Hillary Clinton Recalls Awkward Exchange With Melania Trump In New Book

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has explained her “conflicted” opinion of fellow former first lady Melania Trump in her newly released book, in which she also detailed an “awkward” encounter with Donald Trump’s wife involving other former first ladies.

Clinton “never quite knew what to make of the third Mrs. Trump,” she wrote in “Something Lost, Something Gained” released Tuesday. USA Today published extracts from the memoir.

“On a gut level, I have never believed that a wife bears responsibility for the actions of her husband. But did she aid and abet her husband’s worst instincts?” Clinton asked, adding, “Was she quietly complicit in his bigotry and hate-mongering?”

Melania Trump, of course, defended her husband Donald Trump’s birtherism attacks on former President Barack Obama, as far back as in 2011.

Clinton also recalled herself and other former FLOTUS’ Michelle Obama and Laura Bush meeting Melania Trump, last year, at former first lady Rosalynn Carter’s memorial service.

“Melania had a look on her face – very smiley but uncertain – that reminded me of the little kid at the birthday party who doesn’t know anyone and is waiting at the edge of the circle, hoping people are going to be nice,” Clinton wrote, per excerpts from the book.

“We were. We all went up to her. Jill air-kissed her cheek, and Michelle Obama gave her one of her signature big hugs,” Clinton remembered.

“I can appreciate how awkward it must have been, not knowing what kind of reception she would get after all her husband’s insults directed at us Bushes, Bidens, Obamas, and Clintons alike,” she added.