Most times, the best part of a book is the ending. Yet, I already know that Donald Trump won the 2016 presidential election, so why did I even pick up this book? In Hillary Clinton’s nonfiction book, she pulls back the curtain on the 2016 presidential election. Clinton shares her best version of why the election ended the way it did.
Clinton shares her side of the story in intense detail, even outlining the policies she hoped to enact had she been elected to office. With an extensive list of possible reasons the former United States Secretary of State lost, there is no shortage of data and statistics to back up her claims. Yes, the data is important in her explanation, but she also adds an unexpected element of witty humor for some comic relief.
The reflective tone of What Happened is similar to other works by Clinton, such as Hard Choices. Clinton clarifies her thoughts on her devastating loss, “There are things I regret about the 2016 campaign, but the decision to run isn’t one of them” (Clinton 56). She is reminiscent about her past mistakes and successes, but her book provides a stronger sense of hope than regret. Clinton points to ways to continue on as a Democrat in a Republican controlled government. She does a good job of connecting with her audience, and refers to the famous “Pantsuit Nation” organization as a way for her audience to support her cause. There is no question that at some points, she is talking directly to her supporters. However, she also addresses those who did not vote for her. She routinely encourages and inspires readers.
Clinton lays out her political life, but she also makes a point to credit her family and her team. She dedicates a chapter to “Making History” and the overwhelming feeling of possibly being the first woman president. If you are looking for answers to your political questions, reading What Happened is a good place to start.
Clinton shares her side of the story in intense detail, even outlining the policies she hoped to enact had she been elected to office. With an extensive list of possible reasons the former United States Secretary of State lost, there is no shortage of data and statistics to back up her claims. Yes, the data is important in her explanation, but she also adds an unexpected element of witty humor for some comic relief.
The reflective tone of What Happened is similar to other works by Clinton, such as Hard Choices. Clinton clarifies her thoughts on her devastating loss, “There are things I regret about the 2016 campaign, but the decision to run isn’t one of them” (Clinton 56). She is reminiscent about her past mistakes and successes, but her book provides a stronger sense of hope than regret. Clinton points to ways to continue on as a Democrat in a Republican controlled government. She does a good job of connecting with her audience, and refers to the famous “Pantsuit Nation” organization as a way for her audience to support her cause. There is no question that at some points, she is talking directly to her supporters. However, she also addresses those who did not vote for her. She routinely encourages and inspires readers.
Clinton lays out her political life, but she also makes a point to credit her family and her team. She dedicates a chapter to “Making History” and the overwhelming feeling of possibly being the first woman president. If you are looking for answers to your political questions, reading What Happened is a good place to start.