When singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell performed at the Grammy Awards earlier this year, her iconic song “Both Sides Now” resonated deeply with at least one notable viewer. Hillary Rodham Clinton, the former first lady, U.S. senator, and secretary of state, revealed that the performance struck a chord with her, almost as if she were hearing the song for the first time. “I felt that, because when I first heard it, I had no idea what she was talking about,” Clinton said. “And then, of course, it happened to me, and to see love from both sides now, then to see life, all of the ups and the downs and the extraordinary opportunities and setbacks, everything that happens in a life.”
As reported by CBS News, Clinton shared that this poignant performance inspired her to open up in a new book titled “Something Lost, Something Gained,” which is set to be published on Tuesday. “It’s not my comfort zone, I’ll be honest,” she admitted. “I’ve always been a pretty private person.” However, as she approaches her 77th birthday, Clinton feels ready to share the wisdom she has gained over the years and the costs that came with it.
In her book, Clinton reflects on various setbacks and the people she has lost along the way. Among the toughest losses was Betsy Ebeling, a dear friend from grade school who passed away in 2019. “And I miss her every day,” Clinton said. She also lost another close friend, Ellen Tauscher, and her younger brother in the same year. These losses took a toll on her, requiring long walks, deep breaths, and prayer to cope.
Despite these challenges, Clinton remains grateful for the love and support of her husband, whom she married in 1975. As they approach their 50th wedding anniversary, she acknowledges that their relationship has had its ups and downs, but counseling and mutual effort helped them navigate through tough times.
Clinton also addresses her 2016 presidential loss in her book, expressing that it has been hard to move on even after eight years. She wrote, “Since 2016, people have asked me, ‘Will you ever be able to move on?’ Move on? I wish!” The conviction of former President Donald Trump for falsifying business records related to payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels brought her some sense of justice.
Reflecting on her debates with Trump, Clinton admitted it was challenging to keep her cool. “It was hard, because I had to be responding on the debate stage. But then, I had to be thinking: Now, do I respond to that? He’s trying to bait you,” she said.
Clinton also spoke about her role in paving the way for future generations of women, drawing inspiration from Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress and the first woman to run for the Democratic presidential nomination. Clinton emphasized that she stands on the shoulders of early suffragists and has passed the baton to the next generation, just as Chisholm did.
Her speech at the Democratic National Convention in August was an emotional moment for Clinton as she officially passed the torch to Kamala Harris, who she believes is poised to break the highest glass ceiling. “It was a hard speech to write. It was a hard speech to deliver,” she said.
Clinton’s new book, “Something Lost, Something Gained,” offers a deeply personal look at her life, the triumphs, and the losses, providing readers with a glimpse into the experiences that have shaped her journey.