During a forum at New York City’s 92nd Street Y, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton criticized Republican women, asserting that a female GOP president would serve as a “handmaiden to the patriarchy.”
“Well, first of all, don’t be a handmaiden to the patriarchy, which kind of eliminates every woman on the other side of the aisle, except for very few,” Clinton stated.
Clinton’s sweeping generalization dismissed the achievements and convictions of millions of conservative women across the country. She named just two exceptions—Senator Lisa Murkowski and former Representative Liz Cheney—further revealing a narrow ideological filter that excludes pro-life, constitutionally minded women who stand on principle.
Clinton’s statement suggests that only women who align with progressive feminism deserve recognition, casting aside strong, accomplished conservative figures like former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley or Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds.
Clinton’s comments reflect a broader pattern of dismissing conservative women. In her 2019 book, The Book of Gutsy Women, she omitted former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, arguing that Thatcher’s record was mixed regarding breaking barriers for others.
These statements have drawn criticism from conservative circles, highlighting a perceived double standard in Clinton’s advocacy for women’s leadership. While promoting female empowerment, she appears to discount conservative women who have achieved significant political success.
The forum’s moderator, Republican pundit Margaret Hoover, did not challenge Clinton’s assertions during the event.
Clinton also referenced her and Vice President Kamala Harris’s unsuccessful presidential bids, noting the challenges women face in attaining the presidency. She expressed support for female candidates she deems suitable for the role.
