Deplorables vs. Handmaidens: Same Mistake Again?

Hillary Clinton reignites political firestorm by labeling Republican women “handmaidens to the patriarchy,” echoing her controversial 2016 “deplorable” comments that many believe contributed to her election loss.

At a Glance

  • Clinton made the provocative comments during a May 1 discussion at The 92nd Street Y in New York
  • She specifically exempted Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski and former Representative Liz Cheney from her criticism
  • The remarks draw immediate comparisons to her 2016 “basket of deplorables” statement about Trump supporters
  • Clinton expressed support for women candidates she believes would make good presidents, specifically mentioning Kamala Harris

Clinton’s Latest Controversial Characterization

In remarks that are stirring significant backlash among conservatives, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has characterized most Republican women as “handmaidens to the patriarchy.” The comments were made during a discussion at The 92nd Street Y in New York on May 1 and were highlighted in a video posted on May 15. When asked about what advice she would give to Republican women, Clinton responded with the controversial characterization that has quickly drawn comparisons to her infamous 2016 campaign misstep.

“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.”, stated Hillary Clinton.

Clinton specifically named Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska as one of the few exceptions to her broad characterization. Murkowski has established herself as a moderate Republican who has opposed several of former President Donald Trump’s actions, including certain nominations and pardons. Clinton also mentioned former Representative Liz Cheney as another exception, noting Cheney’s involvement in the investigation of the January 6 Capitol riot, which ultimately contributed to her losing her 2022 reelection bid.

Echoes of the “Deplorable” Comment

For many political observers, Clinton’s latest comments immediately evoke memories of her infamous 2016 campaign statement when she referred to half of Donald Trump’s supporters as a “basket of deplorables.” That characterization was widely viewed as a significant misstep that alienated potential voters and damaged her campaign. After significant backlash, Clinton attempted to walk back those comments, expressing regret specifically for the sweeping nature of her statement.

“Last night I was ‘grossly generalistic,’ and that’s never a good idea. I regret saying ‘half’ — that was wrong.”, added Hillary Clinton.

The pattern of Democratic figures making broad, negative characterizations of Republican voters continues beyond Clinton. Recently, former President Joe Biden faced significant criticism for referring to Trump supporters as “garbage” during the 2024 campaign, a comment that many political analysts believed damaged Democratic electoral prospects in key battleground states.

Clinton’s Political Strategy and Future Vision

During her 2016 presidential campaign, Clinton’s team had specifically targeted disillusioned Republican voters and leaders who were uncomfortable with Trump’s rise in the Republican Party. Her campaign strategically capitalized on moments like House Speaker Paul Ryan’s statement that he was “just not ready” to support Trump. This approach included outreach to Republican-leaning white voters, including suburban women who typically supported Republican candidates but held negative views of Trump.

In her recent comments, Clinton also reiterated her support for women candidates she believes would make effective presidents, specifically mentioning Vice President Kamala Harris. This position reflects Clinton’s continued advocacy for breaking gender barriers in politics, despite her own unsuccessful presidential bids.

Clinton’s latest controversial comments come at a time when political discourse continues to be sharply divided. While her remarks may resonate with some in her base, they risk further widening the partisan gap that has characterized American politics in recent years. As with her previous controversial statements, these remarks are likely to become a rallying point for conservative voters who feel targeted by her characterizations.

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