SWOT Analysis for Hilary Clinton's Presidential run.

Strengths: Experience and Accomplishments. She has been first lady of Arkansas, and the United States. She has been a United States senator from New York. She has been a Democratic Primary Presidential candidate in 2008, as well as Secretary of State. She is quite possibly The Most Interesting Woman in the World. In fact the one thing that may be preventing her from running is a potential ad campaign for Dos Equis beer, alongside the most Interesting Man in the World. All kidding aside, no one can match her prowess on experience. She may be the most qualified person to be President we’ve seen in a long time.

Weaknesses: As much as I hate to say it, she’s a woman. In the history of the United States executive branch Females are 0 for 44. That being said it doesn’t mean it can’t be done. We just elected our first black President in our history, of course race and gender are two different things (it took women several decades longer to get their rights than African Americans). I’d like to think we’ve progressed enough in this country that I could label this as an opportunity. However until a woman is able to achieve the Presidency, it still is an obstacle to overcome. She is likely to also face some challenges in overcoming the stigma that may be left from Bill Clinton’s second term—being impeached and having their marital affairs scrutinized by the entire country.

Opportunities: On the same hand being a Clinton presents a unique opportunity to separate herself from the pack not only in the Democratic primary, but also the general election. The Clinton Presidency of the 90’s is widely accepted as a success. Bill still has a lot of backing in the game today, and even with the impeachment he still had a high approval rating. The economy—which is always a focal point in elections—was thriving under the Clinton administration. Most people realize that--although it was Bill Clinton’s Presidency--she was a very competent, and proactive first lady. She was certainly not your typical first lady.

Threats: Benghazi! As Secretary of State she has been held responsible by many for the terrorist attack, and lost American lives on the American consulate in Benghazi, Libya on September 11^th 2012. Couple this with the sexist mindset of a woman being incompetent in Foreign Affairs (matters of war), and you’re fighting an uphill battle against general perception. I’d love to give the American public credit and say that they won’t stereotype her as a woman who is incompetent in these matters, but let’s be real people. Politics isn’t fair, and it is downright disgusting at times. It’s this type of disgust that turns people away so often. However if she wants to be this nations’ next executive she has got to meet this type of ignorance head on. If she can somehow spin Benghazi appropriately, and prove to the public that she isn’t incompetent in Foreign Affairs, she has a chance.