1. Quotes
  2. Authors
  3. Hillary Clinton

Hillary Clinton Quotes
page 5

Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton is an American politician and diplomat who served as the First Lady of the United States from 1993 to 2001, U.S. Senator from New York from 2001 to 2009, 67th United States Secretary of State from 2009 to 2013, and as the Democratic Party's nominee for President of the United States in the 2016 election.

Born in Chicago, Illinois and raised in the Chicago suburb of Park Ridge, Clinton graduated from Wellesley College in 1969 and earned a Juris Doctor from Yale Law School in 1973. After serving as a congressional legal counsel, she moved to Arkansas and married Bill Clinton in 1975. In 1977, she co-founded Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families. She was appointed the first female chair of the Legal Services Corporation in 1978 and became the first female partner at Rose Law Firm the following year. As First Lady of Arkansas, she led a task force whose recommendations helped reform Arkansas's public schools.

As First Lady of the United States, Clinton was an advocate for gender equality and healthcare reform. Her marital relationship came under public scrutiny during the Lewinsky scandal, which led her to issue a statement that reaffirmed her commitment to the marriage. In 2000, Clinton was elected as the first female Senator from New York. She was reelected to the Senate in 2006. Running for president in 2008, she won far more delegates than any previous female candidate but lost the Democratic nomination to Barack Obama. During her tenure as U.S. Secretary of State in the Obama Administration from 2009 to 2013, Clinton responded to the Arab Spring by advocating military intervention in Libya. She helped to organize a diplomatic isolation and international sanctions regime against Iran in an effort to force curtailment of that country's nuclear program; this would eventually lead to the multinational Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action agreement in 2015. Upon leaving her Cabinet position after Obama's first term, she wrote her fifth book and undertook speaking engagements.

Clinton made a second presidential run in 2016. She received the most votes and primary delegates in the 2016 Democratic primaries and formally accepted her party's nomination for President of the United States on July 28, 2016 with vice presidential running mate Senator Tim Kaine. She became the first female candidate to be nominated for president by a major U.S. political party. She lost the presidential election to Republican opponent Donald Trump in the Electoral College, despite winning a plurality of the popular vote. She received more than 65 million votes, the 3rd-highest count in a U.S. presidential election, behind Obama's victories in 2008 and 2012. Following her loss, she wrote her third memoir, What Happened, and launched Onward Together, a political action organization dedicated to fundraising for progressive political groups.

✵ 26. October 1947
Hillary Clinton photo
Hillary Clinton: 312   quotes 8   likes

Hillary Clinton Quotes

“And finally, to my husband, who understands so well the awesome responsibilities resting on the shoulders of President Obama and Vice President Biden and all of us who serve with them. I am so grateful to him for a lifetime of… all kinds of experiences – (audience laughter) – which have given me a – (applause) – which have given me an extraordinary richness that I am absolutely beholden to and grateful for.”

Hillary Clinton

Official Swearing-in Ceremony http://web.archive.org/web/20090204230553/http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2009a/02/115841.htm, February 2, 2009
Secretary of State (2009–2013)

Understanding , Laughter

“What’s happening to families at the border right now is a humanitarian crisis. Every parent who has ever held a child in their arms, every human being with a sense of compassion and decency, should be outraged.”

Hillary Clinton

18 June 2018 Tweet https://twitter.com/HillaryClinton/status/1008806858176585730 affirmed by Vox article https://www.vox.com/2018/6/18/17476268/hillary-clinton-family-separation-border-immigration
Post Presidential Election, Separation of illegally immigrating adults and children (2018)

Family , Parent , Sense

“There are the right ways of doing it, and then there are ways that are ineffective. Stop-and-frisk was found to be unconstitutional and, in part, because it was ineffective. It did not do what it needed to do.”

Hillary Clinton

Presidential campaign (April 12, 2015 – 2016), First presidential debate (September 26, 2016)

Way , Parting

“None of us gets through life alone. We all have to look out for each other and lift each other up.”

