Hillary Rodham Clinton’s What Happened stands as a deeply personal and engaging memoir, offering readers an unprecedented look into the tumultuous 2016 presidential election. This #1 New York Times bestseller and Time #1 Nonfiction Book of the Year delves into Clinton’s intimate experience as the first woman nominated for president by a major party, navigating a landscape marked by intense political division, sexism, unexpected highs and lows, and significant foreign interference. In this candid and often emotionally raw account, Clinton addresses the central question: What Happened during this controversial and unpredictable election?
The book invites readers inside the campaign, revealing the day-to-day realities of running for the highest office in the United States. Clinton vividly portrays the intense personal journey, from the exhilarating moments of connection with voters to the frustrating setbacks and stranger-than-fiction twists that defined the election cycle. She lays bare the emotional rollercoaster of the campaign trail, offering a perspective rarely seen in political memoirs.
Beyond the campaign narrative, What Happened explores the profound impact of loss and the process of recovery. Clinton openly discusses the shock and devastation of the election outcome and shares the personal strategies she employed to cope with such a significant defeat. Readers gain insight into the rituals, relationships, and sources of strength that enabled her to pick herself back up and find a path forward. This section of the memoir resonates with anyone who has faced personal or professional setbacks and sought resilience in the face of adversity.
A crucial aspect of What Happened is its unflinching examination of the gendered dynamics at play throughout the election. Clinton confronts the double standards and sexism that permeated the campaign, addressing the relentless criticism directed at her voice, age, and appearance. She provides a powerful analysis of the unique challenges faced by women in the public eye, particularly in the demanding arena of presidential politics. This “feminist manifesto,” as described by The New York Times, sparks important conversations about the obstacles women continue to encounter in their pursuit of leadership roles.
Furthermore, What Happened meticulously dissects the unprecedented assault on American democracy during the 2016 election. Clinton connects the dots to reveal the extent of Russian interference and its calculated aim to undermine the democratic process. By presenting evidence and analysis, she underscores the dangerous forces that shaped the election’s outcome and emphasizes the critical need for Americans to understand these threats to safeguard their values and democratic institutions in the future. This section serves as a bracing guide to the contemporary political arena, as The Washington Post notes.
Ultimately, What Happened is not just a retrospective look at the 2016 election; it is also a forward-looking reflection on the future. With a new epilogue, Clinton grapples with the realization of her worst fears in the Trump Era while also finding hope in the surge of civic activism, the increased participation of women in politics, and the passionate engagement of young people. The book concludes with a message of resilience and a call to action, urging readers to learn from the events of 2016 and actively participate in shaping a more just and equitable future. What Happened serves as an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of the 2016 election and its enduring impact on American society and democracy.
