Hillary Diane Rodham Essay Example

College's history to deliver the commencement address. Her speech garnered a fervent standing ovation that persisted for seven minutes. As a consequence of her speech, which included critique of Senator Edward Brooke who had spoken before her, an article about her was published in Life magazine. Subsequent to that year, she journeyed through Alaska where she undertook miscellaneous tasks such as dishwashing.

Rodham had a diverse range of involvements during her time at Yale Law School. She undertook various roles such as being a member of the Board of Editors for the Yale Review of Law and Social Action. In addition, she interned at the Yale Child Study Center where she gained valuable knowledge about early childhood brain development and worked as a research assistant. Rodham also actively tackled child abuse cases at Yale-New Haven Hospital and dedicated her time volunteering at New Haven Legal Services, providing free advice to those in need. In 1970, she joined Marian Wright Edelman's Washington Research Project and was assigned to Senator Walter Mondale's Subcommittee on Migratory Labor.

In 1971, Hillary Rodham and Bill Clinton began a romantic relationship while attending Yale Law School. Concurrently, Rodham interned at the law firm Treuhaft, Walker and Burnstein in Oakland, California, specializing in child custody cases. To stay by her side, Clinton altered his summer plans and accompanied her to Berkeley, where they shared rented accommodations. They maintained their cohabitation when they returned to law school in New Haven, Connecticut. In 1973, Rodham successfully completed her studies and obtained a Juris Doctor degree from Yale.

During her post-graduate studies, Rodham held various positions. One of them was working as a staff attorney at the Children's

Defense Fund in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She also worked as a consultant for the Carnegie Council on Children. Furthermore, she played a part in the impeachment inquiry staff and advised the House Committee on the Judiciary during the Watergate scandal. In this role, Rodham contributed to research on impeachment procedures and examined its historical foundations and criteria. As a result of these efforts, President Richard Nixon ultimately resigned from office in August 1974.

Hillary Rodham and Bill Clinton were married on October 11, 1975, in a Methodist ceremony held in their living room. Hillary chose to retain her name as Hillary Rodham to maintain a distinction between their personal and professional lives and prevent potential conflicts of interest. Following his loss in the Congressional race in 1974, Bill Clinton was elected Arkansas Attorney General in November 1976. As a result, they moved to Little Rock, the capital of Arkansas. Despite the move, Rodham remained involved in children's law and family policy. Additionally, she authored two scholarly articles during this period: "Children's Policies: Abandonment and Neglect" in 1977 and "Children's Rights: A Legal Perspective" in 1979.

Rodham co-founded the Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families in 1977, a state-level alliance with the Children's Defense Fund. President Jimmy Carter appointed her to serve on the board of directors of the Legal Services Corporation in 1977. She held this position from 1978 until 1981 and became the first woman to chair from mid-1978 to mid-1980. As chair, she successfully raised funding for the Corporation from $90 million to $300 million.

After her husband's election as Governor of Arkansas in November 1978, Rodham became the First Lady of Arkansas in January 1979. In

the same year, Bill Clinton appointed her as the chair of the Rural Health Advisory Committee. Furthermore, she made history by becoming the first woman to achieve full partnership at Rose Law Firm in 1979. Throughout this time and until their White House years, her salary surpassed that of her husband's. On February 27, 1980, Rodham gave birth to their only child - Chelsea.

Upon Bill Clinton's inauguration as President of the United States in January 1993, Hillary Rodham Clinton assumed the role of First Lady. Her distinction lay in being the first to possess a post-graduate degree and an established professional career prior to her White House tenure. Moreover, she defied convention by selecting an office in the West Wing instead of adhering to the customary arrangement within the East Wing. Consequently, her time as First Lady is widely acknowledged as a period marked by unparalleled empowerment in American history.

Several prominent Democratic figures, including Representative Charles Rangel of New York, urged Clinton to run for the open seat in the 2000 United States Senate election. In September 1999, she and her husband purchased a home in Chappaqua, New York, after deciding to enter the race. This marked her as the first candidate with prior experience as First Lady of the United States. Rick Lazio, a Republican member of the House of Representatives representing New York's 2nd congressional district, was Clinton's rival in the election.

