In 1968, Dr. Laurence J. Peter caused a stir in the business world with the publication of his book, The Peter Principle, a treatise in which he explains how individuals reach their “level of incompetence.”

Cover of the original edition of The Peter Principle, (money.howstuffworks.com)

If ever there was someone who fits Peter’s definition, it’s Hillary Clinton.

Clinton joined the Rose Law Firm in Little Rock in 1977 after graduating from Wellesley College and Yale Law School.  Just two years later, she was coincidentally named the first female partner at the firm when she became the first lady of Arkansas. This, after never arguing a case in court for the firm.

She was first lady of the United States during Bill Clinton’s 1993-2001 tenure as president. In 1993, Bill asked her to lead a massive task force to draft a plan to develop a health insurance system to control costs while expanding coverage.

Documents have shown that her effort was seen as secretive, unworkable and behind schedule toward the end of the year. White House advisors were quoted as saying the bill was “not only confusing, but frightening.”   Another cited the Congress as being “petrified” by the issue.

By mid-1994 her healthcare overhaul plan had all but collapsed and died without a congressional vote. While her senior aides had advised her to consult closely with members of Congress, build bridges with business leaders, communicate clearly to nervous voters, and move swiftly, she failed. Continue reading →