Whether you were a zygote, a teenager, or a full grown adult when Hillary Clinton burst onto the scene there’s no doubt that she has changed the political landscape bringing a forceful female presence to the scene from First Lady to Senator to Secretary of State. Not content to look pretty and bake cookies, Clinton started expanding the definition of what it means to be First Lady getting actively involved in politics and reform. And, some of the best Hillary Clinton moments prove it.
And now, it’s OFFICIAL! Clinton is running for president. With all the suspense of a Saturday morning cartoon, she finally broke the news today ending months of coy answers and the “will-she-or-won’t-she” chatter that soon became “oh, come on already”.
More than any of her other predecessors (in any of the above positions), she has influenced pop culture even inspiring Texts From Hillary a collection of hilarious Clinton memes.
Whether you love her or hate her, you have to admit at least she knows more about geography than Sarah Palin. Plus she’s an ardent supporter of women's rights. And that helps all of us. Here are eight times we fell in love with Clinton.
1. When she visited Myanmar
The government of Myanmar used to be real piece of junk, restricting freedom and committing just about every human rights abuse you could humanely conceive of from sanctioning rape to using children as soldiers. When Clinton visited she became the first Secretary of State in fifty years to visit, rewarding the ruling military junta for finally taking steps toward a freer society. Clinton met with Aung San Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and human rights activist.
2. When aided in launching the Women in Public Service Project
A collaboration between the State Department and various all-female colleges, the project was created to support and encourage women to enter public service. Because government shouldn't be a boys club, ladies! She may just have inspired a whole new generation of Leslie Knopes.
3. When she supported the Saudi protest banning female drivers
Considering how much ass-kissing goes on between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia due to their position as a strategic ally and our dependence on oil (makes the classic American pickup truck seem a little less American doesn't it?) it was ballsy of Clinton to support the women of Saudi Arabia in their protests against the ban on female drivers. Silly draconian government. But she did, underscoring that women everywhere should have the right to make their own decisions.
4. When we caught her dancing in South Africa
Proving that she’s not as uptight as people may think she is, Clinton gets down on the dance floor laughing up a storm on a state visit effectively destroying the outdated sexist notion that a smart woman can't be fun as well. Turns out a woman can be a ball-buster and the life of the party.
5. When she put a pair of interviewers in their place
At a “townterview” in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, was asked by the moderators which sort of designers she prefers. To which (after clarifying that indeed they were referring to clothing designers) she responded “Would you ever a man that question?” BOOYA!! #TeamHillary
6. When she joined the presidential effort to reform healthcare
In an unprecedented move as First Lady, Clinton actively advocated for an overhaul of our healthcare system visiting hospitals and making speeches to further the President’s efforts. Though their initiative failed, she made it clear she’s no typical first lady. So you can take those cookies and shove it. They were probably unhealthy anyway.
7. When she became the first woman elected to the New York Senate
Because even if you don’t live in New York, having a woman be the first to do anything is pretty awesome.
8. When she surprised CNN host Tucker Carlson
Tucker Carlson, co-host of “Crossfire” announced he would eat his “shoes and tie” if her memoir “Living History” sold a million copies. Bad move Tucker. After her book predictably sold more than a million, (maybe Tucker should stay away from betting?) she stopped by the set with a chocolate cake shaped like a shoe and a copy of her memoir. Clinton – 1. Tucker – 0.
Watch her announcement video below:
