Throughout her political career, Hillary Clinton has been criticized for not being "authentic" or "likable" enough. But in a new ad targeted at Latino voters in Nevada, the former Secretary of State showed an emotional, grandmotherly side, while also highlighting the real human effects of immigration policy.
In the clip, Clinton sits in front of a group of supporters in a Las Vegas classroom this past Sunday. (According to NBC News, the moment happened in a journalist-free moment with young immigrants.) A little girl tells her that her parents "have a letter of deportation," and starts to choke up. "I'm scared they are going to be deported," she says. Clinton calls her up to sit on her lap, and she consoles her. "I'm going to do everything I can so you don't have to be scared," Clinton says, tearing up herself. "I'll do all the worrying, is that a deal?" The two then share a big hug.
The ad breaks the mold of a typical campaign commercial, and it succeeds at striking an emotional chord. Of course, as the New York Times notes, the ad makes no real factual claims about Clinton's immigration policy, and she never promises anything about her parents' specific case. In general, Clinton supports comprehensive immigration reform that would give undocumented immigrants a path to citizenship; so does her opponent, Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Even though Clinton and Sanders generally agree on immigration policy, the ad is a masterful way to show Clinton's softer side. It's crucial in a state like Nevada, where she's neck-and-neck with Sanders ahead of Saturday's caucuses. As someone who writes about politics for a living, it's hard to get genuinely emotional about a political campaign ad. After all, this little girl's story is being used to further someone's political career. But it's hard not to get choked up thinking about her real-life struggles and fears. Excuse me while I grab some tissues.
Follow Marie Claire on Instagram for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.
-
21 Spring Essentials in Madewell, Banana Republic, and Shopbop's Flash SalesDon’t let these can’t-miss sales pass you by.
-
'Shōgun' Is a Masterpiece—Will There Be More Episodes?With those ratings, never say never.
-
32 Child Stars Who Have Aged Like Fine WineThey made the notoriously bumpy transition to adulthood look easy.
-
36 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to MenIt's just one of the many ways women still aren't equal to men.
-
How New York's First Female Governor Plans to Fight for Women If ReelectedKathy Hochul twice came to power because men resigned amid sexual harassment scandals. Here, how she's leading differently.
-
Why the 2022 Midterm Elections Are So CriticalAs we blaze through a highly charged midterm election season, Swing Left Executive Director Yasmin Radjy highlights rising stars who are fighting for women’s rights.
-
Tammy Duckworth: 'I’m Mad as Hell' About the Lack of Federal Action on Gun SafetyThe Illinois Senator won't let the memory of the Highland Park shooting just fade away.
-
Roe Is Gone. We Have to Keep Fighting.Democracy always offers a path forward even when we feel thrust into the past.
-
The Supreme Court's Mississippi Abortion Rights Case: What to KnowThe case could threaten Roe v. Wade.
-
Sex Trafficking Victims Are Being Punished. A New Law Could Change That.Victims of sexual abuse are quietly criminalized. Sara's Law protects kids that fight back.
-
My Family and I Live in Navajo Nation. We Don't Have Access to Clean Running Water"They say that the United States is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Why are citizens still living with no access to clean water?"
