Hillary Clinton Had Pneumonia

“Hillary Clinton: Had Pneumonia” is the opening headline in Zach Galifianakis’ Between Two Ferns, and the video is an incredibly effective and strategic step toward Clinton’s goal to reach younger voters. In the twelve hours since being released, the video has had thousands of tweets, comments, and about half a million views. In less than a week, it has received another ten million views. It will undoubtedly continue to rapidly gain attention and showcase a more humorous, relatable side of the candidate.

The purposefully awkward and hostile interview with Galifianakis might be Hillary’s most favorable interview yet. A “behind the scenes” reveals she suggested the video be created, as well as the fact that the majority of it was improvised. Hillary has been mocked in her previous attempts to show her playful side, and a huge setback in popularity has been how likable she is perceived as. Seeing the presidential candidate in this context makes her seem genuinely relatable, and, as stated by the director in the interview, “She let out a big laugh on one of the early questions after Zach asked it, and it set us at ease that she got it and was having a good time... Zach would tell a joke and she would laugh really hard. And of course, we can’t use the laugh because that’s not what these are about.” Clinton’s enjoyment of the process, her genuine humor, and her relatability all make the interview incredibly light-hearted and fun for the audience. As Clinton has struggled with claims of her being “cold,” “distant,” and “calculating,” among many others, this interview shows a genuine humor that is not often seen.

I wasn't a Hillary supporter to start. At the beginning of this election, I was definitely feeling the Bern. I felt that Bernie Sanders was more likable. I believed he was a better public speaker, and I agreed with many of his ideals. And now, looking back, I realize I fell for something that many of us did. At first, I agreed with claims that Hillary appeared “cold,” “calculating,” “distant,” and even “unlikable.” I knew she was more than qualified, but was she someone I really wanted representing our nation? I should have known better, and known to have recognized the sexism embedded within my own perception.

I wished Clinton would show the passion that Sanders does in her speeches, or banter with other candidates during debates. I held these expectations without acknowledging that, if she were to act as an ideal male candidate, she would only receive criticism. She would sound “shrill,” “too emotional,” and “hormonal.” In all of Clinton’s years in a workplace dominated by men, she has undoubtedly learned that, as a woman, controlled responses are necessary to gain respect. Her controlled character is easily misperceived as aloof, cold, and calculating, but those are all things she absolutely has to be in order to be taken seriously.

Hillary Clinton has pressed through an incredible amount of sexism, and, having learned how to react to it, is seldom seen in a casual manner. Galifianakis created an environment in which she doesn’t need to be reserved and controlled. It wasn’t a serious event. This interview reveals a genuine part of her personality, and is a refreshing reminder of the upcoming election. If Clinton is elected this fall, it would be making a huge step in history. "Not to take away from that historical significance from you perhaps becoming the first female president, but for younger, younger generations you will become their first white president," Galifianakis deadpans. "That’s pretty neat too."

Between Two Ferns: https://youtu.be/xrkPe-9rM1Q