“I was terrified about losing my identity and getting lost in the wake of Bill’s force-of-nature personality. I actually turned him down twice when he asked me to marry him.” –Hillary Clinton
Hillary’s early relationship with Bill Clinton exemplifies some of her best personality traits—her strength, her independence, and most of all, her commitment to making tough choices. Hillary and Bill met at Yale Law School and were in the library when Hillary, sitting with some of her friends, noticed a man across the way staring at her. This went on for some time before Hillary stood up, marched over to Bill, and said: 'You know, if you're going to keep looking at me, and I'm going to keep looking back, we should know each other. I'm Hillary Rodham.” Her assertiveness and confidence impressed Bill, who said of his wife, “she conveyed a sense of strength and self-possession I had rarely seen in anyone, man or woman.”
In the early 1970’s, Bill proposed marriage to Hillary twice before she finally accepted. As Hillary describes her ambivalence: "I was desperately in love with him but utterly confused about my life and future…so I said 'No not now' -- what I meant was 'Give me time.'" Before entering a marriage, Hillary wanted to be sure she was clear and confident about her own future, including her career goals. Her display of independence and desire to build her own future first was trailblazing for a woman in the 1970’s—when marriage and children were still thought of as a woman’s ultimate goal.
But more than serving as an example for other working women, Hillary’s decision to delay marriage also reflects her strong sense of self and unwavering commitment to making smart choices, even when they’re tough to make. Not only has Hillary demonstrated this in her personal life, but also in her career. She stood with Planned Parenthood amid the controversy surrounding allegations about the organization’s use of fetal tissue. Despite the media circus over the undercover videos and pressure to call for an investigation into the claims, Hillary remained strong in her commitment to Planned Parenthood and against Republicans who want to defund the organization, asserting that “if this feels like a full-on assault on women’s health, that’s because it is…when politicians talk about defunding Planned Parenthood, they’re talking about blocking millions of women, men and young people from live-saving preventive care.”
Perhaps the most well-known example of Hillary making a hard choice is her decision to stay married to Bill after the Lewinsky scandal. Despite the harsh judgment she received for doing so, Hillary chose to keep her family intact, not only because she loves and respects Bill, but because she believes in forgiveness and second chances. Hillary credits her own mother for inspiring her to move forward from the scandal and channel her energy toward a political career of her own, so she could be more than the jilted first lady. Whatever the personal reasons for her decision, they ultimately led her to where she is today—one of the most powerful women in America.
Hillary’s unwavering commitment to make smart decisions not only for herself, but for the country and the world, will benefit American families who are counting on a leader who isn’t afraid to make tough choices.
This blog is part of a series based on the book, 52 Reasons To Vote For Hillary. In an effort to provide the facts about Hillary Clinton, her record, and her plans for America, the authors of the book have decided to publish one reason through Election Day. To find out more about the book, visit the website or buy your copy here.