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No other candidate can match the depth or breadth of Hillary Clintons knowledge and experience.
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The Register's Editorial 7:43 a.m. CST January 25, 2016
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The Des Moines Register editorial board endorses Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination.(Photo: Mark Marturello/Register Illustration)Buy Photo
If theres one thing Democrats and Republicans agree on this year, its the fact that the next president will face enormous challenges.
Domestically, this president must work with Congress in confronting the issues of immigration, health care, increased threats to national security, the disappearing middle class, the growing deficit, Social Security solvency, gun control, renewable energy, sentencing reform and more.
On the world stage, this president will have to work with foreign leaders in dealing with ISIS and other terrorists, climate change, the containment of nuclear threats posed in North Korea and Iran, the Russian incursions in Ukraine and foreign trade.
The presidency is not an entry-level position. Whoever is sworn into office next January must demonstrate not only a deep understanding of the issues facing America, but also possess the diplomatic skills that enable presidents to forge alliances to get things done.
By that measure, Democrats have one outstanding candidate deserving of their support: Hillary Clinton. No other candidate can match the depth or breadth of her knowledge and experience.
As first lady, she worked tirelessly on health care reform and, with bipartisan support, created the Childrens Health Insurance Program that provides coverage for 8 million children.
As a senator, she reached across party lines and joined forces with conservatives, including Sen. Lindsey Graham and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, to fight for job creation and universal health care.
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As secretary of state, she helped secure international sanctions against Iran and redefined her job by expanding Americas diplomatic agenda to include poverty, womens rights, the environment and other issues.
She is not a perfect candidate, as evidenced the way she has handled the furor over her private email server. In our endorsement of her 2008 campaign for president, we wrote that when she makes a mistake, she should just say so. That appears to be a lesson she has yet to fully embrace.
The Des Moines Register editorial board announces its endorsement of Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination for president.
Her changing stance on gay marriage, immigration and other issues has invited accusations that she is guided less by personal conviction than by political calculations. She refutes that, and argues persuasively that a willingness to change ones thinking on specific issues, while remaining true to what she calls the same values and principles, is a virtue, one lacking in most politicians.
Over the course of two meetings, Clinton spent more than three hours with the editorial board, answering questions in a direct and forthright manner. She exhibited an impressive command of the issues, though wed have liked to hear more from her on the debt and the future of Social Security. She was somewhat prickly and defensive when discussing her emails, but overall she was gracious, engaging and personable.
Her chief opponent for the nomination, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, has proven to be an honorable and formidable campaigner, and its very likely that without him in the race, candidates in both parties wouldnt be discussing Americas growing inequality in wealth and income.
Sanders has tapped into the publics anger and frustration with Washington, without demonizing government and resorting to the cheap demagoguery favored by Donald Trump and others. He has shown himself to be a man of courage and principle who has the ability to rally others to his cause.
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But Sanders admits that virtually all of his plans for reform have no chance of being approved by a Congress that bears any resemblance to the current crop of federal lawmakers. This is why, he says, voters cant simply elect him president, but must instead spark a political revolution.
Easier said than done. Congress has the largest Republican majority since the 71st Congress of 1929-31.
A successful Sanders presidency would hinge on his ability to remake Washington in his own image. Its almost inconceivable that such a transformation could take place, even with Democrats controlling both chambers of Congress.
As for Martin OMalley, the data-driven, wonkish former Maryland governor who has gained little traction in the campaign so far, he seems better suited to a Cabinet-level job in a Clinton White House.
In the final analysis, Iowa Democrats will have to choose between the lofty idealism of Bernie Sanders and the down-to-earth pragmatism of Hillary Clinton. For some, this will be a choice of whether to vote with their hearts or their heads.
Clinton has demonstrated that she is a thoughtful, hardworking public servant who has earned the respect of leaders at home and abroad. She stands ready to take on the most demanding job in the world.
David Chivers, president and publisher
Amalie Nash, executive editor and vice president for news and engagement
Lynn Hicks, opinion editor
Clark Kauffman, editorial writer
Andie Dominick, editorial writer
Brian Smith, engagement editor
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton talks about the issues she thinks make her the best choice for president. Rodney White/The Register
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Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton during a Des Moines Register editorial board interview denies that an FBI investigation found illegal connections between her familys foundation and her service as secretary of state. Rodney White/The Register
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Hillary Clinton talks about President Barack Obama's executive actions on gun control. Rodney White/The Register
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Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has the support of Sybrina Fulton, mother of the late Trayvon Martin, the teenager shot to death in 2012 Rodney White/The Register
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DREAMer Kenia Calderon, originally from El Salvador, asked Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton a question about immigration and deportations during Clinton's interview with The Des Moines Register editorial board.
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Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton explains her opposition to the Keystone Pipleine during her interview with The Des Moines Register editorial board.
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Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton talks about the popularity of political outsiders like Republican Donald Trump and what she has to do to win as an "establishment candidate."
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Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton talks about her view on Planned Parenthood during her interview with the Des Moines Register Editorial Board.
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Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton talks about transparency at the White House while addressing the issue of her private email server as secretary of state.
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Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton talks about her plan to keep the cost of college education down. The former secretary of state also explains how her plan differs from Bernie Sanders and why college shouldn't be free for everyone. Michael Zamora/The Register
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Full video: Hillary Clinton with the Register editorial board Rodney White/The Register
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Hillary Clinton on why she's the best choice
Clinton denies FBI investigation
Hillary Clinton on Obama gun control plan
Clinton on endorsement by Trayvon Martin's mother
DREAMer asks Clinton about immigration, deportation
Clinton explains her opposition to the Keystone Pipeline
Clinton on Trump and the rise of political outsiders
Clinton: I defend and I will continue to defend Planned Parenthood
Clinton on White House transparency, private email server
Clinton on the rising cost of college
Full video: Hillary Clinton with the Register editorial board
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