In her latest book, “Something Lost, Something Gained”, Hillary Clinton offers an in-depth narrative of her initial personal interaction with Melania Trump following the 2016 election.
The interaction occurred in November 2023 during a memorial service for Rosalynn Carter, the former First Lady, held in Atlanta, Georgia. Clinton, accompanied by former First Ladies Michelle Obama and Jill Biden, met Melania Trump. Clinton characterized the encounter as uncomfortable due to Donald Trump’s history of derogatory remarks about the women’s families.
Clinton recounted the encounter, depicting Melania as appearing somewhat uncertain, yet smiling, reminding her of a shy child at a birthday party unsure of how they will be received.
Despite the uneasy atmosphere, the former First Ladies approached Melania. Clinton’s account reveals that Jill Biden greeted Melania with an air-kiss, while Michelle Obama embraced her in a hug, demonstrating a sense of unity and politeness amid a potentially sensitive situation.
Clinton’s book also explores her past encounters with Melania, beginning with their first meeting at Melania and Donald Trump’s 2005 wedding. Clinton, who attended the wedding out of curiosity, remembered Melania as young, stunning, and tall, yet not engaging much in conversation on her wedding day. These early experiences and subsequent interactions shaped Clinton’s conflicted feelings towards Melania, a theme she further elaborates in her book.
A key focus of Clinton’s narrative is her attempt to understand Melania’s public image in light of her husband’s contentious conduct. Clinton states that while she’s always maintained that a wife is not to be held accountable for her husband’s actions, she has questioned whether Melania was complicit in her husband’s divisive rhetoric and policies.
One significant critique aimed at Melania was her decision to wear a gray suit at Rosalynn Carter’s memorial service rather than the traditional black attire. Clinton, however, defended Melania, noting that the custom of wearing black at funerals is not as prevalent today.
Clinton highlighted that both Rosalynn’s grandson, Jason Carter, and President Joe Biden wore non-black suits at the memorial. She argued that it was unjust for Melania to be criticized over a minor issue like her attire when none of the men faced similar scrutiny, pointing to the often experienced double standards towards women.
The book additionally explores the difficulties of public life, particularly for women in high-profile roles, and provides insights into the intricate dynamics within politics.