In a recent interview with the New York Times, Hillary Clinton expressed envy over the relentless resolve of the right, particularly in defending conservative ideals such as overturning Roe v. Wade. She argued that Democrats lack the same level of persistence and infrastructure as Republicans, which has allowed the right to make significant gains in recent years. Clinton noted that the Democratic party failed to fully grasp the threat posed by the possibility of Roe v. Wade being overturned, leading to complacency and a lack of effective action.
In light of the Supreme Court’s ruling on Roe v. Wade, Clinton believes that Democrats should have done more to fight against the conservative agenda. She criticized the party for not taking the threat seriously and failing to understand the existential struggle facing the country. In response to this, Democrats have made abortion a key issue in the upcoming 2024 presidential cycle, while some Republicans have softened their stance on the issue. Clinton reflected on her failed presidential bid in 2016, highlighting the importance of the Supreme Court in shaping political outcomes and expressing regret over missed opportunities to prevent its conservative shift.
Throughout the interview, Clinton emphasized the pivotal role of the Supreme Court in shaping the future of the country and warned that the 2024 election cycle is “existential.” She raised concerns about the potential impact of the election outcome on the democratic process, suggesting that a failure to make the right decision could result in governance by a small minority of right-wing forces. Clinton underscored the need for Democrats to unify and mobilize in order to prevent further erosion of progressive values and ensure a fair electoral system.
Reflecting on her 2016 election loss, Clinton pointed to former FBI director James Comey’s decision to reopen the investigation into her email server as a pivotal moment that cost her female voters. She argued that the scrutiny and expectations placed on female candidates are often unfair, leading women voters to perceive them as having to be perfect. In contrast, Clinton noted that male candidates, such as Trump, are often given more leeway despite their own flaws, illustrating a double standard in electoral politics that continues to impact women in leadership positions.
Looking ahead to the release of her upcoming book, “The Fall of Roe: The Rise of a New America,” Clinton reiterated the urgency of the current political moment and the need for Democrats to take decisive action. She highlighted the Republican party’s well-organized and well-funded efforts to push a conservative agenda and emphasized the importance of countering these forces in order to protect women’s rights and prevent further erosion of democratic values. Clinton’s warnings about the threats posed by right-wing forces and the stakes of the upcoming election cycle serve as a call to action for Democrats to mobilize and fight for the future of the country.
