Episode 45: Right Hand Woman

In 'Episode 45: Right Hand Woman' of the 'Call Your Girlfriend' podcast, hosts Ann Friedman and Aminatou Sow engage in an exclusive interview with Huma Abedin, a seasoned political staffer well-known for her role as Hillary Clinton's right-hand woman. The episode begins with palpable excitement from the hosts, who have long admired Abedin for her influential yet behind-the-scenes work in politics. Abedin's rarity in granting interviews adds to the episode's significance, with the hosts acknowledging her as one of their top desired guests for the podcast.

During the interview, Abedin opens up about her multifaceted role in Hillary Clinton's campaign, describing her day-to-day responsibilities as akin to working in a start-up. She emphasizes the importance of teamwork and her dedication to ensuring the campaign runs smoothly, from policy updates to coordinating with various teams. Abedin shares personal anecdotes about her unexpected entry into politics, originally aspiring to be a journalist like Christiane Amanpour, and her transformative internship at the White House that led to a two-decade-long career with Hillary Clinton.

The conversation delves into the challenges Abedin has faced, including navigating the public scrutiny that comes with being a prominent Muslim woman in American politics. She recounts the painful experience of being falsely accused of ties to the Muslim Brotherhood and expresses gratitude for the support of figures like Senator John McCain and President Obama. The hosts also explore Abedin's perspectives on reproductive rights, her experience with the State Department email disclosures, and her personal life, including marriage and motherhood in the political sphere.

The episode concludes with a series of rapid-fire questions, revealing Abedin's personal interests and preferences, from her favorite snacks to her admiration for powerful women like Anna Wintour and Shonda Rhimes. The hosts' enthusiasm is palpable throughout the interview, with moments of humor and seriousness that provide a well-rounded portrayal of Abedin's character and contributions.