Scientists say that most people have only a small handful of close friends, but Hillary Clinton is not most people — and she attempts to prove it in her new memoir.
From aides and fellow senior government officials to world leaders and at least one rock star, “Hard Choices” is jam-packed with praise for “old friends,” “longtime friends,” “valued friends,” “invaluable friends,” and more. Outside of deposed despots, hardly anyone comes in for criticism.
In what’s perhaps a tactful move ahead of a looming potential 2016 presidential bid, the memoir is extremely careful not to offend anyone, and seems optimized for the “Index Scan,” the notorious Washington practice whereby VIPs find their name and read what is written about them, and little else.
After perusing the book’s extensive 32-page index, power-brokers in a dozen world capitals will be pleased to find their close relationship with Clinton certified by her official record.
A list of these “friends” also provides an interesting window into the rarefied and cosmopolitan world which Clinton has come to inhabit, even as she tries to brush off charges of elitism. There are numerous heads of state, but almost zero “friends” listed who are not famous or powerful.
It’s a pattern that has continued during her aggressive publicity tour promoting the book, even in forums designed to give common folks access to the former secretary of state. During a Q&A hosted by Twitter last week, Clinton took more questions from company execs and famous friends, like actress Amy Poehler, than average users of the social network.
The tonal differences between her earlier memoir “Living History” and “Hard Choices” are striking: One is personal, the other feels professional. “Living History” includes some references to friendships with bold-faced friends like Stevie Wonder and former Texas Gov. Ann Richards, but the majority are private companions, from childhood or early adulthood. Here’s a list of Hillary Clinton’s “friends,” along with some of Clinton’s “indispensable partners” and “allies” in rough order of appearance: Clinton also praises Vice President Joe Biden for his “wealth of international experience” along with his “warmth and humor,” though he doesn’t get called a friend. Of Michelle Obama, Clinton writes that the two “bonded over the challenges of raising a family in the public eye.”Countless more aides are singled out for plaudits, while she uses “friend” in the diplomatic context on a number of occasions (speaking as nations, rather than individuals), but the term is mostly reserved for leaders and senior officials. Clinton served eight years year in the Senate, where everyone is referred to as “my friend from” whatever state they represent, even when being attacked by their arch-ideological foes.
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