Who expected Bill to say this?
In a recent interview, former President Bill Clinton suggested that the U.S. may not be fully ready for a female president following Vice President Kamala Harris’ defeat by President-elect Donald Trump. Clinton speculated that a conservative Republican woman might have an easier path to the White House.
When asked by CBS’ Tracy Smith if the country isn’t ready for a woman president, Clinton replied thoughtfully, “Maybe. I think in some ways, we’ve moved to the right as a reaction to all the turmoil.” He pointed out that if Hillary Clinton had been nominated in 2008, she likely would have won the presidency, much like Barack Obama did.
Clinton’s remarks came as he discussed his new book, Citizen, in which he opens up about a range of topics, including his frustration with the media’s focus on his affair with Monica Lewinsky. He was asked about how the cultural shifts in America might impact the election of a woman to the presidency, and he explained that the current political climate makes it harder for women to break through.
Responding to whether the issue is more about party affiliation than gender, Clinton said, “No, but I think it would probably be easier for a conservative Republican woman to win.” He drew parallels to Margaret Thatcher, the former prime minister of the United Kingdom, suggesting that a strong, conservative woman could find success in American politics as well. Despite his reservations, Clinton expressed optimism about the future, predicting that the U.S. would have a female president soon.
In the same interview, Clinton also addressed his infamous scandal with Lewinsky. He explained that including a section about their past relationship in his book was an attempt to allow her to move forward. He shared, “I wish her nothing but the best,” acknowledging her work to combat bullying. Despite his past, Clinton stressed his belief in second chances, even as he campaigned for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, calling it a “travesty” if Trump were to return to the White House.
Clinton’s statements reflect a complicated view of America’s political landscape, balancing concerns about the nation’s readiness for a female president with his belief in the power of conservative women in leadership roles.