In a speech Sunday in New Hampshire, New York Senator and democratic presidential hopeful, Hillary Clinton, outlined her "four big goals" as president:
1) "restore America's standing in the world"
2) "rebuild America's middle class and the economy to support it"
3) "reform our government"
4) "I want to be able to say to you as your president, ‘Our children are well'"
Also in her speech this past weekend, Sen. Clinton praised the leadership abilities of F.D.R. and Lyndon Johnson and described herself as an alliance builder. She also addressed the issue of "change", saying,
"From my time in the White House and in the Senate, I learned you bring change by working in the system established by the Constitution." She again brought up Johnson and Roosevelt saying, "They got big things done because they knew it wasn’t just about the dream, it’s about the results. I want to work within the system; you can’t pretend the system doesn’t exist. Some people think you should have to choose between change and experience, well, with me, you don’t have to choose. I have spent my entire life fighting for change. Change is just a word without the strength and experience to make it happen.
Sen. Clinton has earned praise from Republican senators for working with them on legislation and her willingness to compromise. In her presidency, Clinton stated she would use this approach of compromise to prevent the kind of political divide we see today. She stressed how both political parties can find common ground and work together to get things accomplished. She also made it clear, however, that while she wants to work with Republicans, she would do it while still upholding values important to the American people, such as Social Security and women's rights, saying:
“You have to know when to stick to your principles and fight and yet know when to make principled compromises.”
It should also be important to note, that in her speech, Clinton announced she would reveal her universal healthcare plan in two weeks.
In a very powerful speech, Hillary has reiterated something I feel is very important, change is nothing without the desire and will and experience to implement it. Sen. Barack Obama throws the word change around a lot, but, its one thing to talk about change, its another to bring it about. Throughout her years as a senator, Clinton has demonstrated strong leadership and is well known for her willingness to work with all political parties for the good of the American people. Barack has not shown that type of leadership. For the 2 years he's been in the Senate, he has very little to show for it. He has not lead on any important issues and without great leadership, change is impossible. I urge the voters to think about that. Bringing about change is going to take a lot more than just talking about it, it's going to take hard work and leadership. Thats what separates Hillary Clinton from Barack Obama----the experience to make change happen.
