# Why Hillary Clinton for Medal of Freedom? **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [January 4, 2025, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hillary-clinton-for-medal-of-freedom/1012562 "2025-01-04T21:06:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2025, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hillary-clinton-for-medal-of-freedom/1012562/21 "2025-01-05T02:14:11Z")
> [@Sigene](#): > > I want to avoid snarkiness as much as possible, but I don’t really understand why her. I suspect the same reason that Liz Cheney got it. F you Trump ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2025, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hillary-clinton-for-medal-of-freedom/1012562/22 "2025-01-05T02:18:26Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > I would think that would be reason enough. I might agree if I knew what help she provided and how many others helped also. By itself that statement has little value. ---
**Author:** ![bordelond](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bordelond/32/150_2.png) [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2025, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hillary-clinton-for-medal-of-freedom/1012562/23 "2025-01-05T03:46:32Z")
Until looking over the list of recipients and the criteria (such as they are), I had thought the Medal of Freedom was strictly for US citizens. Ignorance fought. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2025, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hillary-clinton-for-medal-of-freedom/1012562/24 "2025-01-05T04:23:42Z")
FYI, here’s a [gift link](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/04/us/politics/biden-medals-freedom.html?unlocked_article_code=1.m04.1y50.2zSmSmKJ0uy0&smid=url-share) to a New York Times piece about the message Biden is sending in his selection of recipients. > But on Saturday, Mr. Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 18 people, including some of the brightest lights of the old guard that Mr. Trump wants to tear down. In doing so, the 82-year-old president is sending an unmistakable message of support for a democratic order he has said is threatened by Mr. Trump’s re-election. They mentioned that Robert Kennedy is among the recipients and not RFK Junior but his father. > [Biden’s] decision to give the medal posthumously to Mr. Kennedy could be read as a rebuke to Mr. Kennedy’s son, a member of perhaps the country’s most famous Democratic family. George Romney (father of Mitt Romney) is another of the awardees. ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2025, 10:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hillary-clinton-for-medal-of-freedom/1012562/25 "2025-01-05T10:39:03Z")
Fun fact: one of Ralph Lauren’s sons is married to one of George H. W. Bush’s granddaughters. He’s also apparently done a lot for cancer research and (for some reason) the Star-Spangled Banner (as in the flag, not the song). ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2025, 10:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hillary-clinton-for-medal-of-freedom/1012562/26 "2025-01-05T10:45:16Z")
Add George Tenet to the list. Director of the CIA who failed at doing what the CIA is meant to do. Personally, I think the Presidential Medal of Freedom is the most worthless accolade a president/our government can bestow. Too many have received it to make it special. Too many of those who have it really do not deserve it. It’s so shit I am pretty sure I would refuse it if offered (which would never happen). ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2025, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hillary-clinton-for-medal-of-freedom/1012562/27 "2025-01-05T14:05:43Z")
I suspect that part of the reason for the choice is a thumb in the eye for Trump and the right, who have vilified her for decades for little good reason. But I don’t see her as any less deserving than, say, Denzel. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2025, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hillary-clinton-for-medal-of-freedom/1012562/28 "2025-01-05T15:34:58Z")
> [@Love\_Rhombus](#): > > He’s also apparently done a lot for cancer research and (for some reason) the Star-Spangled Banner (as in the flag, not the song). By “Star-Spangled Banner”, of course, you’re referring to the _actual_ flag that flew over Fort McHenry and inspired Francis Scott Key to write the lyrics to the national anthem. It’s in the Smithsonian. At least what remains of it. ---
**Author:** ![ratatoskK](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ratatoskk/32/2987_2.png) [@ratatoskK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ratatoskK)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2025, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hillary-clinton-for-medal-of-freedom/1012562/29 "2025-01-05T16:24:17Z")
What I want to know is… why Ralph Lauren? ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2025, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hillary-clinton-for-medal-of-freedom/1012562/30 "2025-01-05T16:27:12Z")
