Hillary and Chelsea
In an interview last month with CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, Hillary Clinton “choked up” when relating how “her daughter’s presence on the campaign trail had been one of the ‘most incredibly gratifying experiences of my life.’” (Video available at the link via Don Surber.) That was one time I didn’t question the sincerity of the former First Lady’s emotion.
You see back when I lived in the Washington, D.C.-area in the 1990s, I briefly dated a guy who had served on a military detail which followed the then-First Lady. He reported that Mrs. Clinton was as cold and brusque as media reports indicated except when Chelsea was around. In the presence of her daughter, she warmed up, seemed genuinely concerned with her child’s wellbeing and even become more considerate of others around her.
Video clips of Mrs. Clinton and her daughter confirm his observation. She did seem more relaxed when she was campaigning with her daughter. Indeed, the most natural she seemed (at least from the clips and photos I watched) was when she appeared together in a forum with her mother and daughter.
This was quite a contrast from her attempting to imitate her husband’s gestures — or those of other politicians. She always seemed fake when pointing to someone in the audience or clapping during a campaign rally.
In reflecting on the warmth she showed when together with Chelsea, I wonder if Mrs. Clinton might have been better served in her unsuccessful campaign for the Democratic nomination had she campaigned more regularly with her daughter.
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I will duck your question and jump to a conclusion I have often observed. I have known many mothers who were too busy for their daughters when they were children and teens, but cleave to them as best friends when they are young, “independent” ladies. Chelsea has cashed in on her parents and I do not blame her. She can “afford” to buddy up with Hillary as she can go back to the land of milk and honey whenever she chooses. She is the ultimate trophy employee for any number of image outfits.
Hillary does not have true maternal instincts so much as she craves a safe relationship for girl talk and a sounding board that won’t talk back. I suspect that she is beginning to realize that Chelsea is just about the only real accomplishment for which she can take credit.
Comment by heliotrope — June 10, 2008 @ 8:38 pm - June 10, 2008
I can say that I’m not impressed by Chelsea at all. Especialy her indignant “How dare you ask me that” response to people who would ask her about the Monica affair.
Comment by Vince P — June 10, 2008 @ 9:04 pm - June 10, 2008