During the 2016 cycle, Hillary Clinton spoke about how Republicans were the enemy she was most proud of making, but she now seems envious of their relentless resolve, as she expressed in a recent interview with the New York Times. Clinton praised the right for their ability to regroup, raise money, and keep pushing forward even after facing losses, qualities she feels the Democrats lack. She acknowledged the impressive infrastructure of conservative organizations such as the Federalist Society and criticized the complacency of Democrats in defending issues like Roe v. Wade.
Democrats have long complained about the conservative infrastructure and its impact on issues like the appointment of judges. Clinton pointed out that before the Supreme Court’s ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade, the Democrats did not take the threat seriously and failed to realize the existential struggle they were facing. This has led to a renewed emphasis on abortion as a top issue for Democrats in the upcoming 2024 presidential cycle, while some Republicans have softened their stance on the subject. Clinton’s concern about the lack of resilience and organization on the Democratic side highlights the challenges they face in combating the well-funded and organized conservative forces.
In the run-up to the 2016 election, Clinton warned about the risk of Roe v. Wade being overturned, but she was dismissed as an alarmist. Her defeat ultimately led to former President Donald Trump making three appointments to the Supreme Court, including the seat held by the late Justice Antonin Scalia. Clinton recalled efforts by some Democrats during the Obama administration to pressure Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg to step down so she could be replaced with a like-minded justice, but she declined. This allowed Republicans to capture the Senate and shift the balance of power in the Supreme Court.
Looking ahead to the 2024 election cycle, Clinton emphasized the existential nature of the decisions to be made, warning of the consequences if the right decisions are not made. She warned that a small minority of right-wing forces could potentially take over the country if the elections are compromised. Clinton expressed a belief that the country may never have another actual election if the wrong decisions are made, leading to a domination by well-organized and well-funded right-wing forces that are pushing to turn back progress, especially for women’s rights.
Reflecting on her 2016 election loss, Clinton criticized former FBI director James Comey for his late-stage letter reopening the investigation into her email server, which she believes cost her female voters. She pointed out the gender bias in how female candidates are perceived compared to male candidates, noting that women are expected to be perfect while men are often given more leeway for imperfections. Comey’s actions, in her view, led women voters to be hesitant to take a risk on her as a candidate, choosing instead to take a chance on Trump despite his flaws. Clinton’s analysis of the impact of gender bias on female candidates adds another layer to the challenges faced by women in politics.
