Recently, Hillary Clinton sparked controversy when she suggested that Americans spreading misinformation, particularly about election interference, should potentially face criminal or civil penalties. In a conversation with MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow, Clinton discussed how both foreign actors, like Russia, and certain Americans engaged in what she sees as propaganda during the 2016 election, boosting Trump’s campaign. She expressed frustration over how this misinformation is handled and hinted that legal action against Americans involved could serve as a deterrent.
If you don’t think the Democrats are coming after free speech in January if they win the election, these statements by former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton should have you concerned.
“Just as Mueller indicted a lot of Russians who were engaged in direct election interference and boosting Trump back in 2016. But I also think there are Americans who are engaged in this propaganda,” Clinton said. “Whether they should be civilly or even in some cases, criminally charged is something that would be a better deterrence.”
This statement has led to renewed criticism of Clinton’s past, with some pointing out the irony given her husband, former President Bill Clinton, famously misled the public during the Monica Lewinsky scandal.
Critics argue that under such a law, Bill Clinton could have faced legal consequences for his own “misinformation” when he denied having sexual relations with Lewinsky.
Hillary Clinton has also been scrutinized for her handling of the 2016 election results. While she conceded the election, she has consistently criticized the legitimacy of Trump’s win, citing Russian interference.
She also called for the American press to unite in lockstep against Donald Trump to create a single and unified narrative against the former president.
“I don’t understand why it’s so difficult for the press to have a consistent narrative about how dangerous Trump is. The late great journalist, Terry Evans, one time said that journalists should really try to achieve objectivity,” she said. “And by that, he said, I mean, they should cover the object. Well, the object in this case is Donald Trump, his demagoguery, his danger to our country and the world, and stick with it. In.”
This, along with her controversial use of a private email server while Secretary of State—which led to an FBI investigation—continues to fuel opposition to her comments on misinformation.
Critics also revived an old case from Clinton’s early legal career, where she defended a man accused of raping a 12-year-old girl.
Some have argued that Clinton’s handling of that case, particularly her legal strategies, reflect poorly on her commitment to justice.
