It could be argued that the Clinton most qualified to be president is yet to be elected. Infinitely bright, amazingly articulate, and loaded with idealism, Hillary Clinton was relegated to the role of scapegoat during her husband's term. She is still a polarizing and galvanizing figure in American politics. The question may not be whether or not Hillary Clinton can be elected president in 2008, but whether any Democrat can muster the votes needed. What it will take is a clear, concise message that strikes a chord with mainstream voters and sadly, the Democrats are failing miserably on that front.

The accomplishments of women on all levels of government makes the question of whether or not a woman can be elected president moot. The gender matters less than the ability to project a strong, clear message.

The Democrats need to identify an issue that resonates and beat the drum long, loud, and consistently for the next three years. This message needs to address something that affects our everyday life and is vague enough to defend from the detractors.

The Republicans have done it by waving the banner of "family values" and patriotism. No one knows exactly what is meant by those catchwords, but by the election of 2004, the fact that John Kerry was a certifiable war hero, educated and respectable got lost in the rumblings from the swift boat mud-slingers.

While there is no doubt that Utah's electoral votes will go to anyone with the "R" behind their name, it is possible that swing states could be ripe for a Democrat to pick. Whatever "mandate" the Bush administration would like to claim, the fact remains that if Kerry would have won Ohio, Bush would be back home tending cattle in Texas.

Hillary Clinton serves on several key Senate committees including the Armed Services Committee and the Health, Education, Labor, and Pension Committee. She has sponsored myriad bills to enhance the quality of our lives. She has worked with senators on both sides of the aisle with ease.

Will Hillary Clinton be the Democrats' nominee for president in 2008? The better question may be, why not? She has the name recognition, the education, and great experience in the Senate.



Raised in Davis County, Brandvold is employed in the financial industry -- and proud to be a Utah Democrat.