The contest generated nationwide attention and both candidates garnered significant funding. Clinton enjoyed wide support, receiving endorsements from conservation groups and organized labor; however, she did not secure the endorsement of the New York City police and firefighters' unions. By election day,

the candidates collectively spent an unprecedented $90 million. Despite not having prior residence or political engagement in New York, Clinton emerged victorious on November 7, 2000, capturing 55% of the vote while Lazio secured 43%. On January 3, 2001, she officially assumed office as a United States Senator.

Clinton has been considered a possible candidate for the US presidency. Forbes and Time magazines have recognized her as highly influential worldwide. On January 20, 2007, she formally announced on her website the formation of a committee to investigate running in the 2008 US presidential election. In her statement, she expressed confidence and determination: "I'm in. And I'm in to win." It is worth noting that no woman has ever secured a major party nomination for the presidency.

Clinton, one of two Democratic representatives running in the United States presidential election along with rival Senator Barack Obama, has been accumulating delegates and leading the race for several months. If she wins, Clinton could potentially become the first female president of the United States as she is engaged in a close battle with Senator Obama to remain in the race.

Hillary Rodham Clinton is recognized for her transactional leadership style. She skillfully conveys her team's expectations and desires, guaranteeing their achievement of goals. Additionally, she offers feedback, rewards, and penalties in accordance with individual performance and actions. For instance, during her campaign, she swiftly dismissed a staff member who made a racist remark against black people. Clinton's overarching objective is evident: to run for president in the elections and become the United States' first female president. Her supporters are drawn to this aspiration due to her attributes and policies.

Despite some people

considering her transactional leadership style as inappropriate for the presidency, it can be argued that it is actually a more desirable option. Transactional leadership provides stability and clear expectations and guidelines. Additionally, this style is more readily accepted by the public. Nevertheless, it should be emphasized that being an effective transactional leader necessitates experience, which Rodham Clinton possesses due to her extensive political background. Despite any lack of charisma, her ample political experience makes her well-suited for the role of a transactional leader.

Not all situations are suitable for this straightforward approach. Senator Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton's rival in the 2008 United States Democratic Presidential Elections, is a transformational leader who is currently leading ahead of Clinton in the race. Obama possesses great skills in emotionally motivating people through speeches and promises, which has resulted in a surge of supporters despite his limited political experience compared to Clinton. However, relying solely on charisma can be an unstable method of leadership as once the public sees beyond Obama's charm and eloquence, they may not find any additional reasons to support his presidential bid, ultimately abandoning him.

c. Analysis

i. Types of Power

Rodham Clinton possesses substantial legitimate power due to her governmental role. Serving as the First Lady of the United States during her husband's presidency grants her the ability to influence others and make legal decisions. Furthermore, as a senator representing New York, she holds significant power within the state and can exercise lawful authority.

In addition, Rodham Clinton possesses reward power and coercive power, which is evident in her practice of rewarding and punishing individuals based on their conduct. She exercises her reward power by expressing gratitude and encouraging

the general public for supporting her and assuring them that their desires will be fulfilled. Likewise, she exerts her coercive power by terminating team members who stray from her party's initial objective.

However, Rodham Clinton distinguishes herself from her rival Senator Barack Obama in terms of expert power and referent power while vying for the presidency. In relation to Obama, she possesses a greater amount of expert power due to her extensive experience in American politics. Her past roles have equipped her with an abundance of knowledge and made her well-versed in politics. Conversely, her referent power is noticeably lower than Obama's as she lacks the same level of appeal and likeability. This can be attributed to her less charismatic speaking style. Furthermore, societal stereotypes and prejudice based on her gender further diminish her referent power.

ii. Strengths and Weaknesses

Hillary Rodham Clinton has a significant advantage thanks to her extensive political experience, which forms the foundation for her effective leadership skills. Throughout her career, she has held numerous esteemed positions in the American government, acquiring a wealth of knowledge and expertise. This impressive political background sets her apart as an outstanding candidate in the presidential race and a skilled manager/leader among all other competitors.

