Can Democrats Win in 2016 with Hillary Clinton?

Hillary Clinton’s email scandal has poked a gaping wound in the former Secretary of State’s teflon exterior leaving Democrats to wonder if she’ll be a viable candidate for 2016. From her comments of being dead broke to exercising convenience over caution, Clinton has her work cut out for her in the coming months if she expects to make Bill the First Husband.

Clinton is a polarizing candidate and in 2008 she was unable to secure the nomination even with the allure of her being the first female president. People either love or hate her, and in a presidential election that will make all the difference. Even with the potential of making history again in 2016, they have to find a better angle to maintain control of the White House.

Hillary’s time as Secretary of State was devoid of any real accomplishments much like her time as Senator from New York. The lack of memorable legislation and her misstep in the handling of Benghazi has left her open to criticism from opponents. However, when it comes to viable presidential opponents, the field is looking quiet svelte, but there are some better candidates who bring more to the table then name id.

Former Senator Jim Webb from Virginia served in the United States Senate from 2007-2013 and served as Secretary of the Navy as well as Assistant Secretary of Defense. Webb’s former military service coupled with his objective of being a voice for work-class Americans neglected in a political system dominated by money gives him an edge over Hillary.

Another potential Democratic contender is former Governor of Maryland, Martin O’Malley. O’Malley has taken a tough stance on social issues such as immigration, same sex marriage, and capital punishment. Rising up from the ranks of city council member to Governor of Maryland, O’Malley has a proven track record to get the job done. Which is more than Hillary can say she’s done with her time in office.

Lastly, Governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo is another unspoken presidential hopeful. A political dynasty in New York State, Cuomo has worked hard to pull New York out of the red and into the black. In just two years, Governor Cuomo took New York State from $10 billion deficit to balancing two on-time consecutive budgets and marriage equality. For Cuomo much like the other possible Democratic contenders, their only hurdle is Hillary.

Its no surprise Hillary is the Achilles heel that will plague the Democratic party if she is left in a primary uncontested. In 2008, Hillary lost the nomination to freshman Senator from Illinois, Barack Obama. While a devastating loss at first, Hillary rallied and followed the golden rule, “if you can’t beat’em, join’em.” Teaming up with Obama administration gave Hillary the hands-on experience she needed to become a serious presidential candidate, but with the Obama administration’s approval numbers sinking and the president’s lackluster approach to foreign policy, Hillary is going to have to work doubly hard to distance herself from a man she once tethered her star to.