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Hillary is tough. You don't go through one of the biggest and most personal American pollitical scandals without growing a thick skin.

But the same thick skin she developed while sticking it out with Bill has earnt her the reputation of a cold hard bitch, a reputation which she maybe doesn't deserve. Though I suspect she's keen to keep at least part of the 'bitch' image - it shows that she can play with the big guys and confront the testosterone dominated boys club that is Washington.

But beneath her thick skin is a passionate and compassionate woman. We saw that recently when she was almost moved to tears as she explained her hopes and dreams for America. Whether calculated or not, this was a brilliant political move, it showed the electorate her human side and balanced out Obama's passionate rhetoric.

Let's face it. The Democrats are going to win. The historically low approval ratings of President Bush can't help but rub off on the Republican nominee and, speaking of the nominee, the Republicans have chosen the most boring and lifeless candidate they had.

Against the enthusiasm and energy of either Obama or Clinton, McCain doesn't stand a chance.

The Democratic primaries are therefore, in effect, electing the next president. The nominees know this, that's why Clinton and Obama will fight tooth and nail until one of them is wheeled away in a coffin - would you give up the chance to be President?

While Obama is a consensus maker, Hillary is divisive. She takes a tough stand on issues and isn't favorable to compromise. If a Republican congress was elected along with a President Clinton there would be a half-term's worth of very noisy political fireworks indeed. But that's were her experience and think skin comes in, she won't be manhandled by congress or the senate, she'll fight back, perhaps wielding public opinion as a blunt instrument.

Hillary has experience, but along with name recognition and her husband, that's all she has over Obama. However in this race experience counts; with an unpopular war, the treat of terrorism and an economy in recession, the last thing some Americans want is a young inexperienced President. However, saying that, some Americans want a young inexperienced president for Precisely those reason. Obama is a clean-skin, he doesn't have the outdated ideologies and political baggage of other politicians.

If she looses the nomintion will she seek or accept the role of VP on Obama's ticked? It's difficult to answer. It would be good for Obama to have someone experienced running with him, but Hillary may overshadow him with her massive profile and polarizing views. Many may wonder why the ticket is so bottom heavy, after several months of Obama running, voters might wish the names on the ticket were reversed - a problem when it comes to voter turn out.

I have no doubt of Hillaary's presidential qualities, whether she would accept second place over bowing out completley is an all-together different matter.

Learn more about this author, Ben Winsor.
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