Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has stirred debate with her comments on white Christian men and the role of Christian conservatism in U.S. politics.
Speaking on MSNBC’s Morning Joe just two weeks after the tragic assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Clinton argued that certain ideologies are fostering division rather than unity.
Clinton’s remarks arrived amid national conversations about political extremism and the influence of faith-driven political movements.
Kirk, who was an evangelical and whose beliefs shaped his political activism, was fatally shot earlier this month while addressing a college audience in southern Utah.
A Call for Progress, Not Regression
During the interview, Clinton emphasized her love for the United States, acknowledging its flaws while highlighting the country’s potential for progress.
“I love my country, warts and all,” she told hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski.
“We’ve always been a work in progress, and the ability to speak freely and protest is what makes this nation special.”
She expressed concern over attempts to “turn back the clock” to a time dominated by white men of a certain persuasion, religion, or ideology, saying such efforts are harmful to America’s long-term goals.
“We were moving toward a more inclusive society, though imperfectly and with many bumps along the way,” she added.
Critique of Current Public Figures
Clinton’s conversation also touched on the present political landscape.
She criticized Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., claiming his messages could lead Americans to reject modern health practices.
“He’s taking people back to a time when we weren’t vaccinating, drinking raw milk, and people’s lifespans were much shorter,” she said.
At the same time, Clinton acknowledged a rare moment of agreement with former President Donald Trump, praising a recent statement in which he suggested Ukraine could reclaim all of its territory amid ongoing conflict.
“I welcomed what the president said yesterday,” she remarked, referring to his Truth Social post.
Framing the Debate Around American Values
The interview largely revolved around questions of national identity, the influence of religion in politics, and the Democratic Party’s messaging strategy.
Clinton stressed that progress requires facing uncomfortable truths and resisting efforts to revive outdated ideologies that, in her view, threaten social cohesion.
“We have to keep moving forward, not backward,” she concluded.
“Freedom of speech, inclusion, and equality are what this country should stand for.”