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Senator Clinton is very likely to be the Democratic Party nominee for the presidency in 2008. While her rise to the top of the political scene has been novel and interesting, she would greatly aid her election chances by releasing her White House papers. From interviews and personal writings of Mrs. Clinton, we find that she is proud of her accomplishments as First Lady and Senator for the state of New York. The release of her White House papers would be a positive step in advancing the perception that she is an open and honest politician willing to be frank and honest with the American public.

It needs to be said that no serious observer of Mrs. Clinton feels that her White House papers would reveal anything illegal or unethical. However, Mrs. Clinton does suffer from the impression, earned or not, that she is secretive and highly directive in her approach to policy, governance and politics in general. The release of her White House papers would probably reveal her strength as a political operative, policy wonk and tactician. As a commander-in-chief, these characteristics would be seen as assets, and more evidence of her abilities can only be helpful for her in her run for the White House.

Critics of the current administration suggest Mrs. Clinton not release her White House papers due to concerns over secrecy and opposition party exploitation. These are not serious objections. Mrs. Clinton was heavily criticized during her husband's administration mainly for secrecy and ethical violations during the development of her health care initiative. She was perceived as secretive, elitist, out of touch with ordinary Americans - and unconcerned with their views. Expressing this sentiment well was Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia who worked closely with then First Lady Hillary Clinton. He said "We will push through health care regardless of the views of the American people." Many observers felt this comment echoed the feelings of Mrs. Clinton and her political guru Ira Magaziner and this in part led to a quick defeat for the so-called Health Security Act.

Mrs. Clinton can only help herself and the way in which she is perceived by releasing her White House papers. Her political operatives must find a way to cause ordinary voters to see Mrs. Clinton as capable and trustworthy. Withholding her White House papers will reflect the same secretiveness and elitist approach which has created consistently very high polling negatives against Mrs. Clinton.

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