Her approval ratings are soaring. She’s repairing America’s image worldwide. More than anything, the former senator from New York has fought her way back from the brink of extinction once again and silenced her critics by loyally serving the rival she fought so desperately against in the 2008 Democratic presidential primaries.

Why do we keep falling in and out of love with Hillary Clinton?

When Hillary Clinton was defeated by Obama in the Iowa caucuses, the world’s media, who had been quick to put her on the front-runner pedestal, were even quicker in their denouncement. Pre-election polls in New Hampshire put Obama at a 10-point or more lead. But Clinton struck a chord with the people there, lowering her guard when asked:

“How do you do it? How do you keep upbeat and so wonderful?”

Perhaps the simple question struck a chord with Hillary. No, I don’t believe they were crocodile tears. When you’ve been tirelessly campaigning for over a year, speaking at countless venues (it’s a wonder politicians remember where their campaign is headed at all when they are subject to such a hazing), and half believe the hype that your nomination is a foregone conclusion, it’s expected that even the most plucky people may lower the mask once in a while. Even though she was down, though, she kept going. A day later she won the New Hampshire primary and her campaign was given a new lease of life.

It is true that I only became interested in Hillary Clinton when she became the underdog. For many reasons, we rally behind the embattled because we remember a time in our lives when we too were world weary and tired. Every time someone talked over us when we were about to speak, not listened when we were pouring our souls out and plain told us we could not win. We’ve all been there. So when Hillary was revived at the eleventh hour, we all shared in her “Rocky” moment. The bitch was back. And we loved her.

Now, as the tide turns in her favour again, I can’t help wondering if she will consider running for President in 2016 (or 2012 if Obama, unfortunately, does not live up to the people’s expectations). I wish there was one female contender for the 2010 British General Election who had one tenth of her passion, courage and vigour but I take solace in the fact that the U.K. has broken the glass ceiling before. Indeed, Thatcher polarised our nation in the same way Clinton does over the pond. It is rather impossible for women in power: if they take on the masculine qualities associated with our perception of being a leader, they’ll be stereotyped as mean and cold-hearted; but if they try to retain their femininity, they will be seen as weak and incompetent and never rise up through the power hierarchy. Maybe our picture of women in positions of responsibility needs an overhaul.

Regardless, Clinton is in need of no repair. She seems to have taken to her role as Secretary of State with her usual zeal, reminiscent of when she was elected as Senator to New York. She has gone and dug out her textbooks and brought herself up to speed on foreign affairs remarkably quickly. I recommend watching the recent, informal debates she was engaged in during her travels overseas (the discussion in Pakistan is of particular note and I’ve linked one of them below this post). Let me know what you think.

I would like to add that I am well aware of the Whitewater controversy, the Bosnia sniper fire slip-up and the many storm clouds that have followed her over the years. Hillary is far from perfect. What I see when I look at people is that they have qualities that make them suited to certain jobs and then, to counter this, they have personality pitfalls. I, for example, have little patience and this is further reduced when I’m hungry. I am trying to improve but for this reason I don’t think I’d make a good telemarketer or politician (especially ones that have to work through lunch).

But I do have good qualities that hopefully make up for my bad ones. Clinton is the same – she was born to lead.

There’s my schmaltzy two cents on why Americans should choose Hillary Clinton as their President at the next available point in time. And I’m not even allowed to vote!