Post your question for, wait for it, Hillary Clinton...

[JustineMumsnet]

UPDATE: Watch Hillary's answers to your questions - scroll down to the bottom of the OP!

Yes, really. No, we're not kidding. Hillary Clinton - the former US Secretary of State, former First Lady and rumoured likely Democratic presidential candidate for 2016 - is visiting the UK this week to talk about her new book, Hard Choices: her memoir of her time in office as President Obama's agent overseas, after running against him for the Democratic nomination in the 2008 election. As Secretary of State, she was arguably the most powerful woman in the world for four years; if she were to revive her bid for the presidency and succeed Obama to the White House in two years' time, there'd be no contest. And this Friday, she'll be answering your questions.

Unsurprisingly, her time is strictly limited to 20 mins per session with the world's media, so rather than the usual webchat format, we figured we'd cover more ground by putting your questions to her on camera. We reckon we'll have time for about eight questions, depending on length, so in order to make sure that we ask the ones you'd most like to have answered, Tech have created a tool whereby you can nominate your favourite. Please do read through the thread and cast your vote - you can see the top 10 questions, ranked by number of votes, in the box to the right. We'll take the top eight along with us on Friday morning, and get the video up on site as quickly as possible.

So: what is it you've always wanted to ask Hillary Clinton? Now's your chance! And remember just one question each, please, or we'll be confused about what we're voting for.

UPDATE: Hillary answers your questions...

Hi Hillary

College education is growing more and more expensive here in the US, and fees at public colleges are also growing out of reach for many, which is a huge concern to parents who are on the "bubble" of receiving financial aid.

If you run in 2016 (and I really hope you do), how would you propose to address the cost of college education?

Thank you.

Are female politicians disadvantaged by the higher standards set for their appearance in the pubic gaze, meaning they need to spend more time and effort on grooming, which takes away from their campaigning time?

PUBLIC, Boff, PUBLIC gaze.
Not Pubic gaze. I will try that again.

Hillary - seems very rude to call you that; and yet you are known by a single name across the globe, so I hope you don't mind.

You travelled a great deal in your role as First Lady. What was the single biggest change or surprise across the world that you noticed in your role as Secretary of State?

Are female politicians disadvantaged by the higher standards set for their appearance in the public gaze, meaning they need to spend more time and effort on grooming, which takes away from their campaigning time?

Should the US (and other countries, like the UK) be doing more to improve reproductive rights legislation in developing countries in Africa, Asia and South America?

I'm in the UK and find the role of First Lady really problematic. In the first place it formalises the whole "sleeping-your-way-to-the-top" thing, because it grants power to a woman on the basis of her marriage. I recognise that to a degree you could argue that it recognises the contributions that a wife makes to the career of the husband in this context but fundamentally she gets the job because of her marriage, her value as a wife. This is deeply problematic and anti-democratic in my view from across the pond.

The other thing about it is that it just feels so gendered as a role, the tea with the first lady, the expectation of charitable pet projects... I mean, it's such a particular sort of power - indirect, through political signals rather than access to legislature, it just really smacks of "letting the little lady play at being important" and if you make the counter argument that she does have real power then that brings you back to the problem of it being ant-democratic that she should wield real power. Really, what man would want this job?

How much do you think the First Lady role is an embodiment of patriarchal values in regards to how women access power? How much do you think it would change if a man were to do it? How much of an issue might it be for future female candidates and their spouses? Is the First Lady role up.for review? I just can't see how it works for anyone, tbh.

Ms Rodham...

What do you think of the NHS?
Are you glad you had a girl?
Did you really write to NASA?

If you could resolve four issues facing women (global and/or in the USA) without political, social or financial barriers, what issues are they, and what would you do to achieve those resolutions?

Mrs. Clinton, What is your view on Obama's relatively hands off policy towards Syria and the Ukraine? It is entirely understandable that the US electorate has no stomach for US troops being sent back into the Middle East, but do you believe that the US no longer wanting to play the global policeman will leave the world a more dangerous place?

Thank you (can't wait to see this!)

NO WAY! Awesome opportunity! (And I was reading Hard Choices 5 minutes ago...)

My question: I am so impressed at the work you have done over the years to advance the interests and rights of women and have been interested in the work of Vital Voices. Is Vital Voices making a difference? Which of its achievements are you most proud of?

Hi Hillary,

I have seen a lot of comments relating to things you have said where people have stated that 'it is time for a female president'. Personally, I believe that any election should be based on the merits of the people running, not on their gender or ethnicity. I was wondering if comments such as these are something that bothers you? Is it of concern to you that people may vote for you based solely on your gender?

Thank you, good luck with your campaign

Dear Hillary.

How are you going to mitigate the outdated views of your overwhelmingly senior (in age) male colleagues?

Good luck with that.

Gun control - if the same number of people that have been killed over the years in gun attacks were killed in terrorist attacks, other countries would be advising against travel to the states. When you have the power to do something about it (which will be soon, no doubt) what will you do? I genuinely fear for my nieces and nephews growing up out there as guns in the house are normal to them, high schools seem to be a place to be watchful and it just seems to breed distrust.

My question

Being a working mother is a tough juggling act, and I imagine this is true whether you're a politician, school teacher or any other profession. So I was wondering:

What one piece of advice would you give other working mothers based on something that worked for you?

hi Hillary, thanks for taking the time for this.

My question is about smoking. What is your stance on ecigarettes? I am thinking particularly about the electronic nicotine delivery systems which DO NOT look like cigarettes, but which have tank systems. (However, I would also be interested in your thoughts about cigalikes, if you see them differently.)

With the blurring of lines between aid and defence budgets in some countries, do you worry about how this politicising of aid will impact on the ability of aid workers to safely deliver life-saving supplies and education to the most vulnerable?

As the first female in your position, do you think it's important for you to raise female issues like contraception/maternity leave, or do you think that a focus on women's issues might make people men think you are less of a 'universal' representative?

@Pinter

Ms Rodham...

What do you think of the NHS?
Are you glad you had a girl?
Did you really write to NASA?

Hi Pinter - can you pick of these please - otherwise people won't know what they're voting for...

Are we allowed more than one vote?
There are a few really good questions here.

Hello, Ms Clinton

Why are so many Americans opposed to universal medical care and what can you do to change that?

i've already voted for more than one Gertie! :)

@gertiegusset

Are we allowed more than one vote? There are a few really good questions here.

Yes you can vote for more than one gertie, you just can't vote for the same question more than once (iyswim)

Wow, well done MN.

You recently suffered a traumatic brain injury. What impact has that had on you?

Where do we vote for the questions?