2008 Woodie Awards
Former first child: I live a normal life
John Sweeney
Issue date: 2/4/08 Section: Election 2008
| |
|
Chelsea Clinton visited the campus recently to campaign for her mother, Democratic presidential hopeful New York Sen. Hillary Clinton.
During her Jan. 22 visit, she discussed issues ranging from her mother's campaign to her parent's favorite TV show.
"We talk about everything," she said about conversations that take place in the Clinton household. "...When I was little, the first question always was, 'What did you learn in school today?' regardless of what was happening in the world."
She explained her life during her father's first run for the presidency in 1992 against incumbent George H.W. Bush. Through it all, she said her parents always attempted to help her maintain a sense of normalcy.
"In the 13 months he was running, there were only three nights when at least one of my parents wasn't home to have dinner with me," she said.
She also said the family made it a point always to go to church together on Sunday, no matter where the others were in the country that day.
She said they often discuss work, the world and political events, as well as Bill Clinton's love for football.
"What you would expect a family to talk about," she said.
As with most children of presidents, she was shielded from the public eye as much as possible when she was younger. But she made it clear that she's no longer a little girl.
When asked what she thought of the prospect of being the first child of the United States for a second time, her response drew laughter from the crowd.
"I'm 27, so I think I'm of age," she said.
But she said the possibility of being thrust into that type of limelight doesn't make her nervous.
"Do I wish that somehow I could have it that my mom could be president and I could continue leading my private life? Sure," she said. "But this is the most important election of my lifetime. I'm here to try and help make her more accessible to you in hopes that you will support her."
Dr. Alissa Warters, assistant professor of political science, specializes in the studies of presidents' children.
She thinks the Clinton campaign is using Chelsea Clinton to reach out to an age group otherwise dominated by her Democratic opponent.
"Hillary Clinton, or at least her campaign, noticed that Barack Obama was doing well among college students," Warters said "They have a person in their pocket who can reach out to that crowd."
Warters also recognized the novelty of having Chelsea Clinton campaigning on her mother's behalf, given her previous role during her father's presidency.
Especially during Bill Clinton's scandal with Monica Lewinski, Chelsea Clinton helped to project a family image for the Clintons.
Now that she's older, Chelsea Clinton is taking a more vocal role.
"When she first came out, the press was like, 'She speaks! She has a voice!'" Warters said. "And that was kind of shocking."
Chelsea Clinton was joined during her visit by actresses America Ferrera and Amber Tamblyn, as well as former professional football player and current ESPN personality Keyshawn Johnson.
Ferrera found fame in "Ugly Betty," Tamblyn is best known for her work in "Joan of Arcadia" and "The Ring," and Johnson played in the National Football League for 11 years with four different teams, including the Carolina Panthers.
Be the first to comment on this story