Hilary Clinton's Political Views

Extremely intelligent. Hardworking, knowledgable, and willing to fight for what's right. Conniving and deceptive. Whiny. A "bitch." Ask somebody about Hilary Clinton, and they'll probably respond with some of the above adjectives, depending on their personal feelings about the former first lady, Senator, and current United States Secretary of State. This hub will attempt to cut through the mystique to provide an unbiased look at Secretary Clinton's views on a number of key political issues. As a possible presidential candidate in 2016, I hope it will be informative for voters trying to evaluate Clinton's political views.

Abortion: Clinton is a strong supporter of a woman's right to choose, earning a 100% pro-choice voting record from NARAL, one of the leading pro-choice interest groups. Distinguishes between being pro-choice and "pro-abortion", saying "Being pro-choice is trusting the individual to make the right decision for herself and her family, and not entrusting that decision to anyone wearing the authority of government in any regard."

Free Trade: A strong supporter of NAFTA while first lady, in 1988 she lauded business leaders for mounting "a very effective business effort for the U.S. on behalf of NAFTA." Since joining the senate she has began to moderate her praise for free trade, telling a group of supporters that NAFTA has "hurt American workers" in 2007. Generally Clinton supports free trade, but wants to revise some of the current agreements in place to better protect American workers.

Energy Policy: Clinton has consistently voted for governmental programs to develop clean, renewable energy sources and against measures calling for drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and against the Bush Energy Plan. Hilary received a 100% rating from the CAF, indicating strong support for renewable energy and energy independence.

Environmental Issues: Related to energy policy, Clinton has consistently voted for strict environmental standards; voted against the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste dump; and advocates a cap and trade system of carbon regulation to help reduce global warming. Received an 87% from the LCV, a leading environmental group, indicating a strong record on environmental issues.

Foreign Policy/The war on Terrorism: As current Secretary of State under President Barack Obama, Hilary has made greater use of diplomacy and multilaterism than the Bush administration did, including helping broke trade agreements with South Korea and Columbia and the multilateral NATO support for Libyan rebels in 2011. As Senator, Clinton voted for the authorization allowing President Bush to use military force against Iran if he had concrete proof they were developing nuclear weapons. Clinton is also a strong supporter of Israel, making statements in the past approving of the construction of the barrier fence between Israel and the West Bank and stating that she is "an emphatic, unwavering supporter of Israel's safety and security."

Immigration: Clinton generally supports greater opportunities for immigrants and voted for the Bush approved comprehensive immigration reform act of 2007. Clinton did vote in favor of spending federal money for the construction of a border fence, breaking from many of her Democratic colleagues in Congress.

Gun Control: Clinton is a strong supporter of gun control, voting consistently for tougher standards for gun shows, tougher background checks, and continued bans on assault weapons. Clinton received an F grade from the NRA for her votes on gun control issues.

Health Care: During the campaign for the 2008 Presidential nomination, Clinton was a strong supporter of passing a health care bill that was largely similar to the one passed by president Obama and Congress in 2010. In order to reduce costs, this plan requires Americans to either stick with their current health care plans or, if they are not currently enrolled in a plan, sign up for an expanded version of Medicare so all Americans would have health insurance. During the campaign, Clinton proposed to pay for the cost of her health care plan by repealing some of the Bush Tax Cuts, especially the those cuts which went tp the wealthiest Americans.

Tax Issues: Hilary called for the repeal of some of the Bush tax cuts to help provide funding for health care, pay off some of the national debt, and provide an economic stimulus package to help individuals and families hurt by the subprime housing crisis and the predicted economic recession.

Gay Rights: Senator Clinton has been a strong supporter of LGBT issues, though she is opposed to same-sex marriage. She has expressed strong support for civil unions, is opposed to the Army's don't ask, don't tell policy, and opposed the consititutional amendment to ban gay marriage.