With Hillary Clinton’s electoral defeat, millions of Americans are extremely disappointed. After all, this isn’t how things were supposed to work out for Clinton. Genuine democracy wasn’t supposed to interfere with the Clintons’ dynastic ambitions. Others are breathing sighs of relief, not least because the former first lady obviously lacks the character and the judgement needed to lead the nation.
In the run-up to Tuesday’s vote, Clinton’s emails were back in the spotlight again. Notwithstanding FBI Director James Comey’s last-minute missive on Sunday, it’s hard to imagine the email saga is truly over. After all, when it comes to the Clintons one always wonders if more scandalous details and inconvenient facts are about to emerge.
Leading up to Election Day, renewed uncertainties over Clinton’s emails served as a more general reminder of how flawed her candidacy was and how worried we should have been about her assuming the presidency. Clinton’s most succinct case for the White House essentially sounded something like this: “My opponent is crazy, reckless and terrible. I’m clearly a better choice than him. Please don’t take him seriously. Please vote for me.”
The Clintons have never thought that the law applies to them. They’ve come to that conclusion quite logically, because after decades of scandals they’ve faced virtually no consequences for their actions. Lying under oath isn’t a problem for the Clintons. Rethinking what philanthropy means, using a charity to shamelessly promote a political agenda and help themselves and others get rich in the process, seems to be just good politics. Why not use a private email account while serving as secretary of state? Great thinking, Madam Secretary.
Without question, a Clinton presidency would have included numerous longstanding Clinton hallmarks of concern to people of all political persuasions: corruption, greed, a flagrant disregard for ethical boundaries, lies, deceit and unrestrained arrogance.
Frankly, the saga surrounding Clinton’s email issues probably isn’t over because, rather unsurprisingly, we may not have all the facts and we can be sure the Clinton camp isn’t going to help us. If Clinton were more forthcoming with details and information (such as emails), we wouldn’t have to wonder.
Unfortunately, when it comes to the Clintons, we always know that inconvenient truths are being glossed over, disregarded or reformulated so they aren’t as politically unpalatable as they should be. When it comes to the Clintons, you can always be sure the full story is exactly what you’re not getting.
For Americans looking for a bright spot in these difficult moments, Clinton’s electoral defeat may be a good place to start. Had she won the presidency, we almost certainly would have been looking at the most arrogant, secretive and lawless administration we’ve seen in modern times. After eight exasperating years of President Obama, that’s saying something.
Taylor Dibbert is a writer based in Washington and the author of “Fiesta of Sunset: The Peace Corps, Guatemala and a Search for Truth.” Thinking of submitting an op-ed to the Washington Examiner? Be sure to read our guidelines on submissions.
