Interview With Hillary Clinton: The Tradition of Thatcher

From the Hotline's interview with Sen. Hillary Clinton

Hotline: Indira Gandhi, Margaret Thatcher, Golda Mier -- all led their nations at times of global or regional conflict. No one really seemed to question their credentials or their ability to be commander in chief, and yet, Americans still seem to have those questions. Why do you think that might be? Why are behind the rest of the Western world?

Clinton: Well, I think we're going to find out how far behind we are. I'm very excited by this campaign and as I said throughout Iowa and as I will continue to say throughout the campaign, I believe my experience and qualifications equips me to hit the ground running in 2009 to begin the process of renewing our own nation and restoring respect for our leadership around the world. And it will be a campaign that takes that message to the electorate, and I think that people will judge me on my merits and make the decision to support me because they think I am the most qualified person. Obviously I am also a woman, which I'm very proud of, and am excited to be running a credible, strong campaign for president to break some more barriers and create more opportunities for all of our children. I believe that the campaign itself will demonstrate that this is an opportunity and an historic time that people will find themselves being able to support.