Hillary Clinton Reflects on Life’s Wins and Losses in Memoir Inspired by Joni Mitchell

In her new memoir, Hillary Clinton expresses a poignant hope: “I hope I’m alive to see the United States elect a female president.” However, this wish has gained immediate significance following Kamala Harris’ emergence as the Democratic presidential nominee. Clinton’s book, titled “Something Lost, Something Gained,” is set to release this week, although the print version could not accommodate this timely update. The audiobook, however, includes an epilogue reflecting on these developments.

When asked about her wish now, Clinton, 76, seems uplifted. “I feel really optimistic,” she remarks, commending Harris as a candidate and specifically noting her impressive performance in recent debates. “I think I’m going to be around to see the first woman president!”

Clinton’s literary journey has seen earlier works like “Living History” and “What Happened?” which documented her tumultuous campaign against Donald Trump. In contrast, her latest memoir takes a more personal approach. Inspired by Joni Mitchell’s song “Both Sides Now,” the book aims for a candid exploration of her perspective and experiences, akin to a dinner conversation.

The memoir spans a wide range of topics, from broader societal issues, such as her musings on a potential Trump re-election in a chapter featuring troops patrolling American cities, to intimate family moments, including playful mornings spent with Bill as they tackle the Spelling Bee puzzle in The New York Times.

Clinton has worn many hats in her lifetime: First Lady, lawyer, senator, secretary of state, presidential candidate, university professor, and budding Broadway producer. Each chapter of her memoir transitions seamlessly between these diverse roles.

She details a gripping account of a secret operation to evacuate Afghan women at risk during the Taliban takeover in 2021 and reflects on the camaraderie shared among former first ladies, even coming to Melania Trump’s defense regarding criticism over her outfit during a memorial service: “She came. That’s what mattered.”

Despite her inclination to celebrate milestones, Clinton harbors deep resentment toward Donald Trump. The “something lost” in her memoir’s title refers to the painful election loss that still lingers. One notable anecdote involves an encounter with a retired FBI official, who expressed regret over the bureau’s handling of her email investigation, which was reignited just days before the election. Clinton, momentarily at a loss for words, finally told him, “I would have been a great president,” before walking away.

In an interview prior to her book launch, Clinton reflected on various themes within her memoir. Regarding the persistent glass ceiling for women in politics, she noted the evolution from her own campaign focus on gender to a broader understanding within the electorate now. Harris represents a significant shift, where having a female candidate is viewed as part of the norm rather than a landmark event.

Clinton acknowledges that people often approach her to express their regret over not heeding her warnings, a situation she describes as bittersweet. Even with Trump’s conviction of felony crimes, a moment she viewed as both disheartening and affirming, she finds no joy in being right about his presidency. Her primary fear is that the nation will underestimate the seriousness of Trump’s actions.

Beyond politics, Clinton is passionate about empowering women globally. She details her collaboration with fellow activists to evacuate Afghan women—highlighting her commitment to female rights. At the same time, she also delves into new ventures, like teaching at Columbia University after a long hiatus and taking a role as a producer for the Tony-winning musical “Suffs,” which tells the story of women’s suffrage. The memoir concludes with a song from the musical, “Keep Marching.”

As a grandmother, Clinton notes, “Being a grandmother truly is the one experience of life that is not overrated.” She dedicates her book to her three grandchildren.

In reflecting on her marriage to Bill, Clinton expresses gratitude for the joys it brings her daily. Although she acknowledges past difficulties, she emphasizes that time has softened those memories. She views her marriage as one filled with love and friendship, despite public scrutiny over their relationship’s history.

Clinton maintains a meticulously organized schedule, allowing for deliberate time in nature. She enjoys walks in the woods near her home in Chappaqua, New York. While Bill’s strolls involve conversations with everyone they meet, Clinton prefers to walk briskly to clear her mind. Sometimes, she brainstorms speeches during these walks while at other times, she simply engages in a form of mindful wandering—a practice she encourages others to embrace as a means of coping with overwhelming political climates.

“Put down your phone and go outside. Take a walk,” she advises, highlighting the importance of disconnecting and enjoying nature.