Hillary Clinton

Presidential campaign (April 12, 2015 – 2016), Speech in Orlando, Florida (September 21, 2016)

Life

“Let’s be clear: Islam is not our adversary. Muslims are peaceful and tolerant people and have nothing whatsoever to do with terrorism.”

Hillary Clinton

Tweet (19 November 2015) https://twitter.com/hillaryclinton/status/667371059885301761
Presidential campaign (April 12, 2015 – 2016)

People , Peace

“I wish [my mother] could have seen the America we’re going to build together. An America, where if you do your part, you reap the rewards. Where we don’t leave anyone out, or anyone behind. An America where a father can tell his daughter: yes, you can be anything you want to be. Even President of the United States.”

Hillary Clinton

Campaign kickoff speech (June 13, 2015) https://www.hillaryclinton.com/feed/campaign-kickoff-speech/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=fb&utm_campaign=20150613genius_social#
Presidential campaign (April 12, 2015 – 2016)

Parting , Daughters

“Although we weren't able to shatter that highest, hardest glass ceiling this time, thanks to you, it's got about 18 million cracks in it.”

Hillary Clinton

Concession speech http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=572270, Washington D.C., June 7, 2008.
Presidential campaign (January 20, 2007 – 2008)

Time

“Despite what you hear, we don't need to make America great again. America has never stopped being great. But we do need to make America whole again. Instead of building walls, we need to be tearing down barriers.”

Hillary Clinton

Speech http://www.politico.com/blogs/2016-dem-primary-live-updates-and-results/2016/02/hillary-clinton-donald-trump-slogan-219908 (February 2016)
Presidential campaign (April 12, 2015 – 2016)

Tear

“In two nights you're going to have the Republican candidates here. They all support the war. They all support the president. They all supported the escalation. Each of us is trying in our own way to bring the war to an end.”

Hillary Clinton

Democratic Presidential Debate, Manchester, New Hampshire, June 3, 2007 http://edition.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/1998/resources/lewinsky/timeline/
Presidential campaign (January 20, 2007 – 2008)

War , Way , Support , Night

“The people taking care of our children and our parents, they deserve a good wage, good benefits, and a secure retirement. And, it’s crucial that every American have access to the education and skills they need to get the jobs of the future. So we will fight to make college tuition-free for the middle class and debt-free for everyone.”

Hillary Clinton

Presidential campaign (April 12, 2015 – 2016), Speech in Warren, Michigan (August 11, 2016)

Children , People , Education , Parent

“His [Trump's] cavalier attitude about nuclear weapons is so deeply troubling. That is the number-one threat we face in the world. And it becomes particularly threatening if terrorists ever get their hands on any nuclear material. So a man who can be provoked by a tweet should not have his fingers anywhere near the nuclear codes, as far as I think anyone with any sense about this should be concerned.”

Hillary Clinton

Presidential campaign (April 12, 2015 – 2016), First presidential debate (September 26, 2016)

World , Thinking , Sense

“I have provided all of my work related emails.”

Hillary Clinton

"Hillary Clinton Doubles Down on Email Scandal, Saying 'It Was Allowed'" http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/hillary-clinton-doubles-email-scandal-allowed/story?id=39400634 by Liz Kreutz and Paola Chavez, ABC News (26 May 2016). Cf. FBI Director James Comey: "we found work-related emails, thousands that were not returned." — "Comey challenges truthfulness of Clinton's email defenses" http://www.politico.com/blogs/james-comey-testimony/2016/07/clinton-untrue-statements-fbi-comey-225216 by Nick Gass, Politico (7 July 2016).
Presidential campaign (April 12, 2015 – 2016)

“Everyone should be respected by the law, and everyone should respect the law.”

