With the presidential election fast approaching and candidates neck and neck in the polls, many Americans are left wondering what’s true and what’s not. To assist you in making an informed decision come November 8, here’s a breakdown of the top 10 myths surrounding Hillary Clinton.
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Hillary Clinton transmitted classified information via her personal email server.
The short answer is no, but the situation is nuanced. As Secretary of State, Clinton, like her predecessors, used a smartphone to manage her duties around the clock. Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice also used unsecured servers to stay connected after hours. Clinton’s server was distinct in that she recognized its insecurity and sought a secure option from the NSA, which declined her request. Instead, she opted for a server set up by the Secret Service for her husband post-presidency. While the State Department faced hacks, her server remained secure. After extensive investigations, it was concluded that Clinton did not commit a crime, though her choice of server was deemed improper.
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Hillary Clinton misuses the Clinton Foundation for personal gain.
This is another misconception. Much of the criticism surrounding the Clinton Foundation stems from claims made by Peter Thompson, author of “Clinton Cash.” However, the foundation has received high ratings from nonprofit watchdogs for its transparency and effective use of funds. It primarily engages in initiatives like providing AIDS treatment in Africa and disaster relief, rather than merely funneling grants. Furthermore, Clinton and her husband have disclosed 30 years of tax returns, revealing their income mainly from speaking fees and book sales, not the foundation.
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Donations to the Clinton Foundation could secure appointments with Secretary Clinton.
While it’s true that some individuals wrote to Clinton for meetings after donating to the foundation, the majority were already on track to meet with her as part of their roles. The donations were made to support causes she championed, and while a few may have met with her afterward, it doesn’t imply any impropriety or direct influence.
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Clinton approved a uranium deal with Russia due to donations to the Clinton Foundation.
This claim is categorically false. Schweizer had to admit that no evidence supported this assertion. The uranium deal required approval from nine different government agencies, meaning responsibility could not rest solely on Clinton. Additionally, those alleged to have donated to the foundation had no ties to the company involved in the deal.
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Hillary Clinton is accountable for the deaths of Americans in Benghazi.
As Secretary of State, Clinton was not directly responsible for the Benghazi attack. Despite her overseeing the reopening of the embassy, the tragic outcome stemmed from the unfortunate reality that terrorists can succeed in their missions. Comparatively, fewer Americans died from embassy attacks during her term than in previous administrations.
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Hillary Clinton is a conservative.
Contrary to this belief, Clinton was rated the 11th most liberal senator in the U.S. While she initially supported the Iraq invasion, she later became a vocal critic of the war. Known for her progressive stance, she has a history of advocating for social justice, healthcare access, and educational equality.
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Clinton is beholden to Wall Street.
Though she has given speeches for Wall Street banks, there’s no evidence they influence her politically. As a senator, she supported stricter regulations on financial institutions. Even opponents like Bernie Sanders couldn’t substantiate claims of her being in Wall Street’s pocket. Her campaign focuses on reforming Wall Street and ensuring accountability.
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Hillary Clinton is not a feminist.
This is far from the truth. Throughout her career, Clinton has championed women’s rights, emphasizing that they are human rights. She has worked to combat wage discrimination and has the strongest record on reproductive rights among presidential candidates. She also pledges to appoint a cabinet that reflects gender equality.
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Hillary Clinton is dishonest.
Fact-checkers have found Clinton to be one of the most truthful candidates in the race, often more so than her peers. The perception of her dishonesty stems from societal expectations of women in politics, where complex statements are unfairly scrutinized compared to simpler assertions made by male counterparts.
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Clinton defended a rapist and laughed about it.
One of the most egregious lies is that she defended a child rapist and found humor in it. As a young public defender, Clinton was assigned a case she tried to refuse. Ultimately, she fulfilled her duty, understanding that everyone deserves a defense. She managed to negotiate a guilty plea, which ensured the perpetrator faced consequences. Her laughter in a later interview was about her naivety, not the crime itself.
In contrast, Donald Trump is currently facing a lawsuit from a woman who claims he assaulted her.
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Summary
The ten myths surrounding Hillary Clinton range from her handling of emails to her supposed connections with Wall Street. Many of these claims are unfounded or misrepresented. Understanding the truth is essential for making informed choices in the political landscape.