Clinton Keeps an Eye on the World’s Balance

America is still the most influential country, and it needs a president befitting of that status. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has the qualifications, but people have their doubts about her. In particular, Clinton has adopted left-leaning policies in order to ensure liberal support. I am hoping for an election campaign without any spectacle, one befitting of such a front-runner nominee.

“Just one more step.” The Democratic Convention, where Clinton was officially appointed as the presidential nominee, was engulfed in happy cheers. The convention was brimming with various emotions; not only do people want to see Clinton win against Republican candidate Donald Trump, but she is also one step away from becoming America’s first female president. If that were to happen, it would be a great help to the standing of women across the world.

The most important quality in a world leader isn’t their gender, but their judgment and executive ability. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations became the Obama administration’s main vehicle for rebalancing Asia; it’s only natural that Japan and the allied nations will pin their combined hopes on Clinton.

Strengthening bonds with Asia-Pacific allies was one of the goals set at the DNC — including a note on America fulfilling its historical obligations with Japan. This means the Democrats will inherit the Obama administration’s policies, which made it clear that Okinawa’s Senkaku Islands fell under the jurisdiction of the Japan-United States Security Treaty. That one part of the treaty holds great influence over all of Asia.

Dealing with the Trans-Pacific Partnership is a troubling matter. Sen. Tim Kaine, Clinton’s running mate and a proponent of the trade agreement, was met with “No TPP” signs when he took to the stage. As if to suppress their voices, Clinton stressed that she opposed unfair trade agreements during her acceptance speech. Trump also opposes the TPP; future prospects are looking quite grim.

Is all of that really correct? It’s true that America is suffering under de-industrialization, but more should be gained than lost under free trade. Asking ourselves “how can we overcome globalization’s negative effects” is a worldwide issue, Europe included. Meanwhile, America should be the leading figure in the market economy.

In her platform, Clinton promises to increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour, provide free university education at public institutions, and other similarly left-influenced goals — whether they can be achieved is questionable. Even if Clinton wins, managing the government isn’t likely to be easy. Hopefully, as president, she will keep a close eye on global stability.