Hillary Clinton’s latest jab at Republican women revives her most divisive instincts, exposing deep political bias in the name of feminism.
At a Glance
- Hillary Clinton called most Republican women “handmaidens to the patriarchy” at a NYC forum
- She excluded only Liz Cheney and Lisa Murkowski from this sweeping dismissal
- Critics compare the insult to her infamous 2016 “basket of deplorables” remark
- Conservative women and commentators blast the comment as sexist and elitist
- Clinton’s statement underscores her selective approach to feminism and political unity
Clinton’s Sharp Rebuke Sparks Backlash
Speaking at The 92nd Street Y in New York City, Clinton told moderator Margaret Hoover that “every woman on the other side of the aisle” is a “handmaiden to the patriarchy,” save for Liz Cheney and Lisa Murkowski. The statement, made in response to a question about advice for the first female president, drew sharp criticism from conservative commentators who say Clinton equates political disagreement with moral inferiority.
Watch a report: Clinton Dismisses GOP Women | Fox News
A Familiar Pattern of Condescension
This rhetoric echoes Clinton’s 2016 “basket of deplorables” comment, which many believe played a key role in alienating voters and costing her the election. By suggesting that Republican women cannot act independently or hold legitimate views unless they align with liberal feminism, Clinton again casts disagreement as deficiency. Critics argue this deepens partisan divisions and undermines democratic discourse.
Conditional Feminism?
Clinton’s feminist stance appears narrowly defined, excluding women like Margaret Thatcher from her book “The Book of Gutsy Women” for allegedly not “knocking down barriers for others.” Yet such exclusions have fueled accusations that her version of feminism only applies to women who share her ideology—effectively weaponizing gender to silence dissent.
Frustration and Political Projection
Clinton’s remarks also reflect lingering frustration over her failed presidential runs. “If a woman runs who I think would be a good President… I will support that woman,” she said, explicitly qualifying support based on political alignment. Critics say this approach prioritizes partisanship over the broader cause of female political advancement.
GOP Women Fire Back
Conservative women have rejected Clinton’s framing, defending their views as intellectually autonomous and grounded in principle, not patriarchy. Many regard her comments as elitist and dismissive of their lived experiences and policy convictions. For them, advocating lower taxes, strong national defense, and parental rights isn’t submission—it’s democracy in action.
Clinton’s Divisive Legacy
While Clinton remains a historic political figure, her “handmaiden” remark underscores why she continues to polarize. Instead of bridging divides, she often redraws them—alienating half the electorate with blanket indictments. If feminism is truly about choice and empowerment, Clinton’s selective validation of women suggests a narrowing, not expanding, vision of leadership.
