Former president will make a last-minute swing through South Texas to support vulnerable Democrats. Clinton will be joined by Rep. Henry Cuellar, and Michelle Vallejo, the Democratic candidate – both of whom are locked in a tough race with Republicans.
Clinton’s reception on the campaign trail is nothing compared to what the former president received after his election. Clinton was seen as a troubled figure after sexual harassment and misconduct allegations reverberated between Washington DC and Hollywood.
Some Democrats had difficulty reconciling Clinton’s political prowess, presidential achievements and his affair with Monica Lewinsky, a 24-year-old White House intern.
Clinton’s presence “just raises a lot of problems that will be very difficult for Democrats,” Rep. Pramila Japal, D.Wash., said to Politico in 2018. “And we all need to understand what #MeToo was,” I believe.
New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand stated to the New York Times, Clinton should have resigned during the height of the scandal.
Brad Bannon, a Democratic strategist, said that Democrats were stuck between a rock & a hard spot. They wanted to be firm against powerful men like Donald Trump and Brett Kavanaugh who were accused of sexual misconduct. But they didn’t feel able to do it with Clinton around.
Since then, Clinton has been linked to Jeffrey Epstein. This billionaire pleaded guilty more than a decade back to soliciting prostitution with minors. He was also arrested in 2019 on federal sex-trafficking charges after widespread criticism that his plea deal was too generous. Epstein was found dead in jail a little over a month later.
Clinton spokeswoman acknowledged that Epstein traveled internationally with Clinton. Clinton responded to a question about Epstein’s connection in Texas this week by saying, “I think there is evidence.”
These concerns seem not to be relevant for some members of the party a few years later. Democratic candidates who voted alongside Clinton and women’s groups at the forefront the #MeToo movement (including the National Organization for Women and Time’s Up) did not respond to requests for comment.
Clinton’s reemergence was due in large part to the favorable political climate and low popularity ratings of Biden. The Democrats hold a narrow control of Congress and face an energized Republican Party due to President Biden’s low job approval numbers, 40-year high inflation, and low job approval numbers.
Clinton is still popular among minority voters, and Clinton’s moderate politics makes it easier to campaign for vulnerable Democrats.
Colin Strother, a Texas-based Democratic strategist, said that President Clinton is “one of those oldies” that everyone listens to. “Democrats are well aware of his flaws and foibles, and they love him regardless. He is particularly popular with the Hispanic community… and continues to be the best communicator of Democratic priorities and values.”
