Politics January 16, 2017
You know, Hillary – you’re one of the world’s hardest working, not just women – but humans. While you ran for president last year, American and world leaders constantly remarked on your lifelong work ethic – as Senator from New York, as Secretary of State, as a lawyer – and even as First Lady. You might not have been the world’s most amazing public speaker – but no one would deny you were an absolutely amazing policy wonk. But once in a while – please! – you’re allowed to call in sick!!!! Or depressed. Or both.
Yes, Hillary Clinton is allowed to show some emotion! You can’t always be a class act – can you? Even in the face of the ever-riled-up ready-to-burst Trump? This Friday, Jan. 20, might be a good idea, Hillary, to take what the overworked workforce at large has come to call “a mental health day.”
Um – we don’t think anyone could challenge you’re feeling slightly “under the weather” on the day of your arch political rival Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 45th president of the United States. I mean, who couldn’t empathize with your passing up the opportunity to see the man you beat by three million votes – and who infamously called you “nasty woman?” Not to mention “unfit to serve” and “crooked Hillary” – and who could forget, “Lock her up!” This might fell even the toughest candidate. It’s not exactly like getting dumped by your boyfriend. It’s more like getting dumped by the whole country!!
Yet Hillary Clinton will still attend the inauguration of Donald Trump, despite major politicians questioning the legitimacy of his presidency, given that there is much evidence that Russia hacked the election. It’s customary and good form for ex-presidents to attend all inaugurations: Trump’s will have George W. Bush and Jimmy Carter on hand – as well as outgoing President Barack Obama – though George H.W. Bush is not in good health.
But not every presidential nominee has attended past inaugurals. Mitt Romney sat out President Obama’s swearing in – and gave no particular reason. But John McCain attended President Obama’s first swearing in after he lost to him. Richard Nixon attended JFK’s inaugurals and Al Gore showed up for George W. Bush’s. But then again – this isn’t any year, is it? Sixteen Democrats so far have announced they’ll boycott and many entertainers who were asked to perform loudly passed up the opportunity. Of course, President Obama had Aretha Franklin, Beyonce and a ton of other A-list talent to celebrate his victories.
One Democratic Party consultant, Robert Shrum, who worked for Al Gore, has been quoted recently about Hillary’s attendance, observing, “It has to be an emotionally difficult day, but she won’t give any outward sign. She will have a stiff upper lip.” And no doubt Secretary Clinton will wear a pantsuit. It will be interesting to see if any of the protesters and hecklers who vow to appear in the thousands yell out on her behalf.
Come to think of it, her attendance might make Trump crazier than if she stayed home. Perhaps that’s part of her thinking. Or perhaps it’s just about respect for the office of the President of the United States – and not about the person.
READ MORE: 5 Jobs Hillary Clinton Could Pursue Next: From Astronaut to I.T.
No doubt the press will have a field day with this – and Hillary will get a ton of media attention, which will then have Trump taking to Twitter on his first night in office. After all, who knows if Melania will even show up?
But, hey, Hillary – you could be home baking cookies. Or licking your wounds. But I guess that just isn’t you. A policy wonk, and trouper – till the end.
