Bill Clinton Suggests GOP Women May Have a Better Shot at the Presidency Than Democrats—Kamala Harris Likely Displeased

Former President Bill Clinton stirred controversy by suggesting that if the United States were to elect a female president, it would likely be a conservative Republican rather than a Democrat. This remark was made during an appearance on CBS Sunday Morning when Clinton was asked about the challenges faced by women like his wife, Hillary Clinton, and Vice President Kamala Harris in presidential races.

“Do you think part of the issue is that America is just not ready for a female president?” host Tracy Smith inquired.

“Maybe,” Clinton responded thoughtfully. “I think in some ways we’ve moved to the right as a reaction to all the turmoil.”

The former president speculated that Hillary Clinton might have had a smoother path to victory in 2008, as opposed to her 2016 campaign, citing a more progressive political climate at that time. “I think if Hillary had been nominated in 2008, she would’ve walked in, just like Obama did,” he remarked.

Misogyny or Changing Times?

Clinton appeared to hint that cultural factors and sexism create additional hurdles for women seeking the presidency. “Well, I think all these cultural battles we’re fighting make it harder in some ways for a woman to run,” he stated.

Critics might find this ironic, given the widespread influence of radical feminism and other progressive ideologies in today’s political sphere. The United States is, after all, majority-female, with women making up 51% of the population compared to 49% men.

When pressed further, Smith asked if party affiliation might play a bigger role than gender. Clinton replied, “No, although I think it would probably be easier for a conservative Republican woman to win, because, I mean, that’s what Maggie Thatcher did.” Here, he referenced Margaret Thatcher, the iconic conservative leader who became the United Kingdom’s first female prime minister.

Clinton expressed optimism about the future, saying, “I still think we’ll have a female president pretty soon,” though he admitted he couldn’t predict when.

A Subtle Critique of the Democratic Party?

Clinton’s comments appeared to contain veiled criticisms of his own party. First, his acknowledgment that the nation has become more conservative in response to recent “turmoil” could be interpreted as a critique of the Biden-Harris administration’s policies, which many see as veering too far left.

Second, his suggestion that Republicans are more likely than Democrats to elect the first female president directly challenges the narrative that the Democratic Party is the champion of women. If Democrats truly champion women as much as they claim, why does Clinton believe a conservative Republican woman has a better chance?

This statement undermines the Democratic Party’s long-standing portrayal of Republicans as inherently misogynistic. It also calls into question whether the Democratic Party’s purported advocacy for women goes beyond symbolic gestures, such as its staunch support for abortion rights.

Kamala Harris: A Candidate Beyond Gender

Finally, Clinton’s remarks serve as a reminder that Kamala Harris’s political shortcomings were not the result of sexism but rather her perceived lack of qualifications and leadership. Despite attempts to frame her losses as a consequence of gender bias, critics argue that Harris’s unpopularity stemmed from her weak track record and inability to connect with voters.

In rejecting Harris’s candidacy, voters may have demonstrated that electing a leader requires more than checking demographic boxes. The takeaway is clear: qualifications and likability outweigh symbolic representation.