Hillary Clinton 2016: Claire McCaskill Endorses Former Senator

Impact
By Hannah Leisman

Last Monday, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was honored as the keynote speaker for the Economic Club of Grand Rapids, Mich.

Inside featured a lush gala filled with evening gowns and h'orderves, while outside a group of nearly 50 people stood across the street holding signs proclaiming: "I'm ready for Hillary."

As fabulously dressed guests made their way into Devos place, the crowd's chants echoed across the street:

"Hill-ary. 20-16."

"Who do we want? Hillary!"

 

The rally was organized by a governmental super PAC, Ready for Hillary. Begun in January of this year, founders Adam Parkhomenko and Allida Black work hard to organize rallies showing grass-root support for a 2016 Clinton campaign. 

I had the privilege of joining the Grand Rapids Ready for Hillary rally last week, and was surprised by the variety in attendees. It was heartening to watch people of all demographics unite for a common cause, to see individuals over 40 join the "youth for Hillary!" chant enthusiastically. From the potbellied grandpas to the little girls jumping and waving signs, Ready for Hillary enjoys a mosaic of support. And as of last week, the young super PAC gathered an important piece from Congress.

Senator Claire McCaskill, Missouri, announced her endorsement of the the Ready for Hillary PAC last week. "As I look at 2016 and think about who is best to lead this country forward, I’m proud to announce that I am Ready for Hillary." 

Interestingly, McCaskill's support has extra significance considering her past relationship with the Clintons. In 2008, McCaskill was quick to endorse Clinton's competitor President Obama, tipping Missouri's vote in his favor. And in 2006, McCaskill reportedly said she would not leave her daughter alone with former President Bill Clinton, a comment which cost her a Clinton fundraiser for her campaign.

Now, however, McCaskill seems to have set aside their past differences and jumped headlong into "using every tool in our tool kit to try to convince [Hillary Clinton] that she should step out and be the nominee of our party." 

Though McCaskill, like the PAC, is endorsing a potential campaign rather than an actual announced candidacy, the move is an important one. It remains to be seen whether or not Hillary Clinton will run in 2016. But until then, I along with countless other Americans, am Ready for Hillary.