As the presidential election approaches, candidates are closely matched in the polls. With many Americans feeling uncertain about whom to support, distinguishing fact from fiction becomes crucial. Here’s a rundown of the top 10 myths surrounding Hillary Clinton, aimed at assisting you in making an informed choice by November 8.
1. Hillary Clinton Shared Classified Information via Her Private Email Server
Not quite. While the situation is complex, the simple truth is that Clinton did not commit a crime. Every Secretary of State has utilized personal devices to manage their workload outside office hours. Clinton’s use of a private server was indeed different, as she sought a secure option but was denied by the NSA. She opted for a server set up by the Secret Service for her husband, which, while secure, was not the State Department’s. Ultimately, after extensive investigations costing taxpayers millions, it was concluded she did not break any laws, though her choice was deemed improper.
2. The Clinton Foundation is a Money-Laundering Operation
This one’s a falsehood too. Allegations stem from Peter Smith, whose book Clinton Cash makes numerous unfounded claims about the foundation. In reality, the foundation has received commendations from nonprofit watchdogs for its transparency. They focus on providing health care, fighting climate change, and disaster relief, not funding grants. Clinton and her husband have disclosed their tax returns, showing their income primarily from speaking engagements and book sales.
3. Donations to the Clinton Foundation Bought Access to Clinton
Not really. While some individuals sought meetings with her after donating, many were already likely to have meetings due to their positions. Donations were made to support causes she champions, not to gain favor. Even if a few were granted appointments, these instances were not illegal.
4. Clinton Approved a Russian Uranium Deal for Foundation Donations
This claim has been thoroughly debunked. Schweizer himself acknowledged the lack of truth in these assertions. Approval required consent from nine other government agencies, meaning responsibility did not rest solely on Clinton. Furthermore, the individuals accused of donating did not even work for the company involved in the uranium deal.
5. Clinton is to Blame for the Benghazi Attacks
As Secretary of State, Clinton was not responsible for the tragic events in Benghazi. While she oversaw the reopening of the embassy, the attacks were the result of terrorist actions, not her decisions. Under her leadership, the State Department had one of the safest records in recent history, with fewer American casualties from embassy attacks than during her predecessors’ tenures.
6. Hillary Clinton is a Conservative
Contrary to this belief, she was rated the 11th most liberal senator during her time in office. Although she initially supported the Iraq invasion, she later became a vocal critic of it. Clinton has always championed progressive causes, from fighting racism in education to advocating for universal health care.
7. Clinton is Controlled by Wall Street
While she did give speeches for Wall Street firms, it’s inaccurate to claim they wielded influence over her policies. She voted for stricter regulations on Wall Street as a senator. Even Bernie Sanders struggled to substantiate claims that she was beholden to big banks, and her campaign platform includes aggressive measures to combat Wall Street corruption.
8. Hillary Clinton is Not a Feminist
Far from it! Clinton has a long history of advocating for women’s rights, from her early work in education to her powerful UN speech declaring that “women’s rights are human rights.” She has fought against wage discrimination and has the highest rating from reproductive rights organizations among presidential candidates.
9. Hillary Clinton is Dishonest
This misconception doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. Fact-checking organizations found her to be the most truthful among major party candidates during the election cycle. The perception of her dishonesty often stems from the different standards applied to female politicians versus their male counterparts.
10. Clinton Defended a Rapist and Laughed About It
This narrative is wildly distorted. As a public defender, Clinton was obligated to represent a client, even one guilty of a heinous crime. She ultimately secured a guilty plea, ensuring justice was served. The laughter in a later interview was about her youthful naivety regarding the legal process, not about the crime itself.
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In summary, the myths surrounding Hillary Clinton are numerous and often exaggerated. Understanding the truth behind these narratives is essential for making an informed choice as you head to the polls.