able to work on an international level to restore trust back into the American government. Clinton herself acknowledges this, stating in an official interview, "The most important thing I did was to help restore American leadership around the world" (Clinton) and again later that, "It's building those relationships. It's garnering that trust. It's mobilizing people to help solve problems together. And I think we [The State Department] laid a very strong foundation" (Clinton). In doing so, Hillary exemplified her ability to lead at the highest levels of government, produce lasting results through strong policy, as well as work internationally to resolve world issues, all of which are qualities necessary in a President. In doing so, Hillary gained even more firsthand White House experience at the office of "the highest-ranking woman in the history of the United States" (Gordon), an accreditation which will play an integral role in her effectiveness both as a candidate and in the office of President itself, if elected.
Her work under not only one but two White House administrations makes her a unique candidate with over a decade spent as a key figure in the Executive Branch already. As one author notes in his analysis of Hillary's extensive experience, "Hillary has been through two disastrous, disorganized White Houses under Bill Clinton and Obama . . . It would be really good to have the lessons from that analogue on tap" (Shapiro). Here, Shapiro emphasizes that Hillary's time in the White House as First Lady under the Clinton Administration and again as Secretary of State under the Obama administration provides her with critical lessons that will inform her administration if elected. As a result, not only does Hillary have extensive experience in multiple levels and branches of government which qualify her, but she brings to the table knowledge and understanding that no other candidate can claim, from not only one but two previous presidential administrations.
However, although Hillary regardless is a strong candidate, the case for Clinton 2016 becomes even stronger when compared to other potential nominees. By considerable margins Hillary boasts more raw experience than any other Democratic nominee, most of whom don't come close to Hillary's thirty-five years. Similarly, Hillary beats even current Vice President Joe Biden in years of White House experience. Her role in several key positions across multiple departments in government gives her not only the most experience, but brings to the table Hillary's diversity of experiences, deeper understanding of government, and connections to both the Executive and Legislative branches.
PRESIDENTIAL RUN
If Hillary is such a strong candidate however, why didn't she win the primary in 2008? Because the Democratic primary works in a similar way to the Electoral College based on delegate appropriation by state, despite having won the popular vote (Appendix B, Appendix C), Hillary lost the delegate vote to her fellow Senator at the time, Barack Obama, who was able to win a larger number of the smaller states as seen in Appendix D and thus claim the Democratic nomination against Hillary. Not only does this show that Hillary was "a leading contender in 2008 for the Democratic presidential nomination" ("Hillary Rodham Clinton"), but that Hillary had the base necessary to win Presidency in 2008, one which has only continued to grow with the release of her memoir Hard Choices and the rise of the third-wave feminism in the United States.
MODERATISM AND WIDESPREAD APPEAL
Going beyond Hillary's decades of experience, her diverse, strong, and widely appealing policies also serve to make her a strong candidate. Despite identifying as a Democrat, Hillary's policies incorporate elements of both conservatism and liberalism when dealing with different policy sectors. This is seldom the case in the polarized atmosphere that is the two-party system. However, Hillary's choice of policy diversity over the black and white thinking that dominates much of Democrat vs. Republican sentiment would make her one of the most moderate presidents in history. This stance of political centrism and moderatism gives her far reaching appeal to voters and politicians alike across both sides of the aisle, not only getting her the votes she needs to be elected but making her more effective and efficient as a president with connections to both major parties. Although it's clear that conflict between Republican and Democratic views mean that Hillary cannot fully satisfy the policies of both parties, her combination of an "orthodox, mainstream, centrist, Eisenhower Republican view of the economy" (Shapiro), conservative foreign/military policies, and a liberal/progressive social outlook make her exactly the type of president that can unify the United States under strong policies through cooperation and compromise, rather than the rampant obstructionism seen between the two parties today. In turn, this aspect of Hillary would make her both a widely supported president, a quality reflected in some of the most overwhelmingly one-sided pre-election polls in history, as well as an effective one.
NAME RECOGNITION
This widespread appeal works alongside Clinton's near universal name recognition in gaining her even more electorate approval. Hillary's name recognition as one of the leading members of the Democratic party is matched by few worldwide, and her ability to gain instant recognition from her first name alone makes her a household name. This presidential approval would serve not only in further guaranteeing her election but also, if elected, being able to exercise presidential activism without fear of public backlash. Combined with her extensive credentials, Clinton's name recognition is a valuable tool both in election and executive office.
HISTORIC/PROGRESSIVE ELECTION OF WOMEN PRESIDENT IN USA
It's also no secret that "[e]lecting a woman president would be historic" (Shapiro). Hillary's election would be monumental because of the huge victory that it would be for the third feminist movement in America that is occurring today. Just as she did in 2008, Hillary won't be downplaying her gender, but rather representing it in the fight for gender equality. As a social liberal and a woman herself, Hillary has devoted herself time and time again to women's equality, civil rights, and empowerment. Not only would her election mark a huge milestone in the United States for the feminist movement, but Hillary herself, a devoted feminist, could lobby for change in important social issues such as the glass ceiling of gender inequality, the wage gap, and violence against women at the highest level of government. After all, what greater glass ceiling to break than the position of the leader of the free world? Hillary's activism on an international level also means that her election will not only mark a celebration for feminists domestically, but also for all feminists of the world. This social responsiveness which Hillary brings to the table simply can't be matched by any of the other, unsurprisingly, all male potential nominees. As one author notes in his appraisal of Clinton's widespread appeal, "As the first likely woman nominee and first prospective woman president, Clinton represents something fresh and important" (Kuttner). And it is this invaluable aspect of Hillary that would make her a president who is not only widely supported but is also reflective of the will of the people in the progressive social movements of today.
