Former US President Bill Clinton expressed doubts about America’s readiness for a female president following Vice President Kamala Harris’ defeat to newly elected President Donald Trump. However, he suggested that a conservative female candidate might find it easier to secure the presidency.
When asked by Tracy Smith about the country’s readiness for a female president, Clinton replied, “Maybe,” adding, “I think we’ve moved to the right in some ways in response to all the unrest.” And I think if Hillary had been nominated in 2008, she would have walked in just like Obama did.”
During the discussion about his new book ‘Citizen’, Clinton discussed the transformation of the country after Harris’ defeat. The publication also explores his thoughts on the Monica Lewinsky affair.
On female leadership, Clinton said, “I think all of these cultural battles that we’re having make it more difficult in some ways for a woman to run for office.” When Smith probed whether party affiliation outweighed gender, Clinton disagreed, but noted that “it would probably be easier for a conservative Republican woman to win.”
The former Democratic president drew parallels to Margaret Thatcher’s success and remained optimistic about seeing a female US president in the near future.
Discussing the inclusion of the Lewinsky affair in his book, Clinton explained his intention to move it forward. “Because I felt I had to say something about it, and I wanted to be as helpful as possible to get her to turn the page. I think she should have the opportunity to build a life that is about her and the future , and not, you know, to get swept up in an old story,” he said.
According to reports, Clinton wrote in “Citizens” “I live with it all the time,” about the Lewinsky scandal, while acknowledging her work against bullying. “I wish her nothing but the best,” he added.
The former president endorsed Harris’ campaign and appeared alongside President Biden during the election season. He expressed strong opposition to Trump’s possible return to office, describing such a scenario as a “mockery.”