Earlier this week, rumors began swirling that Hillary Clinton was about to announce that she planned to run for the Democratic nomination — and now that Clinton is officially running for president, it looks like her chances are pretty good, both among her Democratic competitors and the potential Republican candidates. Whether you love her, hate her, or have yet to form an opinion, these interviews will help you understand where she stands on important issues and what she has taught the public over the years.
1. With The Atlantic's Jeffrey Goldberg on August 10, 2014
This controversial interview from last year will help you understand Clinton's views on foreign policy, her criticism of the Obama administration, and the debate over whether the U.S. should have gotten involved early on in the Syrian uprising. You can read more about Clinton's views on the U.S.'s role in Syria and her possible motivations for advocating earlier involvement in this Atlantic article. Ezra Klein also published his take on Clinton's Atlantic interview, arguing that it demonstrates she's not a sure bet for the 2016 election.
2. With ABC's Diane Sawyer on June 5, 2014
In this exclusive with Diane Sawyer, Clinton discussed security in Benghazi, leaving the White House "dead broke," and the sexism she faced in the 2008 election:
People oughtta think about their own daughters, their own sisters, their own mothers when they make comments about women in public life, whether they're in politics or the media or anywhere else.
Through this interview and others, Clinton brought attention to the undue focus on the physical appearances of women in the public eye.
3. With NPR's Renee Montagne on June 9, 2014
In this interview on NPR, Clinton reflected on her accomplishments as Secretary of State, saying her most important contribution was to “help restore America’s leadership around the world" by reviving the country's image in the wake of the Iraq War and the economic crisis. She also defended her controversial decision to release five Taliban fighters from Guantanamo Bay in exchange for the release of the American soldier Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl.
4. With Cindi Leive in Glamour's September 2014 issue
In this interview with Glamour, Clinton gives women career advice based on her own success, including not to let the fear that we are imperfect hold us back.
And I think this..."perfectionist gene" that too many young women have holds them back, and instead they should be really aiming for "good enough." You don't have to be perfect. Most men never think like that. They're just trying to figure out what's the opening and how they can seize it. They're not thinking about, Oh my gosh, I'm not perfect, my hair's not perfect today, I wore the wrong shoes. No.
5. With Stephen Colbert on August 5, 2014
Colbert predicted Clinton's candidacy in the 2016 election last year, joking that her book tour sparked his suspicions. While this interview is mainly here for comic relief, it certainly demonstrates her sense of humor.
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