Hillary Clinton Discusses Harris’ White House Bid, Trump’s Conviction, & More

During this year’s Grammy Awards, singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell delivered a performance that resonated deeply with former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. The song “Both Sides Now,” which catapulted Mitchell to stardom over fifty years ago, struck a new emotional chord for Clinton as she reflected on its profound meaning in her own life.

Clinton remarked that hearing the song felt like experiencing it for the very first time. She reflected on how, over the years, she has come to understand the complexities of love and life, acknowledging the triumphs and setbacks that define our experiences. Inspired by Mitchell’s poignant performance, Clinton took a significant step outside her comfort zone by penning a new book titled “Something Lost, Something Gained,” which is set to be published soon.

As she nears her 77th birthday, Clinton expresses a willingness to share the wisdom she has accumulated throughout her life. She reflects on the challenges she has faced, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and resilience. “There have been setbacks that I got back up from and kept going,” she said, highlighting the significance of recognizing what one does with the gifts and opportunities life presents.

One of the most difficult personal losses Clinton faced was the passing of close friends and family members. Among those she mourns is Betsy Ebeling, a childhood friend who provided critical support during some of Clinton’s lowest moments. Ebeling’s unexpected visit to the White House during a tumultuous time in Clinton’s life exemplified her unwavering friendship.

Clinton recalls feeling the weight of grief heavily in 2019 as she lost multiple loved ones, including her younger brother and a dear ally, Ellen Tauscher. The loss compounded her sorrow, forcing her to confront her grief through long walks, prayer, and self-reflection to come to terms with the rapid succession of these losses.

As for her marriage, approaching 50 years with Bill Clinton has provided her with a deeper understanding of love. She acknowledges that their path was not always smooth and that they faced considerable challenges. “There was a time when I thought I might not quite make it,” she recounted with a laugh, affirming that counseling helped them navigate difficulties in their relationship. In examining their journey, Clinton concluded that rebuilding trust and reconciling their relationship was worth the effort.

The conversation turned to the 2016 presidential election, a pivotal moment in Clinton’s life and career. She has struggled to move on from her defeat and often reflects on how close she was to achieving her goal of becoming the first female U.S. president. A recent court verdict convicting former President Donald Trump for falsifying business records stirred significant emotions within her. Clinton expressed tears of relief, noting that Trump has long evaded accountability.

Clinton considers Trump’s actions during the election as blatant interference designed to suppress voter turnout against her candidacy. She remarked that the recent conviction felt like a form of poetic justice, given the “lock her up” chants she endured during the campaign.

The 2024 election brought up memories of her own debates with Trump. When asked if it was challenging for her to remain composed, Clinton candidly admitted that it indeed was a struggle, requiring her to balance her responses with strategic thinking to avoid being baited.

In the context of women’s empowerment and representation, Clinton recently visited an exhibit dedicated to Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress and a trailblazer for future generations. She reverently acknowledged the pioneers of women’s suffrage and representation, recognizing the legacy of support that she stands upon and the importance of passing the baton to the next generation of leaders.

Clinton’s recent speeches emphasize not just her journey but also the hope she harbors for future female leaders. Her participation in the Democratic National Convention underscored her commitment to empowering others, particularly Kamala Harris. Clinton’s words resonated as she reflected on the collective efforts made to break through the glass ceiling, hopeful that more barriers will continue to fall as more women step into positions of power.

Ultimately, the emotional journey that Clinton has navigated during her public life resonates deeply as she shares her experiences, reinforcing her belief in the potential for growth and change in the lives of women everywhere.

Source: CBS News