Millions of Americans are “frustrated, even angry” about today’s economy, Clinton said. Falling into poverty is a constant threat, and upward mobility is almost impossible. “Forget about getting rich,” Clinton told the audience, “I’m talking about getting into the middle class and staying there.”
While productivity is up, Clinton noted, “wages have stagnated.” “Americans are working harder, contributing more than ever … and yet many are still barely getting by.”
Amid the “daily struggles of millions and millions of Americans,” women face particular difficulties, Clinton continued. A woman struggling to achieve “doesn’t just face ceilings on her aspirations; sometimes it feels as if the floor has collapsed beneath her.”
“What can we do about it?” Clinton asked. “Of course, a lot depends on our leadership, here in Washington and around the country.” One might assume that Clinton would take that opportunity to praise the current president. But no. Instead, Clinton focused on another Democratic administration. “The 1990s taught us,” she said, harkening back to the days Bill Clinton was in the White House, “that even in the face of difficult long-term economic trends, its possible through smart policies and sound investments to enjoy broad-based growth and shared prosperity.” At that point, Clinton took a few moments to recount her husband’s economic record.
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