Despite campaigning for Hillary Clinton in multiple states, writer and star of HBO’s “Girls” Lena Dunham doesn’t appear to be helping the former secretary of state. In fact, she may be attracting the wrong sort of publicity.
Last week, The New York Times reported on the 29-year-old actress’ misgivings about how Clinton had treated her husband Bill’s accusers — women who claimed the former president had raped, assaulted or sexually harassed them. There are many, and Mrs. Clinton’s efforts to discredit them in the 1990s stand in contrast with her new and more politically correct demand that those making accusations of sexual assault “deserve to be heard, believed and supported.”
At a New York dinner party some time in 2015, Dunham reportedly told guests that she was disturbed by Clinton’s actions and statements toward these women in the 1990s. Clinton had reportedly called one of Bill’s accusers “trailer trash” and discussed “destroying” the women’s stories — hardly the actions of a woman who stands up for accusers (or victims).
Dunham announced she would campaign for Clinton last December, and began a travel diary to document her time on the road.
“I never imagined I would be traveling to four or more cities a day to spread the word on why I vote, why you should too and why I’m supporting Hillary Clinton’s bid for the presidency,” Dunham wrote. “But when the lady asks, I answer.”
At least some people are going to her campaign events just to see Dunham, and not because they also supported Clinton.
“I’m here for Lena, but I haven’t decided between Hillary and Bernie,” said one event-goer. “I don’t want to vote for someone for president of the United States because I love Lena Dunham.”
Smart woman.
Ashe Schow is a commentary writer for the Washington Examiner.
