For Better, For Worse
Vogue|October 2017

In this excerpt from her campaign memoir, Hillary Clinton reflects on the bond that has helped her through victory and defeat.

Hillary Rodham Clinton
For Better, For Worse

I was confident that Bill would be great at parenting. His father died before Bill was born; he knew how lucky he was to have this chance that his own father never had. Still, a lot of men are thrilled to be dads but not so thrilled about all the work that a child requires. The writer Katha Pollitt has observed how even the most egalitarian relationships can contort under the strain of child rearing, and all of a sudden the mom is expected to do everything, while the dad pitches in here and there. She calls it becoming “gender Republicans”—a nifty phrase, if perhaps a little unfair to all the feminist Republicans out there, who really do exist.

I knew that I had enough energy and devotion for two, if it turned out that Bill wasn’t a co-equal in the child-raising department. But I really hoped that wouldn’t happen. Our marriage had always been a true partnership. Though he was governor and then president—jobs that would seem to “beat” a lot of others, if you were the kind of person who ranked jobs like that—my career was important to me, too. So was my time and, more broadly, my identity. I couldn’t wait to become a mother, but I didn’t want to lose everything else about myself in the becoming. I was counting on my husband not just to respect that but also to join me in guarding against it.

This story is from the October 2017 edition of Vogue.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the October 2017 edition of Vogue.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM VOGUEView All
Yes, Ayo!
Vogue US

Yes, Ayo!

There are worse places that a rising star can find themselves than at loose ends in Europe in July.

time-read
7 mins  |
April 2024
A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS
Vogue US

A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS

With the upcoming Netflix series Ripley, Andrew Scott furthers his ascent, proving himself one of the most chameleonic and charming actors around.

time-read
7 mins  |
April 2024
Life Is a Cabaret
Vogue US

Life Is a Cabaret

Three years after the West End production made major waves, the storied musical arrives on Broadway. Adrienne Miller goes behind the scenes at the Kit Kat Club.

time-read
10+ mins  |
April 2024
Chasing Perfection
Vogue US

Chasing Perfection

Coco Gauff is as famous for her poise as she is for her tennis, and in person she cuts a regal figure. The Friday before last season's finals began in Cancún, Mexico, in late October, she and other top players attended a gala at the palatial Kempinski Hotel.

time-read
10+ mins  |
April 2024
By the Sea
Vogue US

By the Sea

Refurbished mainstays bring fresh shine to the Golden State's coast.

time-read
1 min  |
April 2024
Taking the Waters
Vogue US

Taking the Waters

Water sommeliers, five-figure bottles the market for old-fashioned H2O has never been stronger. Tamar Adler investigates.

time-read
6 mins  |
April 2024
Porcelain Petals
Vogue US

Porcelain Petals

Korean American artist Se Oh brings botany and personal history to their work.

time-read
1 min  |
April 2024
Fertile Territory
Vogue US

Fertile Territory

An abundance of gardening books offers springtime inspiration.

time-read
1 min  |
April 2024
Girl on Fire
Vogue US

Girl on Fire

Grammy-winning Tyla is making music for Africa, and beyond.

time-read
1 min  |
April 2024
La Dolce & Gabbana Vita
Vogue US

La Dolce & Gabbana Vita

A new exhibition by the design duo celebrates Italy in style. By Tiziana Cardini.

time-read
3 mins  |
April 2024