Clinton Quote by David Brooks
“We know the 65-point policy points, to the extent that they exist, but is Hillary Clinton willing to be vulnerable, is she willing to be funny, is she willing to be both authoritative, but also real? And so less what she says than the emotional tone she sets. It takes a lot of confidence to be a vulnerable speaker on this stage. And sometimes she hasn't always projected the confidence it takes to be in some ways weak. But that's what I think people were looking for, that moment of human connection.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on political communication, 2016
The speaker questions whether Hillary Clinton can combine authority with vulnerability, humor, and authenticity to create a human connection, noting confidence is essential for such openness.
In simple terms: Clinton must balance authority with genuine, vulnerable expression to connect emotionally.
Key Takeaway
Show authentic confidence in public speaking.
Themes
authenticity
leadership
communication
vulnerability
human connection
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
critical
Type
political
leadership
psychological
When to use this quote
- campaign speeches
- media interviews
- town hall meetings
- leadership training
Key Concepts
political rhetoric
emotional intelligence
public perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How can leaders maintain authority while showing vulnerability?
- What risks arise when authenticity is forced?
A Different Perspective
Authenticity can be perceived as weakness if not balanced with competence.
![“I don't think that [Hillary Clinton] can turn around her honesty and trustworthiness problems with one speech, but she could present herself tonight as more relatable, give people a glimpse of that warm, funny woman the people who meet her in small groups and one-on-one say that she is.” quote by Tamara Keith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/724/tamara-keith-25382_clinton_i-don-t-think-that-hillary-clinton-can-t_1540544.jpg)
![“She [Hillary Clinton] exudes leadership, confidence and - importantly - empathy, compassion, and understanding.” quote by Chrissy Teigen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b1a/chrissy-teigen-8139_clinton_she-hillary-clinton-exudes-leadership-co_850101.jpg)
![“[Hillary Clinton] showed, while in the Senate, that ability to connect and reach across and to forge alliances. I think she will be better [than Barack Obama]. But I think the problem with connecting emotionally with the people remains at large is - in a wholesale way.” quote by Mark Shields](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/109/mark-shields-1572_ability_hillary-clinton-showed-while-in-the-sena_2745008.jpg)
![“There's more than 1700 emails out of the thirty three thousand Hillary Clinton emails that we've published, just about Libya. It's not that Libya has cheap oil. She perceived the removal of [Muammar] Gaddafi and the overthrow of the Libyan state - something that she would use in her run-up to the…” quote by Julian Assange](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d1a/julian-assange-1566_clinton_there-s-more-than-1700-emails-out-of-the_2174.jpg)
![“I guarantee you [Hillary Clinton] is smoking in humiliation over the idea that she needs to heal and that [Donald] Trump's the guy to do it. That was great.” quote by Rush Limbaugh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/702/rush-limbaugh-28_clinton_i-guarantee-you-hillary-clinton-is-smoki_4403.jpg)
