During a recent interview at New York City’s 92nd Street Y, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made remarks about female leadership and women in the Republican Party that have drawn attention across the political spectrum.
In a discussion with moderator Margaret Hoover, Clinton was asked what advice she would offer to the first woman who becomes President of the United States. She responded by saying, “Don’t be a handmaiden to the patriarchy,” and added that this “kind of eliminates every woman on the other side of the aisle, except for very few.”
Clinton highlighted a few women in the Republican Party whom she respects, including Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski, who has at times taken independent stances on high-profile political issues. Clinton also acknowledged former Congresswoman Liz Cheney as another figure who, in her view, has demonstrated integrity in challenging moments.
Reflecting on the 2024 election, Clinton reiterated her support for Kamala Harris, who was the Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden stepped down. “If a woman runs who I think would be a good president—as I thought Kamala Harris would be—I will support that woman,” she said.
Clinton also touched on the broader challenges women face in reaching the highest levels of leadership. “First we have to get there,” she said. “And it is obviously so much harder than it should be.”
Meanwhile, public opinion polls continue to show fluctuating support for current leadership. Recent surveys from various sources have reported a rise in approval ratings for President Trump, with some showing his favorability numbers on par with those of past presidents at similar points in their second terms.
Analysts note that some of Trump’s policies appear to be even more popular than his personal approval ratings. According to pollster Mark Penn, when asked about specific policies—such as immigration—respondents were more supportive than when asked about the president by name. “That indicates people are responding more to results than personalities,” he said during a recent interview.
As the political landscape evolves, many observers are keeping a close watch on how public opinion is shaped not just by leaders themselves, but by the actions and results of their administrations.
