Why do people hate Hillary Clinton?
The animosity towards Hillary Clinton is multifaceted and can be attributed to several factors, which have evolved over her long and public career.
Historical and Cultural Context
Hillary Clinton has been a polarizing figure since the 1990s, partly due to her and her husband Bill's roles as symbols of the cultural shifts of the 1960s and 1980s. This has led to what is termed "Clintipathy," a pathological hatred rooted in their association with liberal and progressive values1.
Sexism and Double Standards
Sexism has been a significant component of the criticism she faces. Clinton has been held to higher standards than her male counterparts, often being treated unfairly and subjected to sexist attacks. These include portrayals of her as a "ball-busting feminist" or a "Lady Macbeth," and even more egregious accusations such as being a manipulative murderer3. Old-fashioned sexism compounds the cultural clash, with Clinton facing double standards that men like Bill Clinton and Donald Trump often avoid1.
Policy and Political Decisions
Her policy decisions and political actions have also alienated various groups. For instance, her 2002 vote to authorize the invasion of Iraq and her criticism of Barack Obama's pledge to meet with leaders of rogue states during her 2008 presidential campaign alienated anti-war voters and some on the left2.
Financial and Ethical Controversies
The Clintons have been involved in numerous financial and ethical controversies, including the Whitewater scandal, the Travel Office firings, and the use of a private email server during her tenure as Secretary of State. These incidents have contributed to a perception of entitlement and a lack of transparency, further eroding public trust1.
Media and Political Opposition
A concerted effort by political opponents, including Republicans and right-wing media figures, has played a significant role in shaping public perception. This includes a "vast, right-wing conspiracy" that has used sexist smear campaigns to damage her political prospects. Figures like Brett Kavanaugh, Rudy Giuliani, Newt Gingrich, and Rush Limbaugh have been instrumental in this campaign3.
Perception of Corporate Ties
Her ties to the financial industry and her husband's deregulation policies, which were criticized during the 2008 financial crisis, have led some on the left to view her as too pro-corporate and aligned with the interests of Wall Street2.
Cumulative Effect
The cumulative effect of these factors—historical and cultural polarization, sexism, policy disagreements, ethical controversies, and targeted opposition—has created a highly polarized and often hostile environment around Hillary Clinton. This has led to a complex and multifaceted hatred that is both reasonable and unfair, depending on the context and perspective134.