By: Taylor J. Morgan
Updated: Aug. 17, 2023
Originally Published: Aug. 17, 2023
In 2014, my precious daughter Amelia passed away in my arms, and ever since, my perspective on life has completely transformed. A few weeks later, my partner helped me articulate a strange reality following our loss: we were unafraid. No experience could inflict the same devastation as Amelia’s death, and this new understanding allowed us to embrace life more boldly — to discover, even amidst the turmoil of a broken heart, the absence of fear as a powerful hope.
This newfound courage stayed with me until I observed the rise of Donald Trump as the Republican presidential nominee. His campaign filled me with dread — a toxic blend of hatred and negativity at its core, bereft of real substance and focused solely on self-interest. The normalization of such hate-filled rhetoric in American politics horrified me, particularly as I watched from a distance in Amsterdam, where the echoes of Trump’s rise seem eerily similar to the dark political climates of the 1930s.
Amsterdam is a city that knows its share of loss and heartache. Following Amelia’s passing, I dedicated my time to volunteering at the Anne Frank House, where lessons from Anne’s story reveal the ongoing relevance of persecution and the roles of various individuals involved — victims, perpetrators, allies, and bystanders alike.
In this election, beyond the differences in policy and vision, there exists a stark contrast in the humanity of the candidates. While I can’t definitively say whether Trump is a genuinely kind person or merely playing a character for publicity, I do know Hillary Clinton embodies generosity, love, and a refusal to be a bystander in the face of adversity.
I’m sharing a personal email from Hillary because I refuse to remain silent. I hope the recent convention addressed what some refer to as her “likability” issue, or the “gap” that Ezra Klein mentioned between how those who know her perceive her and the public’s view. I have had the honor of knowing Hillary for nearly two decades, primarily as the mother of my dear friend, Sarah.
During the convention, Sarah introduced her “wonderful, thoughtful, and hilarious mother,” highlighting that Hillary persists amid “the noise and chaos of politics” because “she never forgets who she’s fighting for.” Sarah often says their family motto is “get caught trying.”
Nothing reveals a person’s character more than their values as shown through family. It was touching when Sarah left her 9-week-old daughter for the first time to support us at our memorial service for Amelia. On her way, I received this heartfelt message:
SUBJECT: Thinking of You
Dear Taylor,
When Sarah arrives to be with you, she’ll be bringing my love and support for you and your family during this difficult time. If there’s anything I can do to help, please don’t hesitate to reach out, my friend.
Love, Hillary
I could share numerous stories about Hillary’s authenticity, compassion, and unwavering work ethic, but her words in this email reveal more about her character than any anecdote could. The Clintons are not passive observers; they take action and genuinely care, especially Hillary.
Let’s focus on what we want in a leader — qualities like intelligence, empathy, integrity, and perseverance. Only one candidate exemplifies these traits.
Hillary Clinton for president.
In summary, this reflection sheds light on how personal experiences shape our perceptions of character, particularly in the context of political leaders. It emphasizes the importance of compassion and action, qualities that define true leadership.