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All The Candidates' Kids: Chelsea Clinton
My coverage of the Presidential candidates and their children continues and, this time, it is with none other than Chelsea Clinton. Though Chelsea has the most campaign experience of the entire stock of candidates’ offspring, she has always been reserved with regards to speaking to the press. In fact, she's never granted an interview.
Chelsea, from what I saw and heard, simply wants to support her mother at this crucial time. She is passionate about her mother’s quest, the social improvement she believes her mother can achieve for the country and in the overall well being of the world. I have been told by those who have seen Chelsea lecture publicly that she is gifted to the point she could hold office herself one day - "if" she were so inclined. Needless to say, I was sensitive to Chelsea’s reluctance to speak to media, yet intrigued over the opportunity to gain a closer look.
Click Here to watch the video of Maria with Chelsea Clinton!
Keeping up with Chelsea wasn’t easy. Most of the campaigns are spread extremely thin in terms of manpower and money, which makes matters difficult enough. Factoring in the constant swerves and changes that arise on a minute-by-minute basis during the primaries makes it increasingly difficult to pinpoint exactly when and where members of a candidacy will be. Luckily, the good old Internet gave me the clues I needed to track the campaign to the best degree possible and enabled me to keep up with Team Chelsea efficiently.
All matters considered, I knew any kind of “official” interview with Chelsea would not be possible. But, through her and her handlers, we would be able to say hello. More importantly, we were granted the proper access to be able acutely observe her throughout her day.
Like the rest of the candidates' children, Chelsea’s day was stacked with various rallies and events. However, because Chelsea is also well-known, she had even more pressure and less time. Where others in her position could, at least, enjoy minute breaks during what little downtime exists, Chelsea is continually inundated with small talk as well as requests for handshakes, photos and answers to questions that range from the political to the mundane. Her meals came in the form of a bag lunch which was placed in her car, to be consumed in what is her only chance to eat: during drives to later destinations. She flies commercially as well which may not seem so grand a gesture except when you consider, again, the fact that she is a well known public figure. Through it all, like her father and mother, the positive energy, and the patience she displayed, never ceased to exude.
Chelsea, from what I saw and heard, simply wants to support her mother at this crucial time. She is passionate about her mother’s quest, the social improvement she believes her mother can achieve for the country and in the overall well being of the world. I have been told by those who have seen Chelsea lecture publicly that she is gifted to the point she could hold office herself one day - "if" she were so inclined. Needless to say, I was sensitive to Chelsea’s reluctance to speak to media, yet intrigued over the opportunity to gain a closer look.
Click Here to watch the video of Maria with Chelsea Clinton!
Keeping up with Chelsea wasn’t easy. Most of the campaigns are spread extremely thin in terms of manpower and money, which makes matters difficult enough. Factoring in the constant swerves and changes that arise on a minute-by-minute basis during the primaries makes it increasingly difficult to pinpoint exactly when and where members of a candidacy will be. Luckily, the good old Internet gave me the clues I needed to track the campaign to the best degree possible and enabled me to keep up with Team Chelsea efficiently.
All matters considered, I knew any kind of “official” interview with Chelsea would not be possible. But, through her and her handlers, we would be able to say hello. More importantly, we were granted the proper access to be able acutely observe her throughout her day.
Like the rest of the candidates' children, Chelsea’s day was stacked with various rallies and events. However, because Chelsea is also well-known, she had even more pressure and less time. Where others in her position could, at least, enjoy minute breaks during what little downtime exists, Chelsea is continually inundated with small talk as well as requests for handshakes, photos and answers to questions that range from the political to the mundane. Her meals came in the form of a bag lunch which was placed in her car, to be consumed in what is her only chance to eat: during drives to later destinations. She flies commercially as well which may not seem so grand a gesture except when you consider, again, the fact that she is a well known public figure. Through it all, like her father and mother, the positive energy, and the patience she displayed, never ceased to exude.
When Chelsea did speak officially, addressing the crowd comprised mainly of young voters, she was incredibly well versed on her mother’s policies; of all the candidates' children she was the finest and most informed I have yet to observe in this regard. Moreover, I noted just how eager she was to answer questions from the crowd. What appeared overwhelming to her, and not in a debilitating manner by any stretch, was just how knowledgeable and insightful the college-aged audience members and potential voters were. As soon as she completed answering one question, hundreds of enthusiastic hands would shoot up in the air to pose more - prompting a smiling and very genuine Chelsea to respond with an “oh my gosh!” The interest in the issues displayed by the audience seemed to inspire Chelsea. It was as if she couldn’t answer enough of their questions and fast enough.
