The enduring legacy of Hillary Rodham Clinton

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IN JUST A few hours after I finished writing and posting my latest blog entry and piece on why I consider Hillary Rodham Clinton one of my feminist heroes alongside former Philippine president Corazon Aquino, here I am finding myself typing another related blog entry about Hillary again, this time, I am writing about her political future and legacy.

According to official press releases and transcripts from both the Philippine and American governments, US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton's recent 2 day-visit to the Philippines serves as an affirmation and renewal of historic ties between the two countries. As a matter of fact, Hillary's visit was timed to commemorate the 60 years of the US-Philippines' Mutual Defense Treaty and Partnership, which was began in 1951 during the time of President Quirino. And at this time when there is so much animosity in the South China Sea (or what we know and call now as West Philippine Sea), Clinton's visit could not be more timelier and significant than ever. First, in the face of growing Chinese political and economic clout, a military boost and moral support from the U.S. is what exactly ill-equipped Philippines badly needs. Second, in view of its diminished standing in the world, exploiting the territorial disputes among Asian neighbors is very much to the advantage of the United States as it seeks to halt the growing influence of China and salvage its struggling star power. In other words, the Clinton visit to the Philippines (and other ASEAN countries like Thailand and Indonesia) is mutually beneficial to all parties involved. And given Hillary Rodham Clinton's global rockstar standing and stature, there is no other American official (not even the now unpopular US President Barack Obama) who can do this job well in renewing America's global leadership than her.

After all, whenever and wherever Hillary Clinton travels the globe, she carries with her not just the name of the United States but also what Americans call her truly American story, which serves as an inspiration to millions of people, women in particular, that she meets around the world. In truth, aside from remarkably performing her official duties and functions as US Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton also brings with her job her personal advocacy of promoting women's rights and gender equality. In fact, Hillary Clinton has made gender equality and women's rights, aside from the restoration of American power, the cornerstone of her international statecraft diplomatic agenda. Whether she be in the White House, the Senate or the State Department, Hillary will always be a feminist and constant champion of women's rights throughout the world. And since she became secretary of state, she has constantly spoken about emphasizing on the promotion of equality between women and men, especially in the developing world and the battle to end human trafficking, whose victims have always been women and young boys and girls.

As such, I can say that the candidate Hillary Clinton whom I rooted for during the 2008 US presidential primaries is still the same Hillary Clinton the diplomat that she is today. And oftentimes, I am really amazed at how people in other countries receive her as if she is the head of state of her country. Just look at how she was recently received in Manila in the past two days. Many Filipinos, especially young Filipinos and women, were very much thrilled and excited to see and get a glimpse of her. (In my case, as a certified Clintonista, I am really frustrated that I didn't get to see her in person). As I said in my previous blog on her, since her epic quest for the US presidency in 2008 which helped pave the way to elect the US' first African-American president, Barack Obama, she has inspired millions of people everywhere and I count myself among those millions of people she has inspired.

And judging from the questions, queries and remarks made to her by her Filipino audience and fans during her public forum, it is very clear that many still think that she should still run for U.S. president and finally become the first woman president of the United States. However, just like in her other statements, Hillary Clinton has time and again said that she is not anymore seeking the presidency and will definitely retire from politics in 2012. Without a doubt, these constant pronouncements from her very lips have disappointed many Clintonistas both in America and around the world. Some still believe, given the economic and political situation of the United States, that Americans should elect in 2012 the woman they should have elected all along in 2008, in order to get them out of the mess that they are currently in right now. And I am actually one of those fans who are hoping that she would still give the White House a second try if not in 2012 then in 2016 after her party mate President Obama finishes his full-two terms in office. And I am sure, that'll be both exciting and sizzling.

Nonetheless, given Clinton's consistent reluctance, it seems to be a far-fetched possibility and perhaps, a dream that should be bade goodbye for now. Given that, I cannot help myself but feel sad and sorry not just for Hillary but for the United States. I really feel sorry for the prospect that Hillary Rodham Clinton will end his public career without having able to realize her childhood dream of becoming the first woman president of the United States and that America will have the first and the best woman president it never had. 

Somehow, it puzzles me as to how she ended up losing the presidential nomination when she almost had it from the beginning. Was it because of political blunders? Lack of an inspiring message and theme? Poor organization? Negative campaigning? Black propaganda? Or was it simply a case of sexism and chauvinism? As one friend of mine commented, after Hillary conceded and declared her support for Obama, it seems that Americans are more sensitive to racial issues than gender issues and that given its history and psychology with race, Americans are more willing to elect an African-American than a woman for president of the United States. After all, he surmised, America needs to heal its wounds and find a closure to its dark past on race and slavery and at the time, Obama's candidacy was the perfect moment to finally put an end to this haunting saga. 

Perhaps, my friend is correct, after all. Because rather than wallowing in self-pity and bitterness, Hillary Clinton poured all her heart out to ensure Barack Obama's election as the United States of America's first African-American president and thereby showed that race and gender are two issues that go hand-in-hand, which require to also be addressed hand-in-hand and heart-to-heart. That is why somehow, I also I understand why Hillary Clinton is not anymore eager to become president of the United States. I think Hillary Clinton knows deep inside her heart that she has already secured a venerable place in U.S. and world history. And perhaps, she is taking consolation to the fact that if she does not become the first woman president of the United States, whoever becomes the first woman president of America will always look back with gratitude to the historic campaign and quest that she mounted to capture the White House in 2008. And certainly, every  woman who becomes president of the United States from that day onward will always look up to her for gratitude and inspiration. Without a doubt, that would ultimately be her greatest legacy as a woman and as a leader.