After spending over a decade in the sphere of Hillary Clinton, I faced a pivotal choice: to remain or to step away. It was a challenging decision. I had served as the Acting State Director for her New York Senate office and had been a key player in her re-election campaign. My career had intertwined with hers through various roles, including my time at the White House and assisting with her memoir. Now, she was embarking on her first presidential campaign!
Yet, I had just become a new mother to a lovely, plump baby boy named Leo. My family was navigating some difficult times. My cherished mother had passed away from cancer a few years prior, and we were also tending to my ailing father, who would soon pass away as well. My father-in-law had tragically died from a heart attack not long ago, and we were supporting my mother-in-law through her grief.
I recognized that continuing in my role would demand a significant time commitment that I now wished to devote to my family. Therefore, during my maternity leave, I resolved not to return to my position. Despite my long history with Hillary, I was uncertain about how she would react to my decision. I worried that she might view me as weak for choosing family over career or that she would simply wish me luck without genuine concern. Taking a deep breath, I reached out to her.
When we spoke, she initially attempted to persuade me to stay. “You could work flexible hours,” she offered, even suggesting I could set up a portable crib in the office. I knew she was sincere, but I was all too aware of the unpredictable demands of political work—there was only one person I wanted to be available for at all hours, and that was baby Leo.
I expressed my gratitude but remained firm in my decision. I was unsure of what to expect next. “You know,” she said thoughtfully, “I remember when Chelsea was born. Going back to work was incredibly tough.” I recalled her recounting this in her memoir, where she described using every bit of leave she could before returning to her attorney position.
To my astonishment, she continued, “That was one of the hardest choices I ever made. I completely understand where you’re coming from, and I wholeheartedly support your decision. Just know, if you ever want to come back, there will always be a place for you with me.” I was taken aback and deeply moved by her response. She extended kindness beyond what I could have anticipated from someone of her stature. She saw me not just as an employee but as a mother and a daughter facing profound changes in my life. Her empathy and support were palpable, underscoring her commitment to honoring women’s choices.
Fast forward to today, I’ve returned as an enthusiastic volunteer for her campaign. Leo is now nearly 10, and he has two little sisters who proudly sport their “Hillary” buttons on their backpacks. They patiently endure my conference calls, travel, and writing as I contribute to this historic campaign. I consistently remind them that Hillary is dedicated to the well-being of families and children not only in the U.S. but around the globe.
You can learn a lot from Hillary’s speeches and policy papers, but sharing my personal experience resonates deeply with others. It illustrates that her beliefs align with her actions. She genuinely values family, and you can trust that her governance will reflect this commitment. Hillary aims to nurture the potential within all of us, creating opportunities for everyone—parents, children, grandparents, and beyond—to make the best decisions for their lives. I can attest to this from my own experience.
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In summary, my journey with Hillary Clinton exemplifies how her values translate into action. As she supports families and champions women’s choices, her commitment is evident in both her words and her deeds.