What truly impressed me, beyond her extensive knowledge of the issues and her mother’s stances on them, was the one moment she happened to NOT have an answer to someone’s question. I was waiting for her response to be a spin, a side step or even a generality of some kind. Chelsea instead admitted she didn’t know the answer AND responded further by promising the person posing the question that she would research and attain the response later. Chelsea then asked the young woman for her email address in order for her (Chelsea) to email the answer directly to her.
In watching Chelsea I was impressed, further, by her extensive knowledge about her mother's policies. "How long did it take to prep her?" I inquired to a staffer. He said that Chelsea’s been watching her mother's speeches for so long that, by this point, she just knows how to answer for. I think some of the credit here has to be chalked up to having a close-knit mother-daughter relationship – the type in which the mother and daughter are so close that they operate in sync - and the staffer couldn't help but agree. When the staffer shrugged, “She’s her mother's daughter,” I understood Chelsea and her mother's relationship even better.
For Chelsea’s great enthusiasm and positive nature, she was not afraid to be stern. She was very opinionated on George W. Bush. She referred to the fact that he had just, now, visited the Middle East and referred to the fact as a downright “tragedy.”
I also noted that when speaking intimately off the stage to students and others, Chelsea was very delicate in her delivery. She was pleasant to all and extremely genuine but very soft spoken. However, I caution anyone to misperceive this observation. Chelsea was extremely poignant and direct in everything she did say. There was no question she couldn’t or wouldn’t answer - save for the one I mentioned previously. Even on that occasion, she had a firm, assertive and succinct response.
One young voter was wearing a “Vote Obama” shirt and asked Chelsea to take a picture with him. Chelsea was pleasant with the young man but politely declined. Instead she offered to sign the t-shirt for him. I know when situations of this nature arise for me - particularly when my parents, friends or loved ones are concerned - I may be less patient.
After Chelsea spoke, I took as much time as I was afforded to interview members of the audience. Students found Chelsea to be “relatable” and overall considered the day to be a positive experience. Though I could not conduct an official poll, it seemed as though Chelsea aided her mother’s cause. Certainly, it was refreshing for Chelsea, and for me, to see young people so concerned and involved in the electoral process.
When I spoke with Hillary weeks ago, she told me that the decision for Chelsea to campaign rests squarely on her (Chelsea’s) shoulders. I remarked to Hillary, in our sit-down interview, that it seemed as though Chelsea’s contribution to the campaign would be extremely helpful. Chelsea's notoriety and experience was a secret weapon that almost had to be deployed due to Barack's surge and his popularity amongst young voters. Hillary responded that she and Bill Clinton have truly left the decision of Chelsea’s participation, large, small or indifferent, up to her.
My experience with Chelsea now forces me to believe her. The decision for Chelsea to campaign appears to be of her own volition. Her parents don’t appear to be pushing her. I sense Chelsea recognizes that her mother does need her help right now. Also, though Chelsea appears to want a life of her own, she is so proud of her mother and what she has accomplished. She mentioned how it was her mother who flagged the desperate need for health care reform long before it was such a fashionable issue. Beyond the pride she has for her mother, Chelsea seems to share her Hillary’s passion to help our country and the world; and to help see her mother’s initiatives through to fruition.
It was refreshing to learn about some lighter fare as well in my experience such as the fact that Chelsea generally meets up with either of her parents on the road each week. In my brief greeting with Chelsea, I found her to be very pleasant. Our conversation was strictly off the record but it did give me a further glimpse into her personality. In all honesty, I found her to be much like any other normal 27-year-old. I had heard from her campaign staffers that she hosted a Super Bowl party and sported an Eli Manning jersey, too. I wouldn't have expected her to like football but that's why they say don't judge a book by its cover, right?
Overall, from my brief glimpse, I feel Chelsea is a fine young woman who is not only gifted but also a good and caring daughter.
What truly impressed me, beyond her extensive knowledge of the issues and her mother’s stances on them, was the one moment she happened to NOT have an answer to someone’s question. I was waiting for her response to be a spin, a side step or even a generality of some kind. Chelsea instead admitted she didn’t know the answer AND responded further by promising the person posing the question that she would research and attain the response later. Chelsea then asked the young woman for her email address in order for her (Chelsea) to email the answer directly to her.
