In 2014, my world was turned upside down when my infant daughter, Lila, passed away in my arms. It was a heart-wrenching experience that changed my perspective on life entirely. A few weeks later, my husband and I came to realize we had developed an unexpected courage: we feared nothing. Nothing could echo the devastation of Lila’s loss, so we embraced a new reality where we could live boldly, even amidst the chaos of grief.
That mindset lasted until I watched Donald Trump secure the Republican presidential nomination. Suddenly, fear crept back in. I felt a chill at the hate and division that permeated his rhetoric, the hollowness of his ideas, and his self-centered ambition. Witnessing the normalization of such negativity in American politics made my stomach churn, especially as I observed these unsettling trends from Amsterdam, a city where the echoes of history linger, reminding us of past atrocities.
Amsterdam is a place that understands loss. After Lila’s passing, I began volunteering at a local organization dedicated to preserving Anne Frank’s legacy. Her story serves as a constant reminder of the human dynamics at play during times of persecution—victims, perpetrators, helpers, and bystanders are all too common.
This election isn’t just a battle of policies; it starkly contrasts the humanity of the candidates involved. While I can’t say for certain if Trump is simply playing a role for publicity, as Michael Bloomberg wisely noted, we need a leader who governs based on reality—not a reality show. In contrast, I know Hillary Clinton to be genuine, caring, and unwavering in her commitment to others.
I’m sharing an email from Hillary because I refuse to be a bystander myself. It’s my hope that the convention addressed her so-called “likeability” issue, which Ezra Klein aptly described as “the gap” between how those who know her perceive her versus public opinion. I’ve been fortunate to know Hillary for 18 years, mainly through her daughter, my dear friend, Emma.
During the convention, Emma referred to her “wonderful, thoughtful, and hilarious mother,” explaining that Hillary perseveres through the chaos of politics because she never forgets whom she’s fighting for. Their family motto, as Emma often says, is “get caught trying.”
Family values often reveal the true character of a person. I was deeply moved when Emma left her 9-week-old daughter to attend Lila’s memorial service with me. On her way, I received this touching email:
SUBJECT: Thinking of You
Dear Matt,
When Emma arrives to support you, she’ll carry my love and strength for you, your husband, and son during this tough time. If there’s anything I can do to help, please don’t hesitate to reach out, my friend.
Love, Hillary
I have numerous stories highlighting Hillary’s authenticity, compassion, and resilience under fire. But her words in this email say more about her character than any tale I could tell. The Clintons aren’t spectators; they are doers. They genuinely care—especially Hillary.
Let’s not leave it to outside influences to dictate our electoral fate. Instead, let’s focus on the qualities we want in our next leader: intelligence, compassion, integrity, and perseverance. Only one candidate embodies those traits.
Hillary Clinton for president.
In summary, the heartfelt email from Hillary Clinton illustrates her deep compassion and commitment to others during challenging times. Her actions and words reflect a person who strives to make a difference, contrasting sharply with the negativity we often see in politics today.