WHAT NOW FOR HILLARY?
There was to be a symbolic firework display over the glass ceiling of the Javits Center in New York, where Hillary Clinton had planned to celebrate her historic victory on Tuesday night. Instead, half a day later, she emerged to deliver her concession speech.
‘This is painful and will be for a long time,’ said the former Secretary of State – her husband and former President, Bill, at her side. Her defeat was palpable, yet dignified. And those on the ground, including myself, reporting the aftermath of one of the most dramatic events in American history, won’t be expecting to see the woman who was widely touted to be America’s first female President in the public eye any time soon.
Instead of gathering her cabinet, she is with her family in upstate New York, recovering from a second defeat in her bid to make history.
The election result has left many women in America asking if they are now back to square one. Clinton will not let that happen – she says she wants to work with President Trump to protect what she believes in – of which women’s rights is at the heart.
For the women who supported Clinton, #Imwithher has become #Imstillwithher.
Jessica Tarlov, Democratic strategist and one of the millions of millennial women who supported her, said Hillary will concentrate on her work with the Clinton Foundation and will want her political legacy to encourage someone else to finish the job. ‘There’s still widespread interest – upwards of 80% – in a female President, it’s just clear that Hillary wasn’t that choice for Americans. Feminism in the 21st century is radically different than in previous decades and Clinton ran up against a group of women who see their identity as much more complex than just gender first and foremost.’ Priscilla Alvarez, assistant editor of
The Atlanticc in Washington, says Clinton won’t run again – this was her second and final defeat. ‘Hillary Clinton didn’t win the presidential election, but she made history nevertheless as the first female presidential nominee of any major party in the United States. In her concession speech, she struck an optimistic tone saying the glass ceiling will be broken soon enough.’ But for now, under Trump, that glass ceiling stays intact. Sarah-jane Mee presents ‘Sky News Sunrise’, Monday-thursday, 6-10am