5 things Hillary Clinton said at 92NY: From praising Trump to US coming out weaker in Iran war

WASHINGTON, DC: Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton touched on a range of domestic and international issues during a public conversation on Monday, June 15, with New Yorker editor David Remnick at 92NY in New York City. 

The discussion touched on the Iran conflict, prospects for peace in Gaza, former President Joe Biden's 2024 campaign decision, the future of the Republican Party, and Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.

Clinton calls Trump’s Gaza proposal 'the only game in town' 

Clinton praised Trump's 20-point Gaza proposal, arguing it offers a potential framework for Israeli security, Gaza's reconstruction, and Palestinian self-determination.

"Trump's 20-point plan for Gaza is actually a pathway to security for Israel, reconstruction for Gaza, and the possibility of self-determination, however defined, for the Palestinians," she said.

Clinton argued that some opposition stems from the proposal’s association with Trump rather than its substance. “There are a lot of people who reject it because Trump did it, but it’s the only game in town,” she said.

Clinton says the US emerged weaker from the Iran conflict 

Clinton said the United States emerged weaker from the recent conflict involving Iran, while Iran had gained strength. “Yes. Yes. The United States has come out weaker. Iran has come out stronger,” she said. 

Clinton also recalled what she described as repeated pressure from Israeli officials to support strikes against Iran. “They would say things like, ‘Our planes are on the tarmac,’” she said.

Clinton calls Biden’s reelection bid a 'terrible mistake'

Clinton argued that Biden should have followed through on expectations that he would serve as a transitional leader and create space for a new generation of Democratic candidates. “He made a terrible mistake,” Clinton said. “He made a terrible mistake for himself, his legacy, and for the country.”

“We would have had a real contest,” Clinton added. “And very sadly, I believe whoever emerged from that contest, whether it was the vice president or a governor or a senator or anybody else, would have beaten Donald Trump.”

Clinton speculates Trump may prefer a family successor 

Clinton suggested Trump may ultimately prefer a family member as his political heir if he cannot remain at the center of the movement himself.

“I don’t get the feeling he’s all warm and fuzzy about JD Vance,” she said. “I don’t think he is warm and fuzzy about nearly anybody other than himself, and who is closest enough to him, and that is possibly a son or a daughter.”

Clinton says Clarence Thomas carried a 'grudge' from early in his career

Clinton also reflected on Thomas, whom she knew during earlier stages of his career. Clinton described him as someone who believed he had been treated unfairly.

“He was kind of a guy with a grudge. He had a grudge,” she said.

Clinton said Thomas developed a worldview shaped by frustrations he experienced as he struggled to secure top opportunities. “I think he had a view that he was being treated unfairly in life."