As opposed to Ted Cruz or Elizabeth Warren?
Ted Cruz had the whole government shutdown/filibuster thing in his first year as Senator. Though I think it was a publicity stunt, it was certainly grabbed people's attention (and thus he succeeded in his goal). Elizabeth Warren at least challenges the Democratic establishment on some issues.
But those two aren't nearly as popular as Clinton. What's so great about Clinton, where is the substance? Does she represent a new way of governing? What would she bring to Washington? What has she accomplished besides being a war hawk and supporting the PATRIOT Act?
I'm unlikely to vote for Hillary Clinton, but I can appreciate her appeal.
1. She would be the first female President, representing a milestone many in the country believe to be significant.
2. She has a good resume on paper. She was essentially a senior adviser to Bill Clinton, before she became Senator, before she became Secretary of State.
3. She has used the stint as Secretary of State to mitigate her negatives. If the perception was that she was petty and entitled, she had a drama-free stint in the administration of the man who beat her in a hard fought campaign.
4. Her stint as Secretary of State took her out of domestic politics during the Obama administration, allowing her to become a blank slate, someone on whom progressives, liberals and centrists could project their ideal political solutions.
5. Her experience is also ideal for Obama supporters and critics. Supporters could be convinced that we now need a competent manager to protect Obama's legacy. Many of the critics would claim the Obama administration showed the need for someone who really understands Washington.
6. Her husband's presidency is fondly remembered, especially in comparison to George W Bush (Katrina, Great Recession, Middle-East Wars) and Barack Obama (Great Recession, Obamacare problems, Leading from behind.)
