The Patriot Post® · Hillary Clinton's 'Accomplishments'

Politicians have a well deserved reputation for inflating and overstating their accomplishments. Hillary Clinton is no different. One of the biggest hurdles Clinton is seeking to overcome is the perception of her lack of significant leadership accomplishments. Cue the inflation, complete with all the talk about her status as the “most qualified candidate ever.” Her campaign recently began running an ad in which Clinton claims that as first lady she “worked with both Democrats and Republicans … creating the Children’s Health Insurance Program.” She insists this is evidence that supports her standing as a strong leader who is able to get things done — one who has a proven record in working with both Democrats and Republicans.

But there’s a problem. Clinton first made this claim in 2008 while running against Barack Obama. It was immediately questioned by several media sources at the time. In March 2008, the Boston Globe questioned Clinton’s claim citing both congressional lawmakers and staff as saying, “Hillary had no role in helping write the legislation.” Co-sponsor of the bill, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT), was quoted as saying, “She may have done some advocacy [privately] over at the White House, but I’m not aware of it.” Even the liberal Washington Post debunked Clinton’s claims, giving her two “Pinocchios” for untruthfulness.

This prompts a question: Why would Hillary look to inflate her role (a rather limited one at best) in the passage of this legislation while she was first lady? Clinton has since been both a senator and more recently the secretary of state. It would seem those roles present much better evidence from which to argue one’s leadership capabilities. Then again, in her case, perhaps not.