Rodham Clinton possesses another advantage in her capability to effectively pursue change without compromising principles. She demonstrates the ability to enact modifications in a judicious and cautious manner. A notable instance is her leadership in orchestrating a peaceful two-day student strike at her college, aiming to address the desired aspirations of the black community. By conducting this demonstration peacefully, she aims to prevent harm and misconceptions. This approach allows both parties involved to engage

in negotiations and ultimately reach a mutually agreeable resolution.

Additionally, she possesses a strong moral compass and is committed to acting in accordance with her convictions. An illustration of this is her role in the shutdown of a fish processing cannery in Valdez. Prior to being terminated for lodging a complaint about unhealthful conditions, she had been employed at the very same facility. Moreover, she has made considerable contributions to the legal field by penning numerous articles expressing her discontent with child legislation.

Furthermore, being from a middle-class family, she relates to and comprehends the experience of belonging to such families. She resonates with the underprivileged citizens as she prioritizes supporting those in need rather than those already advantaged. Consequently, it can be asserted that she possesses exceptional emotional intelligence. She demonstrates self-awareness and empathy towards the public, utilizing her influence to aid those requiring assistance.

Additionally, her unwavering resolve and determination to never give up are among her most commendable attributes. At the commencement of the presidential race in the United States, she encountered difficulties and was defeated by her competitors. However, she persisted and ultimately commenced securing victories in various states. In the midst of the competition, when her adversary triumphed in twelve consecutive states, there were calls for her to abandon the race. Nevertheless, she continued with even greater determination than before and proceeded to attain victories once again, halting her opponent's progress.

Despite Hillary Rodham Clinton's strong qualities, she lacks charisma in comparison to Senator Barack Obama. Her speeches and conversations lack the captivating quality that his possess. She occasionally struggles with effective communication and unintentionally makes mistakes, which often lead to misunderstandings. Consequently, her

favorability among the public has decreased, presenting a challenge for her during the election. This limitation becomes particularly evident in debates with other presidential candidates and diminishes her chances of securing the nomination.

Nevertheless, Hillary Clinton's susceptibility stems from her affiliation with her spouse, former US President Bill Clinton. As a result of the adverse publicity he has received, she has encountered criticism from specific segments of society. Furthermore, her associations with various individuals have hindered her prospects for presidency. Consequently, it can be posited that her social connections also constitute a weakness.

iii. Personal Traits

Clinton is characterized by her commendable honesty. Throughout her professional career, she has successfully avoided any illegal activities, serving as a role model that not all politicians engage in unethical behavior. Despite being involved in various scandals, she has consistently proven her innocence. In compliance with public demands, she has also showcased her integrity by providing public access to her comprehensive schedule and contact lists from the last twenty years. This transparent approach allows individuals to directly observe Clinton's unwavering dedication to honesty.

Her task execution and work abilities are excellent. She can achieve her desired outcomes effectively and efficiently. Moreover, she exhibits a strong determination to rectify any dissatisfaction, even if it pertains to significant issues. An illustration of this is her relentless efforts to persuade the Wal-Mart corporation to prioritize environmental friendliness after discovering the harm it had caused to the environment. Her unwavering dedication towards accomplishing objectives reflects her immense value as a leader.

She promotes the welfare of all individuals, regardless of any discrimination or exclusion. Throughout her education, she actively advocated for justice for various groups: black people during

college, children in law school, and underprivileged and middle-class communities in America. This demonstrates her impartiality and enthusiasm to collaborate with all community members to promote peace and improve living conditions.

Lastly, Hillary Rodham Clinton's leadership qualities are enhanced by her ability to inspire. She has had a career filled with achievements and setbacks, a journey that not everyone has the chance to go through. Her successes and unwavering dedication to her principles motivate others. By openly showing her human side and participating in everyday tasks like conducting interviews at local diners, she proves that even ordinary actions can have a significant influence. Through her deeds, she challenges the idea of impossibility and illustrates that women have just as much potential as men.

iv. Influence Tactics

Hillary Clinton employs various influence tactics, including rational persuasion, which is commonly used by politicians. Rational persuasion involves attempting to convince others through the use of reason, logic, and factual information. Clinton utilizes this tactic in debates and speeches to elaborate on why she is the most suitable candidate for the presidency. An example of a fact she incorporates into her speeches pertains to her stance on healthcare and quality of life.