The statement from the White House says, “Ralph Lauren is a fashion designer who redefined the fashion industry with a lifestyle brand that embodies timeless elegance and American tradition. He has influenced culture, business, and philanthropy, notably in the fight against cancer and the preservation of the Star-Spangled Banner.” ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2025, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hillary-clinton-for-medal-of-freedom/1012562/31 "2025-01-05T16:28:26Z")
The standards are quite low. It’s a pretty meaningless award in terms of merit. ---
**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2025, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hillary-clinton-for-medal-of-freedom/1012562/32 "2025-01-05T16:56:33Z")
Lauren’s company has also designed the outfits the US Olympic team wears since 2008. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2025, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hillary-clinton-for-medal-of-freedom/1012562/33 "2025-01-05T17:00:37Z")
Though, to be honest, it bothers me that the US Olympic team uniforms include his company’s logo. (The polo player embroidered over the left breast.) I think the uniforms should be provided without corporate branding. [![](https://img.olympics.com/images/image/private/t_s_16_9_g_auto/t_s_w1460/f_auto/primary/a8umqhudeescxoa2okqs) ](https://img.olympics.com/images/image/private/t_s_16_9_g_auto/t_s_w1460/f_auto/primary/a8umqhudeescxoa2okqs) ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2025, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hillary-clinton-for-medal-of-freedom/1012562/34 "2025-01-05T17:01:59Z")
> [@Sigene](#): > > I would think Condoleezza Rice, or Obama, or Harris, or any number of high level politicians would be better. Obama was President. But Rice was a Secretary of State and Harris was a Vice President and Presidential nominee. So by what standard are Rice and Harris deserving and Clinton isn’t? ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2025, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hillary-clinton-for-medal-of-freedom/1012562/35 "2025-01-05T17:03:59Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > I think the uniforms should be provided without corporate branding. If it was good enough for Chico’s Bail Bonds. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2025, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hillary-clinton-for-medal-of-freedom/1012562/36 "2025-01-05T21:40:41Z")
> [@Sigene](#): > > would think Condoleezza Rice Who is a republican, and helped authorize Torture. ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2025, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hillary-clinton-for-medal-of-freedom/1012562/37 "2025-01-05T23:32:28Z")
Bill Nye’s gotten one for his work in education. It’s a good choice IMHO. ---
**Author:** ![TeroSunbear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terosunbear/32/14748_2.png) [@TeroSunbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TeroSunbear)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2025, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hillary-clinton-for-medal-of-freedom/1012562/38 "2025-01-06T02:45:48Z")
At the end of his term 2, if he lives that long, Trump will give HIMSLELF the medal of freedom. ---
**Author:** ![Thing.Fish](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thing.fish/32/9168_2.png) [@Thing.Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thing.Fish)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2025, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hillary-clinton-for-medal-of-freedom/1012562/39 "2025-01-07T16:56:20Z")
It seems like this is basically our equivalent to knighthood, and there have been so many dubious recipients before that it’s hardly worth complaining about one more. At least Hillary held multiple important jobs and won a national election (albeit just a primary). Much more impressive than Liz Cheney, who never won an election outside of her tiny hick State and is notable for first losing the struggle for control over her own Party, then campaigning for the other party, and losing again. That one just seems blatantly partisan. I agree it seems really weird that Obama doesn’t have one, particularly since he gave Biden one on his way out the door. Since they started handing them out in 1963, Nixon and W are the only other Presidents without one. ---
**Author:** ![Thing.Fish](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thing.fish/32/9168_2.png) [@Thing.Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thing.Fish)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2025, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hillary-clinton-for-medal-of-freedom/1012562/40 "2025-01-07T16:58:54Z")
> [@Bear\_Nenno](#): > > And Magic Johnson!? Johnson has been a very successful businessman investing in minority communities and a tireless advocate for people living with AIDS. Given that Michael Jordan, Bob Cousy and a few others got one JUST for being good at basketball, I don’t see how this can be quarreled with. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hillary-clinton-for-medal-of-freedom/1012562.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hillary-clinton-for-medal-of-freedom/1012562.md?page=3)