was or is?

[vladz]

Please help me with this sentence.

Hillary Clinton (is/was) the former first lady of USA.

In my opinion it should be "is" because it is a fact although the former denotes past. However if the "was" is used, it would mean that she is a first lady again. Am i right in my reasoning? Please help me.

 

[gonghai]

Please help me with this sentence.

Hillary Clinton (is/was) the former first lady of USA.

In my opinion it should be "is" because it is a fact although the former denotes past. However if the "was" is used, it would mean that she is a first lady again. Am i right in my reasoning? Please help me.

if you use was it means that hilary clinton is no longer the former first lady of USA. if you use is you means she is still the former first lady of USA.

is means present or future.
was means past/no longer