Hillary needs to leave Melania out of it.
In her new memoir, Something Lost, Something Gained: Reflections on Life, Love, and Liberty, Hillary Clinton offers a candid recollection of her encounter with Melania Trump during a memorial service for Rosalynn Carter. According to Clinton, this meeting took place last year and provided a moment of reflection on the political divides that have characterized recent years.
Clinton describes the setting: a gathering of former First Ladies and dignitaries, convened at Rosalynn Carter’s memorial service, which Rosalynn’s grandson, Jason Carter, had hoped would symbolize unity among the nation’s former First Ladies during a period of intense division. Despite the intention of the event, Clinton admitted in her book that she had not been informed about Melania Trump’s attendance beforehand, and this lack of communication added an element of surprise to their meeting.
Recalling the moment, Clinton described Melania Trump as appearing somewhat apprehensive and reminiscent of a “little kid” at a party, standing alone and uncertain. This impression struck Clinton as reflective of Melania’s isolation amidst the gathering of past First Ladies. Despite the initial awkwardness, Clinton and the other attendees made a point to approach and welcome Trump warmly. Clinton noted that Jill Biden and Michelle Obama greeted Melania with familiar gestures of affection, while she herself extended a polite handshake and greeting.
Clinton’s memoir also touches on her personal sentiments regarding Melania Trump, acknowledging the complexity of her feelings. She expressed a reluctance to judge Melania based on her husband’s controversial presidency, though she pondered whether Melania might have been complicit in his administration’s actions. Clinton also commented on a much-discussed fashion choice Melania made during a visit to a migrant detention center in 2018, noting that while it was provocative, she preferred not to focus on such issues.
Interestingly, Clinton recounted attending Donald and Melania Trump’s wedding in 2005, an event she described as intriguing and revealing of Melania’s striking presence. However, she observed that their interaction at the wedding was minimal.
In a broader critique, Clinton addressed the media’s portrayal of the memorial service, criticizing the focus on perceived rivalries among the First Ladies rather than the somber nature of the event. She defended Melania Trump’s choice of attire for the funeral, arguing that modern conventions have evolved past strict traditional norms and that the criticism was unwarranted.
Overall, Clinton’s reflections offer insight into her personal experiences and thoughts on Melania Trump, emphasizing a nuanced view that acknowledges both the personal and public dimensions of their interaction.