PROGRESSIVE GENERATION
Clinton, in addition to having such a wide voter base at the Democratic core and even among Republican and third parties, is supported even more so by the younger generations of teen, young adults and Millennials. Among this progressive generation, despite nominees such as Senator Bernie Sanders being further to the left, Clinton's priority on social progress and her unmatched potential of monumental gender equality progress in the election of the first female President makes Hillary a top choice for younger, progressive demographics. This includes her famous thesis' subjects, "impoverished youths" (DISCovering Biography) and education, as well as some of the most important issues at the focus of younger generations which have been largely ignored up until this election with the decline of the Baby Boomer generation and an increasing number of voting age Millennials, the same demographic which carried the historic election for racial equality of incumbent Barack Obama. This means a greater focus on important issues to younger generations such as racial equality, education reform, LGBT rights, and gender equality. Clinton has spoken to many of these resonating issues of the new generation of voters in America, addressing such issues as higher education reform in 2014, even being called a "A nationally known activist on education" (Newsmakers), and LGBT rights at the United Nations in 2011. Hillary's status as potentially the largest feminist icon since Betty Friedan serves a similar role in addressing the concerns of gender inequality among Millennials, a quality which none of the all male presidential nominees on both sides of the aisle can claim. Combined with her name recognition, Hillary's progressive policies and iconic image lend her the overwhelming support of young voters.
POLLS
Accordingly, Hillary is dominating 2016 polls even a year before the primaries begin. As seen in Appendix A, the only 2016 election in which Hillary isn't projected to win is the one she isn't running in, the Republican National Primary. As a result, Hillary is primed to win the most dominating victory of a presidential election since the electorally unanimous election of George Washington over 200 years ago. As Walter Shapiro puts it, "The point is that Hillary could win a resounding victory that could bring the Democratic majority to govern" (Shapiro). In fact, many potential nominees have already run for the hills at the sight of Hillary's far reaching support. Even Senator Elizabeth Warren, often thought to be the only potential candidate capable of challenging Hillary's insurmountable public appeal, has declared that she will not be running long before the Democratic Primary even begins. Likewise, this result holds true for the Populist wing of the Democratic Party that incumbent President Barack Obama comes from, on which one author writes "[o]nce again, the nomination is Hillary Clinton's for the asking - but this time, it seems as if the only resistance offered is mild indeed" (Domenech). While much of the same was true in the 2008 Democratic Primary, an upset of the caliber demonstrated seven years ago is much less likely. As one academic journalist writes, "In 2008, the progressive movement delivered a shocking upset to the established Democratic order . . . Today, the same movement has largely thrown in the towel" (Domenech). Consequently, Hillary not only is a strong candidate standalone, but as well the strongest candidate among her borderline nonexistent competition.
CONCLUSION
This multifaceted nature of Clinton as the strongest candidate combined with her widespread appeal make her the principal nominee for 2016. With decades of experience at the highest levels of government as well as the policy and legacy she would bring with her, Clinton is rapidly gaining the support of the electorate across the national community, with no signs of stopping. Along with this election, however, in an increasingly complex and globalizing world, the United States will have to make many difficult decisions in the upcoming years. Clinton, however, is one, easy choice for the American people.
Hi, Zhou1801. I'll address some parts of your paper:
In our nation's history, there have been few elections that narcissistic politicians have not dubbed, "The most important election in history."
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Although the upcoming 2016 presidential election is perhaps not going to carry as much historical weight as thoseis not the election of FDR, Kennedy, or even Lincoln, its importance should not be understated.
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Correspondingly, this begs the question, "Who?".Who?
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Clinton's potentially historic status as the first woman nominee by a major party,combined withher near ubiquitous name recognition,amongand her many other qualifications make her an undeniably attractive candidate for the 2016 nomination by the Democratic Party.
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Hillary's decades of experience beginbegan even before her years as an author, Secretary of State, presidential nominee, and New York Senator; they date back as far as her years in the White House under the first, and hopefully not last, Clinton administration.
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As first lady, Hillary took an unprecedented role in policy reform, the gender equality movement , and international diplomacy.
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One women's empowerment magazine essayist even suggests that, "Hillary Rodham Clinton has been acknowledged to be the most openly empowered presidential wife in American history, save Eleanor Roosevelt" (Rajghatta). (I am not yet knowledgable enough about citation styles to confirm that you did this one correctly. Some require dates and page numbers - you may want to ensure that this one is compete, as is).
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LikewiseIndeed , Clinton took on multiple roles in government beyond those of herthe traditional duties of a first lady .
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Appointed head toof the Task Force on National Health Care Reform, Clinton was tasked with nothing less than "creating a national healthcare reform plan" ("Hillary Rodham Clinton") ,.(Again, check that your citation style is OK. I'm not sure.) Hillary gained first-hand experience in leading national policy, making and creating reform at the highest levelslevel of government on one of thea key issuesissue which still facefaces the nation today.
I'll stop there. I hope that helps you a bit!
