President Bill Clinton:
“How you behave when you don’t win—that’s democracy”

President Bill Clinton followed with a powerful, personal reflection on democracy’s deeper meaning. “The most important thing about democracy is how it works when you don’t win,” he said. “It’s about the rule of law being greater than the rule of will.”

Clinton reflected on the rise of identity politics, inequality, and information bubbles that fuel division and resentment. “The information ecosystem today is bizarre,” he said. “People feel like victims. But democracy is hard work. You’ve got to win now and then to be heard, and you’ve got to connect with people—especially those who disagree.”

“How in the world... have we convinced millions of people they are primarily victims?” he asked, pointing to how populists have manipulated legitimate grievances. He shared a candid anecdote of how his daughter Chelsea challenged him to support same-sex marriage: “Growth and change are possible,” he said. “That’s democracy too.”

Clinton also discussed Gaza and its potential for peace, calling its coastline “breathtaking” and a possible source of Palestinian prosperity—if peace and justice can be secured.

Quoting Max Weber, Clinton reminded the audience that “politics is the long and slow boring of hard boards,” requiring time, restraint, and moral conviction. He urged attendees not to grow weary: “If you care about democracy, you must stay in the reality-based world, value diversity, and make room for everyone.”

Sharing his reflections on peacebuilding—from Bosnia and Kosovo to Northern Ireland and the Middle East—he emphasized the importance of how leaders “keep score” in both life and politics. “They can take everything from you,” he said, echoing Nelson Mandela, “except your mind and your soul.”

As Secretary Clinton reminded the Forum: “Democracy requires citizens who understand that freedom and self-governance are worth defending—especially in difficult times.” And as President Clinton concluded, “You gotta win now and then. You gotta convince people that you're right. And you can’t give up on people.”