Hillary Clinton just can’t resist a broad brush.

During a May 1 discussion at The 92nd Street Y in New York, the former secretary of state labeled nearly all Republican women as “handmaiden[s] to the patriarchy,” echoing her 2016 “basket of deplorables” gaffe. Her comments, reported on by the Daily Caller, have reignited debate about her knack for alienating voters.

Clinton’s remarks came in response to interviewer Margaret Hoover’s question about advice for the first female U.S. president. She suggested avoiding subservience to patriarchal structures, then took a swipe at Republican women. The generalization stings, especially from someone who’s felt the sting of defeat.

Clinton’s Exceptions Spark Curiosity

Clinton spared a few Republican women from her critique, naming Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska as an exception. Hoover tossed in former Rep. Liz Cheney, to which Clinton quipped, “Yeah, there’s a few.” One wonders what qualifies for this exclusive club.

Murkowski’s record shows defiance of President Donald Trump, opposing his nomination of Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary. She also stood against Trump’s pardons for those involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Her vote to end Trump’s tariff-related national emergency declaration on April 3, 2025, further cements her maverick status.

Cheney, meanwhile, served on the Select Committee probing the January 6 riot, a move that cost her politically. She lost her 2022 reelection bid to Trump-backed Harriet Hageman by a whopping 37%. Actions have consequences, and Cheney’s defiance made her a lightning rod.

Echoes of 2016 Resurface

Clinton’s latest jab recalls her infamous 2016 “basket of deplorables” comment, where she branded half of Trump’s supporters as “racist, sexist, homophobic.” Made at a September 9, 2016, fundraiser, the remark backfired spectacularly. Trump capitalized, cruising to victory two months later.

The next day, Clinton expressed regret for saying “half,” admitting her generalization went too far. “I regret saying ‘half’ — that was wrong,” she said. Yet, her 2025 remarks suggest old habits die hard.

Clinton’s 2016 misstep wasn’t just a one-off; it revealed a disconnect with millions of Americans. Her “deplorables” label painted a diverse coalition as a monolith of bigotry. It’s a lesson she seems to have skipped revisiting.

Political Context Adds Layers

Clinton’s 2025 comments also nod to recent political divides. She praised Kamala Harris, saying she thought Harris “would be” a good president. Harris, in November 2024, won strong support from women and college-educated white voters, per NBC’s Steve Kornacki.

Trump, however, dominated among men and white voters without college degrees, Kornacki reported in December 2024. Clinton’s broad-brush approach ignores these nuances, lumping Republican women into a single, unflattering category. It’s a curious strategy for someone who’s navigated the political tightrope.

Cheney’s endorsement of Harris in September 2024 further complicates the narrative. Her break with Trump-aligned Republicans made her a pariah in some circles but a hero in others. Clinton’s nod to her suggests a selective admiration for dissent.

Others Join the Fray

Clinton isn’t alone in tossing insults. In October 2024, President Joe Biden called Trump supporters “garbage,” prompting a theatrical response. Trump donned a safety vest and held a press conference from a garbage truck in Green Bay, Wisconsin, turning the jab into a campaign stunt.

These exchanges highlight a broader trend: dismissive rhetoric that fuels division. Clinton’s “handmaiden” comment, like her “deplorables” quip, risks energizing opponents more than rallying allies. Persuasion, it seems, takes a back seat to provocation.

Ultimately, Clinton’s remarks reveal a persistent blind spot. Painting entire groups with a single stroke rarely wins hearts or minds. For a politician of her experience, it’s a puzzling misstep that keeps the past alive.