^{Credit: Keyshea Mackey}

Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sat down with Jennifer Weiner, a renowned American writer, television producer, and journalist, at the New York Public Library on March 27. They discussed women’s role in society and Clinton’s latest book collaboration. 

Clinton talked about the world’s expectations of women. She discussed how women are not seen as equal to men in the workplace and the pay gap. She emphasized that there is still a lot of room for women and men to be themselves and make choices about how they want to appear to the world. 

However, Clinton also acknowledged that the online world can be scary, especially for those in politics and government. She talked about how people are attacked online and the negative impact it can have on their lives. 

Clinton discussed The State of Terror, her recent novel, co-written with Louise Penny. Writing it was “a rewarding experience.” The book, which they started writing in late 2019, helped them get through the COVID-19 pandemic and the difficult times that followed. 

“We had something to talk about to get us out of our reality,” Clinton said, adding that they wrote the book by sending drafts back and forth and dividing the work. 

When Weiner asked Clinton about Donald Trump’s indictments, Clinton chuckled and replied, “I am not answering that question.” Clinton did comment on the current political situation, stating that the mission is to ensure that Trump never becomes president again.

Clinton shared the best piece of advice she ever received. Her mother taught her to always pick herself back up, no matter how many times she fell, and to keep going. The interview concluded with audience questions further highlighting the importance of dialogue and conversation in our society.