Hillary Clinton

Presidential campaign (April 12, 2015 – 2016), First presidential debate (September 26, 2016)

Law

“It's time to have wage equality one and for all”

Hillary Clinton

An unequal answer on equal pay (24 February 2015)
Interim (2013–2015)

Time

“We're going to have to make it clear that we don't want to use the kinds of tools that we have. We don't want to engage in a different kind of warfare. But we will defend the citizens of this country.”

Hillary Clinton

Presidential campaign (April 12, 2015 – 2016), First presidential debate (September 26, 2016)

Country

“MODERATOR 1: Okay. Which designers do you prefer?
SECRETARY CLINTON: What designers of clothes?
MODERATOR 1: Yes.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Would you ever ask a man that question? [Laughter, applause]
MODERATOR 1: Probably not. Probably not. [Applause]”

Hillary Clinton

Townterview Hosted by KTR http://web.archive.org/web/20101204161545/http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2010/12/152294.htm, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of State. KTR Studio, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (December 2, 2010)
Secretary of State (2009–2013)

Question , Laughter , Clothes

“None of us can be satisfied with the status quo. Not by a long shot.”

Hillary Clinton

Presidential campaign (April 12, 2015 – 2016), (July 28, 2016)

“My successor, John Kerry, and President Obama got a deal that put a lid on Iran's nuclear program without firing a single shot. That's diplomacy. That's coalition-building. That's working with other nations.”

Hillary Clinton

Presidential campaign (April 12, 2015 – 2016), First presidential debate (September 26, 2016)

“Every child deserves a good teacher in a good school, regardless of the zip code that they live in.”

Hillary Clinton

Presidential campaign (April 12, 2015 – 2016), Democratic Presidential Debate in Miami (March 9, 2016)

School , Teachers

“Our efforts will only succeed if the Arabs and Turks step up in a much bigger way. This is their fight and they need to act like it. So far, however, Turkey has been more focused on the Kurds than on countering ISIS. And to be fair, Turkey has a long and painful history with Kurdish terrorist groups. But the threat from ISIS cannot wait. As difficult as it may be, we need to get Turkey to stop bombing Kurdish fighters in Syria who are battling ISIS and become a full partner of our coalition efforts against ISIS. The United States should also work with our Arab partners to get them more invested in the fight against ISIS. At the moment, they are focused in other areas.”

Hillary Clinton

Presidential campaign (April 12, 2015 – 2016), Speech on fighting ISIS (November 20, 2015)

Pain , Way , History , Effort

“Guaranteeing equal pay won’t just increase paychecks for women – it will boost family budgets and get incomes rising across the board. And I don’t understand why Trump’s against that. Paid family leave won’t only make life easier for Moms and Dads – it will also keep skilled, talented Americans in the workforce and grow our economy. That’s why every other advanced country already has it. Again, he’s against it. Raising the federal minimum wage won’t just put more money in the pockets of low-income families – it also means they will spend more at the businesses in their neighborhoods. Trump’s against that as well. … And protecting and expanding Social Security doesn't just help older Americans retire with dignity – it helps to ease burdens on families and communities. And I also believe the same thing about comprehensive immigration reform.”

Hillary Clinton

Presidential campaign (April 12, 2015 – 2016), Speech in Warren, Michigan (August 11, 2016)

Life , Women , Money , Family

“I am sick and tired of people who say that if you debate and you disagree with this administration, somehow you're not patriotic, and we should stand up and say, "We are Americans and we have a right to debate and disagree with any administration!"”

Hillary Clinton

April 28, 2003 at the annual Democratic Party Jefferson-Jackson-Bailey Day fund raising dinner in Connecticut.
Senate years (2001 – January 19, 2007)

People

“The kind of plan that Donald has put forth would be trickle-down economics all over again. In fact, it would be the most extreme version, the biggest tax cuts for the top percent of the people in this country than we've ever had. I call it trumped-up trickle-down, because that's exactly what it would be. That is not how we grow the economy.”

