In light of Senator Clinton’s announcement that she’s in the 2008 presidential race, I wanted to share with readers some details of her trip to Newport Beach in October 2005. There was a reception at a private residence that was attended by hundreds of people.
The Senator came out and spoke to the crowd about the worsening conditions in Iraq and the lack of communication and cooperation with the conservative Republicans in the White House and in the majority in the Congress. She asked us to make our voices heard in Washington. Her speech was excellent. Her comments were warmly received.
The largest ovation of the night occured when a young lady in the crowd yelled, “Let’s hear it for our next president.” Mrs. Clinton flashed a big smile and the crowd roared with approval. Imagine. Cheers and calls for “Clinton for President” here in the Red County.
While Mrs. Clinton isn’t a liberal by liberal standards, she is by those who consider themselves conservatives. Her senate record has been excellent despite being in the minority and she has a record of working across the aisle. She will be a formidable presidential candidate.
I remember when Bill spoke at the Orange County Fairgrounds, the place was packed and filled to capacity. This was also in supposedly “red” Orange County.
The whole “America’s Most Republican County” thing is just a marketing tactic. The most powerful lawmaker in Orange County right now is Loretta Sanchez, and she is a Democrat.
I met Senator Clinton that night; let her know she represents my hometown and how grateful I was for a number of good jobs at good wages she was able to steer to my old friends and neighbors as part of the base re-alignment (my hometown suffered under base closures recommended by G.H.W. Bush.). She was gracious. It was a genuine thrill to meet her.