This is what Hillary Clinton talked about in her paid speeches: Snacks, camp, and cars

When asked if she'd ever release transcripts or audio tapes of paid speeches she's previously given, Hillary Clinton said Thursday during the MSNBC Democratic Debate she'd "look into it." That won't be necessary in some cases — numerous people who attended past events have already leaked soundbites from her talks, which focus more on sponsors and industries than her own personal views and insider knowledge.
In July 2015, Elizabeth Williamson of The Wall Street Journal dove into some of the speeches Clinton delivered after she left the State Department and before she entered the Democratic presidential race. Those speeches, especially those given to Wall Street firms, have become a hot topic, but the actual tidbits are on the mundane side. In 2014, Clinton was paid $225,000 to speak about the role of food in diplomacy with the United Fresh Produce Association. An attendee secretly recorded her, WSJ reports, and Clinton can be heard saying as a token of respect for foreign dignitaries, as secretary of state she used to ask for "nuts," "little snacks," and "the occasional cookie" during meetings.
In January 2014, Clinton received $325,000 for a speech to the National Automobile Dealers Association, where she admitted "the last time I actually drove a car myself was 1996," and talked about her yellow Fiat that was stolen in Arkansas in the mid-1970s. During her last speech before declaring her candidacy, in March 2015, Clinton earned $260,000 for speaking at the American Camp Association's tri-state conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey, where she announced: "Adults need camp, too." Williamson reported that the speeches Clinton gave were mostly just for sponsors, their guests, and paid ticket holders, but Clinton spokesman Nick Merrill said "we always opened speeches when asked to."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Catherine Garcia has worked as a senior writer at The Week since 2014. Her writing and reporting have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Wirecutter, NBC News and "The Book of Jezebel," among others. She's a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
-
The rise of child 'witchcraft' cases in the UK
Under the Radar Faith-based child abuse, centred on accusations of witchcraft and demonic possessions, has harmed thousands of children
By Rebekah Evans, The Week UK Published
-
The Week contest: Missed inheritance
Puzzles and Quizzes
By The Week US Published
-
Magazine solutions - March 7, 2025
Puzzles and Quizzes Issue - March 7, 2025
By The Week US Published
-
Trump vows 25% tariffs on EU at Cabinet meeting
Speed Read The tariff threats serve to enhance a growing suspicion that the president views Europe as an adversary, not an ally
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump proposes 'gold card' visas for rich immigrants
speed read The president claimed the US will begin selling $5 million visas offering permanent residency
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
House passes framework for big tax and spending cuts
Speed Read Democrats opposed the GOP's plan for $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and $2 trillion in spending cuts, citing the impacts it will have on social programs
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump sides with Russia on Ukraine war anniversary
Speed Read The president's embrace of the Kremlin is a reversal of American policy
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump purges Pentagon, puts MAGA pundit at FBI
speed read The president fired top military leaders and appointed podcaster Dan Bongino as deputy director of the FBI
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Musk's email to all federal workers prompts blowback
Speed Read Elon Musk ordered workers to summarize their accomplishments for the past week or be forced to resign
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Mitch McConnell won't seek reelection
Speed Read The longest-serving Senate party leader is retiring
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Trump reportedly wants to take over US Postal Service
Speed Read President Trump is making plans to disband the leadership of USPS and absorb the agency into his administration
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published