US election: Hillary Clinton for president in 2016? Here's why She's popular. In fact one poll during the 2012 presidential race predicted that if she, not Barack Obama had been running this time round she'd have won by a landslide. She's enjoying approval ratings nearing 70 per cent - her highest in two decades in politics, and the kind of figures our political leaders here could only dream of. Hillary Clinton on the first ever trip to Malawi by a US Secretary of State (Picture:AP) Crucially, her impressive CV - First Lady, New York senator, and now Secretary of State - demonstrates beyond doubt the breadth and depth of her experience. And in all those years in the public eye she's been tested in the most profound way. Some of the challenges - the Monica Lewinsky scandal - have been deeply personal. To endure that scale of public humiliation - and survive - is surely testament to an extraordinary strength of character. She not only rebuilt her personal life but emerged from her husband's shadow to forge an impressive career of her own. A member of the UK government who has watched first-hand the way she operates told me: "In meetings with her what's striking is how good she is on the detail, how strong-minded she is. She's calm, she's calculated, she never drops the ball. Yes, with that experience has come serious setbacks - some of which could yet prove professionally hugely damaging. She may end up being heavily blamed for the attack on Benghazi which claimed the life of the US ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens. But how refreshing after Sarah Palin to have a woman in public life who can draw on years of experience and acquired wisdom. Hillary's age might be her secret weapon People ask if she's too old - she would turn 69 in 2016 - but might this in fact be her not-so-secret weapon? In four years' time it's a safe bet, sadly, that the world won't be a nicer place. If all goes to plan, we'll be recovering from the depths of an economic crisis not seen since the war. We may also be picking up the pieces from whatever transpires in Iran. If she decides to run for president, Hillary Clinton's age and experience would be her greatest qualification for the job. And thanks to her husband's crucial support for Barack Obama, the current incumbent will owe her big-time.