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To win the 2008 Republican Presidential nomination, Hillary Clinton has to compete with the Illinois senator Barak Obama. Although on the same side in terms of the US political divide, to gain the advantage she does have to provide a clear distinction on issues and approach between herself and Obama in order to win the majority votes. The question for her campaign staff has always been how and where to draw these distinctions. In fact, there are a number of issues where a distinction between the Clinton and Obama campaigns is possible.

Political experience is perhaps the most important area where the difference between the two contenders is distinctive, and this is related to a number of factors apart from the pure length of service. For example, the accolades that Hillary Clinton has received for her work with families and children, both in Arkansas and New York, shows that she has a unique understanding of the issues that are affecting the US citizen and what changes are needed to put things right. The care for the family itself is a big political issue that Clinton has not shirked from becoming involved with.

In addition, Clinton has a much wider and in-depth level of experience in national and international politics. She was never a stay at home first lady, instead preferring to become actively involved with the issues of the day, including welfare reform. Furthermore, from her experiences in law and working on the Watergate inquiry, Hillary has shown that she cares about, and is committed to the integrity and honesty of politics. These are all practical experiences, words converted into deeds rather than just rhetoric that has yet to be validated.

The next area of distinction is the level of commitment shown to the US citizen. Hillary Clinton has held state, national and international position in politics since 1992, sixteen years ago. During that time she has been intimately involved in the development of legislature, supporting and sponsoring bills in the state she represents and in the Senate. Many of these have been fashioned and driven by her core belief for the need to make America a better place to live for all citizens, irrespective of their position or background. As can be seen in New York, the bills she has introduced have made a real difference to people's lives, a difference for the better.

Compare these achievements with Obama's. Whilst he should be given credit for the good works that he has undoubtedly achieved during his career, Obama was hardly in his position of senator for two years before the lure of the Presidency called him away from the people that he had pledged to care for and represent.

Both candidates have uniqueness, one for being the first woman and the other for being the first African-American. This makes them distinctive from their Republican opposirion. However, what should make the Clinton campaign more distinctive than her opponent's is her exceptional record in actively promoting the ideals of fairness for all, a new brand of political engagement with the people, based upon truly listening and responding to their desires and her own personal integrity.

Learn more about this author, Paul Lines.
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