Ariana Longson
Updated on: October 13, 2024 11:33 pm GMT
In a heartfelt discussion about her nearly 50-year marriage, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton opened up about the complexities of her relationship with former President Bill Clinton during a recent interview with CNN host Fareed Zakaria. This rare glimpse into their personal life came as she promoted her new memoir, Something Lost, Something Gained. Clinton’s reflections come at a time when the couple’s history has frequently been at the center of public scrutiny, particularly due to past scandals.
Through Thick and Thin
Hillary Clinton emphasized the nuances of marriage, stating, “Nobody really knows what happens in a marriage except the two people in it.” She acknowledged that every marriage faces its share of ups and downs, noting that it is crucial for couples to make the decisions that are right for them.
- Public Scrutiny: The Clintons’ relationship has been subjected to significant public debate since the infamous Monica Lewinsky affair in the 1990s and the subsequent impeachment trial of Bill Clinton.
- Longevity: Despite the difficult times, Hillary stated they are grateful for their life together, particularly as they enjoy time with their grandchildren.
“Every marriage I’m aware of has its ups and downs, not public hopefully for everyone else. And you have to make the decisions that are right for you,” she explained.
The Impact of Scandals
The couple’s marriage has endured numerous challenges, especially during the late ’90s when Bill Clinton faced impeachment due to his affair with Lewinsky. While Hillary did not mention Lewinsky directly during the interview, she spoke of the “dark periods” that have impacted their relationship.
Reflecting on that tumultuous time, she recalled feeling “deeply hurt” but also recognized that the scandal was a political maneuver aimed at undermining her husband’s presidency. “I had to almost have a binary view of the world that I was living in. My reality, on the one hand, I was deeply hurt, deeply confused,” she recounted.
Hillary expressed a strong sentiment that the impeachment proceedings were driven by hypocrisy from political opponents, adding, “I resented that as an American citizen, that these hypocrites […] were going after him because of a very unfortunate incident in his life.”
Finding Joy Together
Despite the trials they have faced, Hillary Clinton described finding joy in their daily life together. “We just have a good time sharing this life that we’ve lived together for now really 50 years of marriage,” she said. The couple enjoys light moments, such as playing Spelling Bee in bed, which they both find enjoyable.
- Gratitude: Clinton expressed gratitude for their shared time, emphasizing that they are thankful for their grandchildren and the life they have built together.
- Personal Connection: Her comments showcased a personal side to the Clintons, often overshadowed by their political identities.
Reflecting on their continued companionship, she stated, “That’s really my message. We have a good time.”
A Lasting Partnership
As they approach their 50th wedding anniversary, Hillary and Bill Clinton serve as an example of a partnership that has weathered many storms. While they may not be typical in any sense, their ability to navigate personal and public trials speaks to the complexity of enduring love.
Through public challenges and personal hardships, Hillary believes that marriage is ultimately a private matter unique to each couple. Her recent memoir offers insights not just about their relationship, but also about her experiences as a prominent public figure.
In a world where relationships are often put under a microscope, the Clintons’ enduring bond raises questions about privacy, loyalty, and the complexities of love in the limelight. As Hillary Clinton eloquently said, “Nobody really knows what happens in a marriage except the two people in it.”
Right now, the couple is enjoying their time together. They show us that even when life gets busy and messy, we can still find happiness and feel close to each other. Their story teaches us that while each relationship is special, we all share similar challenges and victories that bring us together.
