On Feb. 5, we have the opportunity to effect change. We’ve endured eight tumultuous years under President George W. Bush, who undermined civil liberties, refused to afford basic protections and constitutional rights to all American citizens and soiled our country’s global relations.

The 2006 elections, a Democratic sweep of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, signaled a shift in American politics and sent a loud, reverberating message to the White House: Change is on the way.

In 2008, Democrats are faced with two outstanding, capable candidates in the presidential primary: New York Sen. and former first lady Hillary Clinton and Illinois Sen. Barack Obama.

The two candidates represent hope and change for a country damaged by the Bush Administration.

Recognizing the strength and talent of each candidate, the Gay & Lesbian Times chooses to endorse Hillary Clinton for president. Clinton will restore Americans’ faith in the nation and our global allies’ investments in our country.

She is, of course, the first woman to make a run for the White House. The opportunity to make history has crossed voters’ minds. (Similarly, voters consider the prospect of electing the first black president, Obama, as a chance to create history.) Clinton’s gender, however, is not reason enough to support her candidacy; we support Clinton because of her experience, knowledge, and ability to hit the ground running.

Clinton’s merit isn’t tied to her husband’s legacy – though, as a loved world ambassador, Mr. Clinton has the ability to promote good will and repair our country’s relationships with world leaders. He is, indeed, an asset to Hillary, though she’s certainly capable of executing duties on her own.

As first lady and as a New York senator, Clinton gained valuable experience that will make her immediately effective, if elected.

Clinton understands and has addressed the delicate nature of withdrawing from the war in Iraq, and is best suited to restore order in the country during a phased withdrawal.

She is invested in strengthening the middle class, and offering support to low-income Americans.

She’s a candidate with the strength and experience to extend health care to more than 47 million uninsured Americans. She has policies and plans prepared to make universal healthcare a reality.

On our issues, Clinton supports the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (her husband’s failed military policy), and has vocalized support for civil unions with full marriage benefits. She voted no on a constitutional ban of same-sex marriage, and she supports the states’ rights to allow same-sex marriage. She has also pledged, if elected president, to sign the Employment Non Discrimination Act and hate-crimes legislation that includes protections for sexual orientation.

In 2006, she received an 89 percent approval rating from the Human Rights Campaign on GLBT issues.

It is a difficult choice for some who weigh Clinton’s experience and Obama’s enthusiasm. Indeed, it is a mixed blessing to have the two vying for the party’s nomination. Each of the candidates represents a turning point for our country. Obama instills a hope our country needs.

Ideally, we’d like to see a Clinton/Obama ticket and 16 combined years of leadership between the two candidates.

Their progressive stands on health care and aid for the middle and working classes, coupled with their commitment to protect civil rights and repair America’s tarnished global image would create a powerful partnership aimed at realizing the hope we all have for this great country.

Barack Obama, a capable candidate, represents hope for the future.

Hillary Clinton is the hope we need now.