Hillary Clinton

Presidential campaign (April 12, 2015 – 2016), First presidential debate (September 26, 2016)

People , Country

“We need to have more second chance programs. I'm glad that we're ending private prisons in the federal system; I want to see them ended in the state system. You shouldn't have a profit motivation to fill prison cells with young Americans. So there are some positive ways we can work on this.”

Hillary Clinton

Presidential campaign (April 12, 2015 – 2016), First presidential debate (September 26, 2016)

Way , Motivation , Chance

“I cannot control what the Republicans leak and what they are contending.”

Hillary Clinton

Meet the Press http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/430235/hillary-fbi-investigation-i-cant-control-what-republicans-and-their-allies-do (January 2016).
Presidential campaign (April 12, 2015 – 2016)

“We will make sure that the person who made that film is arrested and prosecuted.”

Hillary Clinton

Said to Charles Woods, the father of a Navy SEAL killed in Benghazi, as reported in "The Benghazi patsy" http://www.politico.com/story/2013/05/the-benghazi-patsy-091101#ixzz3jrLiuxy0 by Rich Lowry, Politico (9 May 2013)
Attributed

Personality

“Yes, the world is watching what we do. Yes, America's destiny is ours to choose. So let's be stronger together, my fellow Americans. Let’s look to the future with courage and confidence. Let’s build a better tomorrow for our beloved children and our beloved country. And when we do, America will be greater than ever.”

Hillary Clinton

Presidential campaign (April 12, 2015 – 2016), (July 28, 2016)

Children , World , Confidence , Courage

“Words matter. Words matter when you run for president. And they really matter when you are president.”

Hillary Clinton

Presidential campaign (April 12, 2015 – 2016), First presidential debate (September 26, 2016)

“I’ve worked across the aisle to pass laws and treaties and to launch new programs that help millions of people. And if you give me the chance, that’s what I’ll do as President.”

Hillary Clinton

Presidential campaign (April 12, 2015 – 2016), (July 28, 2016)

People , Law , Chance , Help

“So enough with the bigotry and bombast. Donald Trump's not offering real change. He's offering empty promises.”

Hillary Clinton

Presidential campaign (April 12, 2015 – 2016), (July 28, 2016)

Change

“Way too many dreams die in the parking lots of banks. In America, if you can dream it, you should be able to build it.”

Hillary Clinton

Presidential campaign (April 12, 2015 – 2016), 2016 Democratic National Convention (July 28, 2016)
Context: College is crucial, but a four-year degree should not be the only path to a good job. We're going to help more people learn a skill or practice a trade and make a good living doing it. We're going to give small businesses a boost. Make it easier to get credit. Way too many dreams die in the parking lots of banks. In America, if you can dream it, you should be able to build it. We're going to help you balance family and work. And you know what, if fighting for affordable child care and paid family leave is playing the “woman card,” then Deal Me In!

Dreams , Way

“I'm not going to have some reporters pawing through our papers. We are the president.”

Hillary Clinton

Quoted in Blood Sport: The President and His Adversaries (p. 368), James B. Stewart, December 1993
White House years (1993–2000)

“Between the Republicans trying to repeal the first chance we’ve ever had to get to universal health care, and Senator Sanders wanting to throw us into a contentious debate over single-payer, I think the smart approach is build on and protect the Affordable Care Act. Make it work. Reduce the cost.”

Hillary Clinton

Presidential campaign (April 12, 2015 – 2016), Democratic Presidential Debate in Miami (March 9, 2016)

Thinking , Chance

“He’s making a big promise. But his advisors have said, his own advisors have said, he may not stand by them. … One of the differences between Donald Trump and me is I’m telling you what I will do, I’m laying out my plans, and I will stand by them, and I want you to hold me accountable for delivering results. This all reminds me of that old saying, ‘if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

Hillary Clinton

Presidential campaign (April 12, 2015 – 2016), Speech in Warren, Michigan (August 11, 2016)

“I have said publicly no option should be off the table, but I would certainly take nuclear weapons off the table.”

