Hillary Clinton’s grip on the public’s attention appears to be slipping, as her latest book, Something Lost, Something Gained: Lessons on Life, Love, and Liberty, has drastically underperformed in sales. According to a report by The Washington Free Beacon, the former Secretary of State’s newest release has sold far fewer copies compared to her last book, underscoring a noticeable decline in public interest in her political journey and reflections.
Released just last month, Something Lost, Something Gained sold only 27,000 copies in its first week—an alarming drop of over 80% compared to her previous books during the Trump presidency. Back then, Clinton’s memoirs and reflections were gobbled up by readers eager to understand her take on the 2016 election and her opposition to Donald Trump. However, as the years have passed and the political landscape has evolved, it seems that the public’s appetite for Clinton’s political narrative has waned considerably.
The book itself revisits many of the same themes Clinton has covered in the past, focusing heavily on her 2016 election loss to Donald Trump. She discusses what she sees as unfair treatment, not only from her political rivals but from the media and certain sections of the American electorate. She also uses the book to reaffirm her belief that she was right all along about various issues, including the dangers posed by Trump and his supporters.
One of the more controversial parts of the book is Clinton’s revisiting of her infamous “deplorables” comment, which she made during her 2016 campaign. At the time, she referred to many of Trump’s supporters as belonging to a “basket of deplorables,” a statement that was widely criticized and is considered by many to have been a pivotal moment in her campaign’s ultimate failure.
In Something Lost, Something Gained, Clinton acknowledges that her choice of words may have been politically unwise but stands by the sentiment behind the comment. “It was an unfortunate choice of words and bad politics,” she writes, “but it also got at an important truth. Just look at everything that has happened in the years since, from Charlottesville to Jan. 6. The masks have come off, and if anything, ‘deplorable’ is too kind a word for the hate and violent extremism we’ve seen from some Trump supporters.”
While Clinton’s unapologetic tone may resonate with her loyal supporters, it seems to be having less appeal among the general reading public. The lackluster sales of her book suggest that fewer people are interested in reliving the bitter aftermath of the 2016 election and are instead focused on the current political climate.
Hillary Clinton’s decline in book sales may point to a broader trend: her waning influence as a public figure. While Clinton was once one of the most polarizing and discussed politicians in the country, her relevance in today’s political discourse has noticeably diminished. Part of this is due to the simple passage of time—Clinton’s last significant run for office was now eight years ago, and much has changed since then. The Democratic Party has shifted its focus to a new generation of leaders, while the electorate has moved on to more immediate concerns.
In contrast to the strong sales of her previous books, which came out when anti-Trump sentiment was at its peak, Clinton’s current memoir has struggled to find a foothold in a much more complex political environment. Her message, which often centers on a blend of personal grievances and political analysis, seems to have less resonance in a time when voters are more concerned with inflation, economic challenges, and the upcoming 2024 election.
Despite her diminishing role in the national conversation, Clinton has hinted that she is not entirely done with public service. In recent interviews, the 76-year-old former First Lady and Secretary of State has signaled that she would be open to taking on a role in Kamala Harris’s administration, should the Democrats manage to retain control of the White House in the upcoming election. When asked by CBS This Morning if she would consider joining a potential future administration, Clinton said she would be willing to help in whatever way she could.
“Certainly, unofficially I want to be as helpful as I can, and would do anything I was asked to be helpful,” Clinton stated. “We have so much to do that it really should be all hands on deck.”
Though Clinton’s remarks were vague, they suggest she still sees herself as having a role to play in shaping the country’s future, even if her days of running for elected office are behind her. However, it remains to be seen whether the American public shares her enthusiasm for further involvement.
The tepid response to her latest book might be an indication that the public, especially younger generations of voters and readers, are moving beyond Clinton’s brand of politics. Her message of resistance to Trump’s policies and leadership resonated strongly in the years immediately following his victory, but as new challenges and figures have emerged, Clinton’s voice has become one of many in a crowded political field.
The stark sales drop for Something Lost, Something Gained serves as a barometer for Clinton’s relevance in today’s political landscape. As she reflects on her past, it seems fewer people are willing to relive the 2016 election alongside her. Whether she decides to stay involved in politics or retreat further into private life, the public’s reaction to her latest book suggests that many have moved on.
