PORTLAND, Oregon — Hillary Clinton was in Portland on Monday night promoting her latest book, “Something Lost, Something Gained: Reflections on Life, Love, and Liberty.” The former Secretary of State and democratic presidential nominee appeared at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, and was joined on stage by Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, who served as moderator.
During their conversation, Clinton discussed her new book, offering personal reflections on politics, family, aging and what she believes are threats against democracy. She also expressed her support for democratic presidential nominee, Kamala Harris.
“I think she's running a near flawless campaign,” Clinton told Kotek. “I don't know what else she could do to make her case and yet it's going to be a very close election.”
For many who attended the event, the timing felt significant. Eight years ago, most of them voted for Hillary Clinton for president.
“I was so crushed in 2016,” said Janet Harris, who drove up from Eugene. “I felt like the lesson was, 'No, little girl, you cannot grow up to be president.' And here we are, eight years later and I want to hope and I'm so afraid of getting crushed again.”
Clinton’s stop in Portland was part of a national book tour. Attendees paid anywhere from $76 to $469 for a VIP experience with Clinton before the show. Some attendees looked elsewhere for savings.
“I'm going to get the book from the library!” chuckled Elizabeth Carroll.
On stage, Clinton shared her concerns over the state of women's reproductive rights.
“Don't turn your backs on people in places like Idaho,” said Clinton. “They're Americans too, and their reproductive rights should not depend on what state they're living in if they're Americans.”
Monday was not Clinton's first time promoting a book in Portland. In 2017, she appeared to discuss her memoir, "What Happened," which she wrote it after her failed 2016 presidential bid against Donald Trump.
“What we have learned about Russian interference in the election is more than alarming,” she shared during the 2017 appearance. “It's a clear and present danger for western democracy and it's right out of [Vladimir] Putin's playbook.”
Some argue that little has changed since 2016. In four weeks, Americans will once again choose their next president, and they have a lot to look back on.
“It's kind of hard," said Carroll, "That we're having to fight the same battles again and again.”
