The last time a Clinton was in office, the economy was booming, public debt was decreasing, unemployment was at its second-lowest in 30 years and the crime rate was at a 26-year low. Although Bill won’t be on the presidential ballot in 2016, his inspirational wife Hillary will be. 

Clinton announced her second bid for president on April 12 after two years of speculation and rumors. While many were quick to denounce her and her campaign on social media, Clinton is the most viable candidate America will see in the upcoming 2016 presidential election.

What immediately sets her apart from any potential competition is her experience. Most notably, she has served as Secretary of State, U.S. senator and first lady, and she has worked on three presidential campaigns. While Bill was the governor of Arkansas, she co-founded the Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families and chaired the Arkansas Educational Standards Committee. She even won a Grammy award in 1997 in the Best Spoken Word Album category. There is nothing Clinton cannot do. It is only natural that her next accomplishment would be being elected as the first female president of the U.S.

Gender-equality issues would not instantly disappear if America were to elect a female president, However, it would be a large step forward for women everywhere. From the Middle East to Europe, women have been elected to lead countries all over the world. The U.S.—a country that prides itself on being a haven for freedom and equality—has never had a female president. Despite comprising more than 50 percent of the U.S. population, women are incredibly underrepresented in government. According to the Rutgers University Center for American Women and Politics, women hold 19.4 percent of seats in Congress. This imbalance manifests as problematic when the male contingent in Congress begins drafting legislation threatening a woman’s right to choose or attempting to redefine what is considered rape, as some House Republicans did in 2011.

From Nellie Ross, the first female governor in U.S. history, to Sandra Day O’Connor, the first female U.S. Supreme Court justice, the last 150 years have been marked by women breaking down barriers and achieving powerful roles in policymaking. If the next generation grows up witnessing a woman serving as president, they will know women are capable of anything and grow up with fewer sexist inclinations. 

Having Clinton assume the role of “Leader of the Free World” would also benefit those who need it most. Aside from being a feminist icon, she is a champion for LGBTQ rights, supports gun control and is an advocate for the middle class. Through the recent health care reform and pushes for marriage equality, President Barack Obama has built a progressive legacy that Clinton can build on. Clinton would be the perfect successor for Obama. She has a plethora of experience with foreign policy and diplomacy, which is often considered one of Obama’s weakest points. As secretary of state, she visited 112 countries and worked to better the U.S. relationship with the international community. She was involved with the signing of the 2009 Turkish-Armenian accord and high-pressure decision-making situations, such as the raid that resulted in Osama bin Laden’s death. Clinton was also instrumental in the Global Hunger and Food Security Initiative, which was introduced by the Obama administration in 2009 to end world hunger. 

Clinton’s vast experience and equality-for-all ideals are more assets that set her apart from current Republican presidential hopefuls, such as Ted Cruz. 

Cruz, who announced his campaign on March 23, openly opposes marriage equality, abortion rights and free birth control. While Clinton may not be everyone’s cup of tea, her current opposition would be disastrous for advancing equality for all and improving the U.S.’ international image.

Lastly, the most exciting aspect of Clinton’s campaign is the prospect of Bill being the first gentleman. Traditionally, the first lady’s role is to promote social activism and advance important causes. There is no one more suited to assume this position than Bill. He left office with the highest end-of-term approval rating recorded in U.S.  history. In 2001, he established The Clinton Foundation, which supports causes from reducing childhood obesity to addressing climate change. The Clintons as a couple are known for being politically innovative and powerful—if Hillary is elected, the U.S. will benefit immensely.