John Taylor, Professor of Economics at Stanford University and developer of the "Taylor Rule" for setting interest rates | Stanford University
John Taylor, Professor of Economics at Stanford University and developer of the "Taylor Rule" for setting interest rates | Stanford University
Hillary Rodham Clinton recently addressed students at Stanford University, sharing her insights on resilience and public service. She spoke in the Continuing Studies course POL 68: Election 2024: Democracy on the Ballot, taught by Jim Steyer. Clinton emphasized having a long-term perspective on life and history, stating, "There are so many challenges that come up in life that you have to learn to deal with. You have to be resilient."
Steyer highlighted Clinton's extensive public service career, noting her roles as a child rights advocate, first lady of Arkansas and the U.S., U.S. senator, and secretary of state. The discussion was titled "State of American Democracy."
Clinton also discussed her new book, Something Lost, Something Gained: Reflections on Life, Love, and Liberty. Inspired by Joni Mitchell's song “Both Sides Now,” she reflected on how her feelings about life had evolved over time.
The conversation covered Clinton’s early advocacy work with Marian Wright Edelman at the Children’s Defense Fund. This effort contributed to the passing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1990.
Clinton warned against complacency regarding social protections like the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), highlighting attempts to overturn laws such as the Affordable Care Act.
She also addressed electoral issues related to the Electoral College and its impact on presidential elections. Reflecting on her own experience in 2016, she remarked that "the Electoral College is a particular anachronism because it’s the only device that determines who the winner of an election is based not on who gets the most votes but how they’re apportioned in the states."
Clinton touched upon misinformation spread through social media and urged students not to dismiss conspiracy theories lightly due to their potential influence.
On international matters, Clinton discussed Middle East tensions following recent conflicts involving Hamas and Israel. She described these as a “strategic regional challenge” extending beyond just those two entities.
Concluding with advice for students, Clinton encouraged them not to give up despite setbacks: “You shouldn’t give up on your country for all of our faults... Just don’t give up.”
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