Performance in debate shows Hillary has what it takes to lead United States

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton addresses supporters at a "Latinos for Hillary" grassroots event October 15, 2015 in San Antonio, Texas. Hillary Clinton is now leading the polls by double digits in most states. PHOTO | AFP

What you need to know:

  • After her performance in the Democratic debate on Tuesday, Bill Clinton said this about his spouse: “Wow. Wow. Wow.”
  • Joe Biden will not run. The vice-president has been flirting with the idea, and was encouraged by his late son, Bo, to enter the race.
  • And, then, there is Donald Trump, who is leading in important primary states. Most feel Trump is unelectable.

This has been Hillary’s week.

After her performance in the Democratic debate on Tuesday, Bill Clinton said this about his spouse: “Wow. Wow. Wow.”

Hillary Clinton is now leading the polls by double digits in most states.

Her performance left little doubt about her ability to lead or to stand her ground in a roomful of men.

I have watched her at work. During my travels around the world, I have been in countries that she has visited.

The reaction has always been that she is well-prepared, tireless and represents America’s interests well.

She is becoming a political juggernaut.

Republicans must take Hillary seriously.

Her performance in the debate shows that she has developed policies on everything from climate change to gun violence.

She stood taller in a friendly but commanding way among a group of male senators and governors.

Her experience as a senator and secretary of state gives her a commanding knowledge of foreign and domestic affairs.

Joe Biden will not run. The vice-president has been flirting with the idea, and was encouraged by his late son, Bo, to enter the race.

PLAY TO THE MIDDLE

But Biden’s previous presidential outings have ended early.

An expert in foreign policy with nearly seven years as vice-president, Biden will be 73 next month.

So there is an age issue. Combined with his tendency for gaffes and tears on the stump, he is no match for Hillary.

Clinton is talking the talk but not making commitments.

Former President Richard Nixon once said that the primaries are a time for Republicans to play to the party’s right wing and Democrats to the left wing.

In the general election, Nixon said, a candidate must play to the middle. Hillary has learned that lesson.

She was asked in the debate to answer this question: Do black lives matter? Or do all lives matter? 

A DEEP DIVISION

Hillary talked about the need to pay greater attention to black lives and to end police brutality and economic inequality.

But she was careful not to say that only black lives matter, a concern to some white voters.

Democrats look more like a team than Republicans. The resignation of John Boehner as Speaker of the House has revealed a deep division in Republican leadership.

Nobody yet can control a small group of tea party conservatives, and that tells the American public that Republicans cannot govern.

And, then, there is Donald Trump, who is leading in important primary states. Most feel Trump is unelectable.

Only Hillary can stop Hillary. She fell ill at the end of her time as secretary of state. The reason, many speculate, is that she worked too long and too hard without a break.

Luckily, the fatigue did not cause permanent injury.

Now, the question is can she keep a proper pace to finish the race. And, then, will she be able to maintain it in the White House.