Controversial Anti-Women Remarks Behind a Feminist Mask – Hillary Clinton Faces Intense Backlash

Controversial Anti-Women Remarks Behind a Feminist Mask – Hillary Clinton Faces Intense Backlash

Former U.S. Secretary of State and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton is once again in the headlines—this time, for what many are calling "anti-women" remarks. Speaking at an event hosted by New York City's 92nd Street Y, Clinton sparked controversy by referring to Republican women as “handmaidens of the patriarchy.”

“Don’t Be a Handmaiden of Patriarchy” – Clinton Targets Republican Women

During the PBS program Firing Line, host Margaret Hoover asked Clinton, “What advice would you give to the first woman president of the United States?”

Clinton responded:

“First of all, don’t be a handmaiden of the patriarchy—which excludes almost every woman on the other side, with just a few exceptions.”

She went on to claim that most Republican women are in politics merely to support men.

Has Hillary Herself Ever Escaped Patriarchy?

Critics argue that Hillary herself has never been outside the bounds of patriarchal structures.

She first rose to national prominence through her husband, Bill Clinton—then the governor of Arkansas and later U.S. President. Hillary went on to become a senator from New York, ran for president, and later served as Secretary of State under President Obama—once again gaining power through a male-dominated system.

During Bill Clinton’s infamous scandal involving White House intern Monica Lewinsky—where he was accused of lying under oath—Hillary defended him, calling the accusations part of a “vast right-wing conspiracy.”

She later refused to acknowledge that the relationship with Monica constituted an abuse of power, stating:

“She was an adult.”

However, critics point out that Monica was a recent college graduate, while Bill was the most powerful man in the world—hardly an equal relationship.

Attacks on Other Women

Hillary has also been accused of belittling other women to protect her husband. In 1992, amid allegations of Bill’s affair with Gennifer Flowers, Hillary said:

“I’m not some Tammy Wynette standing by my man.”

Yet she ultimately did just that—remaining with Bill, leading many to believe she shamed other women for personal gain.

When sexual misconduct allegations surfaced against powerful Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, Lena Dunham and Tina Brown reportedly warned Hillary’s team in advance. But once the scandal broke, Clinton’s team reportedly turned on Dunham, saying:

“Why didn’t she go to the authorities instead of telling us? That’s a question for her to answer.”

Women Voting for Trump? Blame the Men

In 2018, Hillary controversially said that many married white women voted for Trump in 2016 because they were influenced by their husbands, bosses, or sons.

“We don’t do well with white men, and we don’t do well with married white women.”

Her comments implied that women lacked the independence to make their own voting decisions—a claim many saw as deeply condescending.

A Pattern of Using Women for Political Gain?

Critics argue that Hillary Clinton’s political career has often involved attacking or undermining women when it served her interests. For many, the fact that she will not become the first female president is a source of relief.