An Evening With The Clintons: Part Two

From family memories past to her future as the likely Secretary of State, Senator Hillary Clinton opened up on a wide range of subjects during a campaign debt fundraiser that my good friend Tiffany and I went to Monday night.

An Evening of Inspiration: Tiffany and me at the Hillary event

“Ugly Betty” star America Ferrara did a great job asking Hillary questions previously submitted by audience members, including the inevitable hindsight inquiry – would the senator run again, knowing how it would turn out?

“In a minute,” she said. “In a New York minute.”

An engaging conversation: Actress America Ferrara and Senator Hillary Clinton

Clinton went on to talk about the joy of connecting with supporters on the campaign trail. Like the cancer patient who proudly showed off her bald head --- with Hillary’s campaign button emblazoned on it.

Asked about the senate achievements she’s most proud of, Hillary mentioned working with 9/11 victims and loved ones and making it legally possible for military widows to remarry without losing their benefits.

Serving the Empire State, she said, has been great preparation for new role on President-elect’s national security team.

“Representing New York is like representing the world,” she said. “I’ll be doing a job that’s well informed by the hopes and dreams of people here.”

Speaking about the work she hopes to do in her new role, Clinton said a renewed focus on women’s rights and increased resources for diplomacy will be among her priorities. She’s also benefiting from the experience of her predecessors, having spoken with all of the living Secretaries of State.

During a recent dinner, Condoleezza Rice recently shared her perspective after eight years on the job and a rigorous personal schedule that involves rising daily at 445 a.m. to exercise for an hour. With a smile, Hillary quipped—

“I’m gonna see what the world looks like from a later perspective.”

Continuing to strike a lighthearted tone, Clinton laughed about the time when she and Bill struggled to open a coconut in front of a curious young Chelsea (the president tried smashing it against a wall, Hillary opted to use a hammer).

When asked about the few things the public doesn’t know about her, limited singing ability and her first job -- cleaning gutted fish in Alaska topped the list.

“Sliming fish,” she said wryly, “was probably the best preparation for Washington.”

The best advice she received as a senator?

“Stay as connected with people as you can -- and keep listening.”

Hillary did exactly that after the Q&A was over, lingering for nearly 30 minutes to shake hands and pose for pictures with the dozens of supporters who stuck around.

All Smiles With the Secret Service Nearby: Hillary poses for a picture with one of many supporters after the event

As Hillary waved goodbye to the crowd, I felt like I had seen a different, more personal side of the woman who put 18 million cracks in the glass ceiling with her history-making presidential run. I look forward to seeing how she tackles her new role in America's next chapter.

An Evening With The Clintons: Part One

Monday night, my good friend Tiffany and I had the pleasure of attending a special event with two of the most dynamic political figures of our time, Bill and Hillary Clinton.

The sold out fundraiser, aimed at retiring Hillary’s presidential campaign debt, featured some Hollywood star power and an excited crowd of about 1,000 people.

After a stirring rendition of The Star Spangled Banner by American idol finalist Kimberley Locke…

American Idol: Singer Kimberley Locke sung the national anthem

….”Ugly Betty” star and Hillary supporter America Ferrara took to the stage, sharing her experience of campaigning in seven states and introducing President Clinton.

America The Beautiful: Ferrara introduced President Bill Clinton

I was especially thrilled to see the former president in person – I signed up for a 2004 event with him that was cancelled and he was a no-show at a Hillary event I went to during the summer of 2007.

Looking fit and drawing the audience in with his legendary charm and candor, Clinton told us his wife’s day had started at 5am and included a trip to Chicago for a meeting of President-elect Obama’s national security team.

Hello, Mr. President: Bill Clinton told the enthusiastic crowd about his wife's busy day

After praising Obama for the transition work he has done, Clinton focused his remarks on the economic crisis.

He cited the sobering statistic that 27 trillion dollars have disappeared in the last couple of months, twice the annual GDP of the United States, and encouraged everyone to allow the new president to get his job done.

“We owe him the breathing room and the chance to work through these problems,” Clinton said. “We have maximized the chances that a recovery will begin as soon as possible. When we come out on the other side, people will make money.”

On that optimistic note, with another wave of thunderous applause, the former president introduced his wife.

All Smiles: Senator Clinton happily greeted her many supporters

Ferrara returned to the stage, for a Q&A with Hillary based on questions submitted by audience members. Senator Clinton made it clear right away that, even when she becomes Secretary of State, she’ll always be connected to the Empire State.

“I’m not going anywhere,” she said. “I’m a New Yorker -- I told somebody the other day, I want it on my tombstone.”

Up next….Hillary shares memories from the campaign trail and reflects on her new role on the national stage.