Times Democratic caucus endorsement: Hillary Clinton passes the test

Font Size:

By The Quad-City Times | Sunday, December 23, 2007 |

Related Links

Video: Sen. Clinton with the Times Editorial Board

Hillary Clinton passes test after test after test. This Clinton arrived for the caucus campaign with much, much more experience than the first Clinton to stump across Iowa. In campaign speeches and in an interview with the Times Editorial Board, she spoke passionately of people — specific, real people — whose stories drive her desire to solve problems. “I was brought up to believe we were the problem solvers,” she told the editorial board. “If it was hard, that meant America would do it.”

This Clinton hasn’t shied away from problems.

As first lady, she stepped far beyond the traditional role and took on a major policy issue: health care. Washington special interests villified her for trying, branding any reform “socialized medicine” and even giving it her name: “Hillarycare.”

Regardless, she persevered, becoming an advocate for children worldwide and pioneering the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, which has survived Republican and Democrat Congresses.

She passed perhaps the toughest personal test. Many Americans stand up for the sanctity of marriage. Hillary Clinton did something much harder. She very publicly stood up for her own marriage.

She passed the New York voters’ tests. Twice. Rudy Giuliani backed away from challenging her to address his own health and marital problems. She went on to win and six years later won again by an even larger margin.

In the Senate, she’s worked across party lines to pass test after test and earn this testimonial: “This blue-state senator with a blue-state perspective has managed to build unusual political alliances on a variety of issues with Republicans.” That commendation was written for Time magazine by U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who led the impeachment prosecution against her husband.

We tested her, too, in our editorial board interview, looking for evidence of the partisan rancor that is destroying our country. We found none. Instead, we found a proven, passionate, intelligent leader with a breadth of legislative and executive experience that is the best of a good bunch.

For Iowa’s Democratic caucuses, we support Hillary Clinton.

Read about and listen to excerpts of Sen. Clinton's meeting with the Times Editorial Board.

Democrat candidate notes

Barack Obama

The Obama phenomenon electrifies this caucus campaign and inspires thousands of young people to invest their time and hope in politics. Our conclusion after tough, tough discussions: Not yet.

Joe Biden

The Delaware senator stayed on our short list through the entire process. More than any other legislator, Biden exhudes an aura of a statesman.

John Edwards

The candidate who seemed to invest most in the Iowa caucus process won our heart, but not quite the endorsement. He’s ready for a fight in Washington. We’d prefer a less combative approach.

Chris Dodd

Intellect, congressional experience and a rich family tradition of public service encouraged our serious consideration of Dodd. In the end, we believe Dodd is too valuable in the Senate to risk a long-shot presidential run.

Bill Richardson

Richardson’s colloquial, candid and clear speech is different from every other candidate and builds instant rapport. His deep experience, however, still falls short of our favored candidate.