There is an old axiom stating that the only sure things in life are death and taxes.

If the race for the Democratic nomination continues at this rate, however, we may have to make an addition to that list: Hillary Clinton shedding tears in a desperate attempt to save her political career.

It all started in New Hampshire just days after Clinton was shocked by Barack Obama in the Iowa caucuses. Many in the media were beginning to call Obama the Democratic frontrunner, and political experts were predicting that a loss in New Hampshire could doom the former first lady’s chances at the White House. With some New Hampshire polls showing Clinton losing ground to her younger and more energetic rival, Clinton pulled out her ace in the hole: a tearful appeal to voters in which she explained how the electoral process for her is more personal than political.

One reporter from The New York Times may have put it best when he stated, “That crying really seemed genuine. I’ll bet she spent hours thinking about it beforehand.” Many saw Clinton’s waterworks for what they were: a pathetic political ploy aimed at resurrecting her campaign.

However, the voters in New Hampshire were somehow impressed by Clinton’s newly found emotional side and rewarded her with a surprising victory over Obama, which put her squarely back in the race for the time being.

After Obama fought her to an alarming draw during the Super Tuesday primaries, however, Clinton found herself in yet another political bind. Just last weekend, while campaigning in Maine, Clinton turned on the tears once again. This came just a week after she appeared to be misty eyed during a speaking engagement at Yale University.

As Doug Muzzio, a professor at Baruch College pointed out in a story by amNewYork, “The first or second time it showed people that she really cared, but now you have to think people are going to wonder if she is going to do this all the time.”

It is hard for me to believe that Clinton, who for years has portrayed herself as a strong and capable woman, would suddenly find herself overcome with emotion in any kind of a genuine sense. Such an action would seem to contradict the image she has built for herself in over two decades in the national spotlight.

Ever since Bill left the White House in 2000, however, it has become clear to many that the Clintons have had their eyes on reclaiming the presidency, and it appears Hillary Clinton will do whatever is necessary to keep her campaign alive, no matter how desperate and transparent the tactics are.

In this election year, the Democratic party has left America with a choice between an alarmingly inexperienced candidate in Obama, and one who will exploit whatever methods necessary to win in Clinton. Should one of them capture the White House in November, we may all need to borrow Hillary’s box of tissues for the next four years.

Joseph Goddard is a junior political science major. He can be reached for contact at [email protected].