Estimated read time: 6 min read
One Sentence Summary
Hillary Rodham Clinton reflects on her experiences and explains her perspective on the 2016 United States presidential election.
Table of Contents
Introduction
"What Happened" is a memoir written by Hillary Rodham Clinton, the former United States Secretary of State and Democratic Party presidential nominee in 2016. This book provides an intimate and personal account of the 2016 U.S. presidential election, exploring the factors that led to her loss to Donald Trump. With a blend of personal experiences, political analysis, and reflections, Clinton offers her perspective on the events and challenges she faced during the campaign.
Brief Synopsis
The book begins with Clinton's decision to run for president and her experiences leading up to the election. She provides a detailed account of her campaign, including the primary battles against fellow Democrats and the general election campaign against Donald Trump. Clinton also delves into the controversies surrounding her use of a private email server while serving as Secretary of State and the subsequent FBI investigation.
Clinton shares her thoughts on the media coverage, the role of Russian interference in the election, and the impact of misinformation and fake news. She discusses the challenges of being a female candidate and the sexism she encountered throughout the campaign. Additionally, Clinton reflects on her personal journey and the impact the election had on her and her family.
Main Characters
| Character Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Hillary Clinton | The author and protagonist of the book, Hillary Clinton is a politician and former Secretary of State. She provides a personal account of her experiences during the 2016 presidential election and offers insights into the challenges she faced. |
| Donald Trump | The Republican Party nominee and eventual winner of the 2016 presidential election. Clinton discusses her campaign against Trump and analyzes his tactics and strategies. |
| Bill Clinton | Hillary Clinton's husband and former President of the United States. He plays a supportive role throughout the book and provides advice and guidance to Hillary during the election campaign. |
| Chelsea Clinton | Hillary Clinton's daughter. Chelsea appears in the book as a source of support and encouragement for her mother. |
| Various Politicians and Campaign Staff | Throughout the book, Clinton mentions various politicians, advisors, and campaign staff who played important roles during her campaign. These individuals include Bernie Sanders, Barack Obama, Tim Kaine, and Huma Abedin, among others. |
Summary of Different Story Points Over Chapters
Chapter 1: "Perseverance"
In this chapter, Clinton reflects on her decision to run for president and the personal motivations that drove her. She discusses the challenges she faced as a female candidate and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
Chapter 2: "Grit and Resilience"
Clinton recounts her experiences during the Democratic primary campaign, particularly her battles with Bernie Sanders. She discusses the policy differences between them and the challenges of appealing to different segments of the Democratic electorate.
Chapter 3: "In the Arena"
This chapter focuses on the general election campaign against Donald Trump. Clinton discusses the strategies employed by her campaign and the contrasting visions she and Trump presented to the American people.
Chapter 4: "Making History"
Clinton delves into the media coverage of her campaign and the challenges she faced as a female candidate. She reflects on the double standards and sexism she encountered throughout the election.
Chapter 5: "Grit and Grace"
In this chapter, Clinton discusses the impact of Russian interference in the election and the role of misinformation and fake news. She reflects on the challenges of combating these forces and maintaining her composure in the face of attacks.
Chapter 6: "Onward Together"
Clinton reflects on the aftermath of the election and the impact it had on her personally. She discusses the importance of resilience and continuing to fight for the causes she believes in.
Main Events
- Clinton's decision to run for president.
- The Democratic primary campaign, including battles with Bernie Sanders.
- The general election campaign against Donald Trump.
- Controversies surrounding Clinton's use of a private email server and the FBI investigation.
- Russian interference in the election and the impact of misinformation and fake news.
- The aftermath of the election and Clinton's personal reflections on the loss.
Themes and Insights
- Gender and Politics: Clinton explores the challenges and double standards faced by female candidates in politics, shedding light on the pervasive sexism that exists in the political arena.
- Resilience and Perseverance: The book emphasizes the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity, highlighting Clinton's determination to continue fighting for her beliefs despite setbacks.
- Media and Misinformation: Clinton reflects on the role of the media in shaping public opinion and discusses the impact of misinformation and fake news on the election.
- Impact of External Forces: The book delves into the impact of Russian interference on the election and raises questions about the role of foreign entities in influencing democratic processes.
Reader's Takeaway
"What Happened" provides readers with an inside look into the 2016 presidential election from Hillary Clinton's perspective. It offers insights into the challenges faced by a female candidate and delves into the impact of external forces on the election outcome. The book serves as a reminder of the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity, inspiring readers to stay engaged in the political process and fight for their beliefs.
Conclusion
"What Happened" is a compelling memoir that combines personal experiences, political analysis, and reflections on the 2016 presidential election. Hillary Rodham Clinton offers readers an intimate account of her campaign, exploring the factors that led to her loss to Donald Trump. The book sheds light on the challenges faced by female candidates in politics and raises important questions about the role of external forces in shaping election outcomes. "What Happened" is a must-read for those interested in understanding the complexities of modern-day politics and the impact of the 2016 election on American democracy.
What Happened FAQ
What is the book 'What Happened' about?
The book 'What Happened' by Hillary Rodham Clinton is a memoir that recounts the 2016 United States presidential election and its aftermath, providing Clinton's perspective on the events and her thoughts on the factors that led to her loss.
Who is the author of 'What Happened'?
The author of 'What Happened' is Hillary Rodham Clinton, the former United States Secretary of State and the first woman to be nominated for president by a major political party.
Is 'What Happened' a work of fiction or non-fiction?
'What Happened' is a work of non-fiction. It is a memoir written by Hillary Rodham Clinton, recounting real events and her personal experiences during the 2016 presidential election.
What can I expect to learn from reading 'What Happened'?
By reading 'What Happened', you can gain insights into Hillary Rodham Clinton's perspective on the 2016 presidential election, her thoughts on the challenges faced by her campaign, and her reflections on the factors that contributed to her loss.
Is 'What Happened' suitable for all readers?
'What Happened' is suitable for readers who are interested in politics, particularly the 2016 United States presidential election. However, some readers may find certain aspects of the book to be partisan or biased, so it is recommended to approach it with an open mind.
Are there any controversial topics discussed in 'What Happened'?
Yes, 'What Happened' discusses controversial topics such as Russian interference in the election, media coverage, and the impact of external factors on the outcome. It also addresses Clinton's personal experiences and challenges faced during the campaign.
Where can I purchase 'What Happened'?
'What Happened' can be purchased from various online and physical book retailers. It is available in formats such as hardcover, paperback, e-book, and audiobook.
Are there any other books by Hillary Rodham Clinton?
Yes, Hillary Rodham Clinton has written other books including 'Living History', 'Hard Choices', and 'It Takes a Village'. These books cover a range of topics including her experiences as First Lady, her tenure as Secretary of State, and her thoughts on public policy.
Has 'What Happened' received any awards or recognition?
Yes, 'What Happened' was a New York Times bestseller and received positive reviews from various publications. It generated significant discussion and debate about the 2016 presidential election.
Can I find an excerpt of 'What Happened' online?
Yes, you can find excerpts of 'What Happened' on various websites and online platforms. These excerpts provide a glimpse into the content and writing style of the book.