Hillary Clinton

Bloomberg Television (regarding Iran), April 2006 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/09/AR2007080900855_pf.html
Senate years (2001 – January 19, 2007)

“Well, I have been a strong supporter of ending discrimination, and particularly focusing on hate crimes and workplace bias and the like. And in our country, the issue of same-sex marriage, which is a -- is a matter left to each state, each state sets the rules -- is proceeding on a state-by-state basis. I think that is the best way for it to proceed. I have not supported same-sex marriage. I have supported civil partnerships and contractual relationships”

Hillary Clinton

Speech and Townterview with Australian Broadcasting Company http://www.state.gov/secretary/20092013clinton/rm/2010/11/150516.htm (7 November 2010)
Secretary of State (2009–2013)

Hate , Marriage , Sex , Way

“You stupid f—ing moron. How could you risk your presidency for this?”

Hillary Clinton

To Bill Clinton, during the Monica Lewinsky scandal in 1998, as reported in NewsMax.com https://books.google.com/books?id=8EkhAQAAMAAJ&q=%22You+stupid+f+%E2%80%94+ing+moron.+How+could+you+risk+your+presidency+for+this?%22 (9 December 2001)
Attributed

Stupidity

“The man of Hope, Barack Obama. America is stronger because of President Obama's leadership, and I'm better because of his friendship.”

Hillary Clinton

Presidential campaign (April 12, 2015 – 2016), (July 28, 2016)

Friendship , Hope

“It’s astonishing to me how many places in America, not way, way far away from cities, but in cities and near cities that don’t have access to broadband. And that disadvantages kids who are asked to do homework using the internet. 5 million of them live in homes without access to the internet. So you talk about an achievement gap, it starts right there.”

Hillary Clinton

Presidential campaign (April 12, 2015 – 2016), Speech in Warren, Michigan (August 11, 2016)

Way , Home

“I have a million ideas. The country can't afford them all.”

Hillary Clinton

Reply to a question whether her proposals can be implemented without increasing the national debt, October 11, 2007. http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2007/10/11/clinton_vows_to_check_executive_power/
Presidential campaign (January 20, 2007 – 2008)

Idea , Country

“I want to thank Bernie Sanders. Bernie, your campaign inspired millions of Americans, particularly the young people who threw their hearts and souls into our primary. You've put economic and social justice issues front and center, where they belong. And to all of your supporters here and around the country: I want you to know, I've heard you. Your cause is our cause. Our country needs your ideas, energy, and passion. That's the only way we can turn our progressive platform into real change for America. We wrote it together – now let's go out there and make it happen together.”

Hillary Clinton

Presidential campaign (April 12, 2015 – 2016), (July 28, 2016)

People , Justice , Way , Soul

“A man with a long history of racial discrimination, who traffics in dark conspiracy theories drawn from the pages of supermarket tabloids and the far reaches of the internet, should never run our government or command our military. If he doesn’t respect respect all Americans, he can’t serve all Americans! … There’s no other Donald Trump. This is it.”

Hillary Clinton

Presidential campaign (April 12, 2015 – 2016), Speech in Reno, Nevada (August 25, 2016)

History

“In Atlantic City, 60 miles from here, you'll find contractors and small businesses who lost everything because Donald Trump refused to pay his bills. Now remember what the President said last night -- don't boo, vote. People who did the work and needed the money, and didn't get it – not because he couldn't pay them, but because he wouldn't pay them. He just stiffed them. That sales pitch he's making to be your president? Put your faith in him – and you'll win big? That's the same sales pitch he made to all those small businesses. Then Trump walked away, and left working people holding the bag.”

Hillary Clinton

Presidential campaign (April 12, 2015 – 2016), 2016 Democratic National Convention (July 28, 2016)

Money , People , Faith , Business

“How could you be so damn stupid? How could you do that?”