Another technique utilized by Hillary Rodham Clinton is the use of inspirational appeals, which involves appealing to others' emotions, ideals, or values in order to build enthusiasm and confidence. This approach is commonly employed by leaders. One example from Clinton's career that showcases this tactic is her emotional speech in New Hampshire in 2008. During this speech, she shed tears for the first time, which not only increased her likeability, but also enhanced her prospects of winning the state, a

feat she ultimately achieved.

Rodham Clinton has employed pressure tactics in her presidential campaign. Democrats rarely resort to such tactics, which involve making demands, issuing threats, or using intimidation to achieve compliance. Clinton utilized this approach by airing advertisements that were considered frightening by the public, illustrating the potential consequences of their choice for the American presidency.

Both Hillary Clinton and Senator Obama have made personal appeals during the presidential elections. Clinton has mentioned her friendship and loyalty to persuade the public to vote for her as president, which has been successful in winning over New York and Arkansas. Similarly, Obama has also made personal appeals, specifically targeting the black community for their votes.

Rodham Clinton played a significant role in advancing and effectively implementing the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) in 1997. This program had the objective of ensuring healthcare coverage for children whose parents lacked financial means to afford it. She actively engaged in enrolling children into this program, showcasing her dedication to enhancing public health and fostering improved living conditions and family environments for everyone.

During her time as First Lady, Hillary Clinton achieved several significant accomplishments. One of these was her active participation in the passing of the Foster Care Independence Act in 1999. This legislation resulted in a substantial increase in federal funding for teenagers who were leaving foster care. In addition to this, Clinton organized multiple White House Conferences that focused on different aspects of child and adolescent development. These conferences featured groundbreaking events related to teenage issues and philanthropy.

Clinton's dedication to her role is evident through her extensive travels. She has visited an impressive total of 79

countries, surpassing the previous record held by Pat Nixon for being the most-traveled First Lady.

She has been recognized twice by the National Law Journal as one of America's 100 most influential lawyers, in 1988 and 1991. In addition, she is notable for being the first First Lady of the United States to pursue elected office and also for being the initial First Lady to have a post-graduate degree and maintain her own successful professional career before living in the White House. Her achievements have resulted in rankings on Forbes magazine and Time magazine's lists of the world's most powerful individuals.

Over the years, she has consistently shown herself to be a capable leader despite challenges and fluctuations in her favorability and approval ratings. This is evident in various aspects of her life including college, law school, and government, where she actively advocated for the demands of the people and effectively fulfilled them. Throughout her entire life, her unwavering dedication to the country's growth and well-being has been apparent. She demonstrates resilience by continuously striving for self-improvement and staying focused on her mission.

Despite the biases and stereotypes that women face in positions of power and authority, one aspect demonstrating her effectiveness as a leader is her numerous appointments within the United States government. Taking on significant responsibilities, she has become one of the world's most influential individuals.

d. Conclusion

One valuable lesson leaders can learn from Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton is to persevere and never quit. Even in challenging times, it is essential to exert great effort and continue moving forward. Although faced with barriers and obstacles, it is crucial to overcome them and rise again after falling. Despite

experiencing periods of low approval ratings and negative publicity, Clinton remained steadfast and proceeded with her commitments, demonstrating resilience and an unwavering determination.

It is important to include and not exclude minorities, as everyone deserves fair treatment regardless of their social class. Rodham Clinton's acknowledgment of middle-class communities shows her support for equal treatment for all, which should be commended.

By showcasing that hard work and determination can make any dream achievable, she has proven that everything is possible. The election of Rodham Clinton as president would mark a remarkable milestone in human history. Her noteworthy achievements as a woman serve as an incredible inspiration. From being considered the underdog, she has emerged as a prominent figure in today's political landscape.

Advocating for our beliefs is crucial as they define our identity and are vital for survival in the contemporary world. Hillary Clinton's persistent efforts to improve healthcare in her nation, despite facing repeated rejection, offer an important lesson.