In watching Chelsea I was impressed, further, by her extensive knowledge about her mother's policies. "How long did it take to prep her?" I inquired to a staffer. He said that Chelsea’s been watching her mother's speeches for so long that, by this point, she just knows how to answer for. I think some of the credit here has to be chalked up to having a close-knit mother-daughter relationship – the type in which the mother and daughter are so close that they operate in sync - and the staffer couldn't help but agree. When the staffer shrugged, “She’s her mother's daughter,” I understood Chelsea and her mother's relationship even better.
For Chelsea’s great enthusiasm and positive nature, she was not afraid to be stern. She was very opinionated on George W. Bush. She referred to the fact that he had just, now, visited the Middle East and referred to the fact as a downright “tragedy.”
I also noted that when speaking intimately off the stage to students and others, Chelsea was very delicate in her delivery. She was pleasant to all and extremely genuine but very soft spoken. However, I caution anyone to misperceive this observation. Chelsea was extremely poignant and direct in everything she did say. There was no question she couldn’t or wouldn’t answer - save for the one I mentioned previously. Even on that occasion, she had a firm, assertive and succinct response.
One young voter was wearing a “Vote Obama” shirt and asked Chelsea to take a picture with him. Chelsea was pleasant with the young man but politely declined. Instead she offered to sign the t-shirt for him. I know when situations of this nature arise for me - particularly when my parents, friends or loved ones are concerned - I may be less patient.
After Chelsea spoke, I took as much time as I was afforded to interview members of the audience. Students found Chelsea to be “relatable” and overall considered the day to be a positive experience. Though I could not conduct an official poll, it seemed as though Chelsea aided her mother’s cause. Certainly, it was refreshing for Chelsea, and for me, to see young people so concerned and involved in the electoral process.
When I spoke with Hillary weeks ago, she told me that the decision for Chelsea to campaign rests squarely on her (Chelsea’s) shoulders. I remarked to Hillary, in our sit-down interview, that it seemed as though Chelsea’s contribution to the campaign would be extremely helpful. Chelsea's notoriety and experience was a secret weapon that almost had to be deployed due to Barack's surge and his popularity amongst young voters. Hillary responded that she and Bill Clinton have truly left the decision of Chelsea’s participation, large, small or indifferent, up to her.
My experience with Chelsea now forces me to believe her. The decision for Chelsea to campaign appears to be of her own volition. Her parents don’t appear to be pushing her. I sense Chelsea recognizes that her mother does need her help right now. Also, though Chelsea appears to want a life of her own, she is so proud of her mother and what she has accomplished. She mentioned how it was her mother who flagged the desperate need for health care reform long before it was such a fashionable issue. Beyond the pride she has for her mother, Chelsea seems to share her Hillary’s passion to help our country and the world; and to help see her mother’s initiatives through to fruition.
It was refreshing to learn about some lighter fare as well in my experience such as the fact that Chelsea generally meets up with either of her parents on the road each week. In my brief greeting with Chelsea, I found her to be very pleasant. Our conversation was strictly off the record but it did give me a further glimpse into her personality. In all honesty, I found her to be much like any other normal 27-year-old. I had heard from her campaign staffers that she hosted a Super Bowl party and sported an Eli Manning jersey, too. I wouldn't have expected her to like football but that's why they say don't judge a book by its cover, right?
Overall, from my brief glimpse, I feel Chelsea is a fine young woman who is not only gifted but also a good and caring daughter.
Though her mother's chances of becoming president appear to be diminishing, Chelsea has every reason to be proud. Whether you like her or not -- or whether she becomes the democratic nominee or not -- you can't deny that Hillary Clinton has broken bounderies.
I think Chelsea is an asset to her mother's campaign. It's a shame that she did not have a bigger role before the Iowa primary. Anyway... I heard both Chelsea and Hillary speak in Nevada - she is indeed her mother's daughter!
Nothing more to say since Hillary has lost some many cities. She is not in her best! However, I was told Chelsea is a good blogger and she has written some blogs which are very hot at the millionaire club millionairecupid.com. Not sure if this is also a way to get more votes for her mother.
Does anybody know where Maria Menounos has been lately? I haven't seen her on Access Hollywood recently and would like to know where she is right now.
Hello, Maria!
I have a comment about you. Yes, you! About your beautiful smile. Smile that tells how happy and kind you are. I would love to get to know you. What do you thin?
God bless you!
Gary Bazurto