Introduction
The prospects of Hillary Clinton running for the next elections in 2024 appear slim, if not completely implausible. This article explores the reasons behind this assessment, including her potential political viability, support within the Democratic Party, and the challenges she would face.
Political Viability
Lack of Electability
One of the key factors ruling out Clinton's candidacy is her electability. After losing the 2016 election to Donald Trump, it would be difficult for Clinton to convince voters that she is the most electable potential nominee. The Republican nominee not only won but also secured a decisive victory, thus making it challenging for Clinton to present a credible argument for her candidacy.
Age Considerations
By the time of the 2028 election, Clinton would be in her 80s. While age does not legally prevent someone from running for office, it can significantly impact a candidate's appeal and political capital. At 76, Clinton would be considered elderly, and running such an age may limit her ability to connect with voters and gain the necessary support to secure a nomination.
Risk and Opposition
Minimal Opposition to Joe Biden
Joe Biden is likely to face only nominal opposition for re-nomination in 2024. This suggests that the Democratic party will have a unified front, even if Clinton were to announce her candidacy. Any challenge to Biden's nomination would likely meet with significant opposition from party activists and rank-and-file voters.
No Party Support
Given Clinton's lack of support within the Democratic Party, an announcement of her candidacy would likely be met with disdain. Party activists and voters would question her viability and the wisdom of supporting her over other potential candidates. Even among her base, Clinton's candidacy would be met with skepticism, and her historical performance in the primary elections might further diminish her chances.
Historical Context
Prior Primary Debacles
Clinton's past performance as a candidate, particularly in the 2016 primary, does not bode well for her current political aspirations. She maneuvered Bernie Sanders out of the primary, leading to his disappointment and eventual support for Trump. Furthermore, her campaign was perceived as arrogant and presumptuous, contributing to her eventual loss to Trump.
Personal and Emotional Factors
Clinton's emotional resilience and political agenda may also play significant roles in her decision not to run. Losing to Trump for the second time would deeply impact her politically and emotionally. The prospect of another loss, especially one that would further solidify Trump's victory margin, is likely to cause significant distress. Additionally, the broader context of her previous elections may make her more inclined to avoid the limelight and public debate.
Conclusion
While there are no legal barriers to Clinton running for office, the political and emotional factors significantly weigh against it. Not only does she have minimal support within the party, but the challenges presented by her age and historical performance make her candidacy unlikely. It is highly improbable that she would run in the 2024 election, and even if she did, the road ahead would be extremely challenging and potentially disastrous for her political legacy.
Keywords: Hillary Clinton, 2024 elections, Democratic nomination