4.) The “First Lady” Role Would Not Be What It Is Without Her
Well, technically it was Eleanor Roosevelt who set the stage for a First Lady who’s involved in her husband’s administration, but Clinton definitely built upon this legacy and brought the role into the modern world. She was mercilessly mocked for it by Republicans (and even some in her husband’s administration, who viewed her as a wild card), but the very nature of marriage as partnership suggests that a president’s spouse should be at least somewhat involved.
Clinton famously refused to stay home “baking cookies” and told the United Nations (while in China, mind you) that “Women’s rights are human rights,” as First Lady. Statements such as these (and even the act of appearing before the UN as First Lady) did much to increase the visibility of women in positions of power and she should be lauded for it.
3.) She’s A Master Debater and Policy Wonk
To be honest, I’m really tired of hearing radio hosts and other pundits refer to themselves or others as “wonks,” because it seems like a vague compliment that is used to describe anyone with any interest in policy (which, shockingly, is most politicians).
But after three Clinton-Trump debates, she deserves the title. Whatever you think of her policies, there is no denying that from a completely objective standpoint, she crushed Trump whenever it came to actual issues and policy.
I’m speaking from the perspective of how clearly and concisely she illustrated her ideas, not whether or not you agree with them. She made Trump look like a fool (not that he needs any help with that) and she also held her own during the debates against Bernie Sanders, who was much more correct than her on the actual issues (she even beat him a couple times on the strength of her debate skills).