Hillary Clinton

To Bill Clinton, in front of guests, as reported in U.S. News & World Report https://books.google.com/books?id=Sy0nAQAAIAAJ&q=%22How+could+you+be+so+damn+stupid?+she+demanded.+How+could+you+do+that?%22 (5 February 1996)
Attributed

Stupidity

“For 40 years, everyone running for president has released their tax returns. You can go and see nearly, I think, 39, 40 years of our tax returns, but everyone has done it. We know the IRS has made clear there is no prohibition on releasing it when you're under audit. So you've got to ask yourself, why won't he release his tax returns? And I think there may be a couple of reasons. First, maybe he's not as rich as he says he is. Second, maybe he's not as charitable as he claims to be. Third, we don't know all of his business dealings, but we have been told through investigative reporting that he owes about $650 million to Wall Street and foreign banks. Or maybe he doesn't want the American people, all of you watching tonight, to know that he's paid nothing in federal taxes, because the only years that anybody's ever seen were a couple of years when he had to turn them over to state authorities when he was trying to get a casino license, and they showed he didn't pay any federal income tax. So if he's paid zero, that means zero for troops, zero for vets, zero for schools or health. And I think probably he's not all that enthusiastic about having the rest of our country see what the real reasons are, because it must be something really important, even terrible, that he's trying to hide. And the financial disclosure statements, they don't give you the tax rate. They don't give you all the details that tax returns would. And it just seems to me that this is something that the American people deserve to see. And I have no reason to believe that he's ever going to release his tax returns, because there's something he's hiding.”

Hillary Clinton

Presidential campaign (April 12, 2015 – 2016), First presidential debate (September 26, 2016)

People , Health , School , Business

“I want the Iranians to know that if I'm the president, we will attack Iran (if it attacks Israel). In the next 10 years, during which they might foolishly consider launching an attack on Israel, we would be able to totally obliterate them. That’s a terrible thing to say but those people who run Iran need to understand that because that perhaps will deter them from doing something that would be reckless, foolish and tragic.”

Hillary Clinton

Interview on ABC's Good Morning America, as quoted in "Clinton says U.S. could "totally obliterate" Iran" https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-politics-iran/clinton-says-u-s-could-totally-obliterate-iran-idUSN2224332720080422 by David Morgan, Reuters (22 April 2008)
Presidential campaign (January 20, 2007 – 2008)

People , Understanding

“I believe that every employee, from the CEO suite to the factory floor, contributes to a business’ success, so everybody should share in the rewards – especially those putting in long hours for little pay.”

Hillary Clinton

Presidential campaign (April 12, 2015 – 2016), Speech in Warren, Michigan (August 11, 2016)

Business , Success

“It's just not right that Donald Trump can ignore his debts, but students and families can't refinance theirs.”

Hillary Clinton

Presidential campaign (April 12, 2015 – 2016), 2016 Democratic National Convention (July 28, 2016)
Variant: It's just not right that Donald Trump can ignore his debts, but students and families can't refinance theirs.

Family

“We are not going to sit idly by and permit state actors to go after our information, our private-sector information or our public-sector information.”

Hillary Clinton

Presidential campaign (April 12, 2015 – 2016), First presidential debate (September 26, 2016)

“Now, we are entering a new phase in our relationship with Iraq, and we are very committed to making a major civilian commitment to Iraq’s future. We’ll be opening, as you know, and running consulates in Irbil and Basra, we’ll have civilian experts available to work with not only Iraqi counterparts, but also Americans and to support American businesses in the years to come, as we do in our diplomatic – especially our commercial diplomatic work all over the world. And so it’s time for the United States to start thinking of Iraq as a business opportunity.”

Hillary Clinton

And the sacrifice that the Iraqi people have made for your freedom is one that we highly respect.
Remarks at the Business Forum Promoting Commercial Opportunities in Iraq, June 3, 2011 http://www.state.gov/secretary/20092013clinton/rm/2011/06/164954.htm
Secretary of State (2009–2013)

People , World , Business , Support