Chelsea Clinton at Boston College
Posted: Friday, January 25, 2008 3:59 PM by Mark Murray
From NBC special contributor John Wheatley
BOSTON -- Hundreds of Boston College students and faculty crowded Hillside Cafe here yesterday for a rare on-the-record campaign appearance by Chelsea Clinton, the former first daughter. Chelsea, who was generally kept well out of the media's sight during the Clinton presidency and has not said a great deal publicly during her mother's campaign, was well received by a crowd that overflowed on to the sidewalk and out into the street in front of the café. She made brief opening remarks before opening it up to questions from the audience, answering directly most of the questions asked of her.
She spoke cogently, showing a strong knowledge of policy specifics. She drew laughter when she waved to a small group of pro-life protesters who were holding signs up against the café’s windows. Avoiding direct criticism of her mother’s rivals, Chelsea answered questions about them by focusing instead on her mother’s record as senator.
Yesterday's event was sponsored by Boston College's chapter of the College Democrats. The sudden push by Team Clinton to increase Chelsea’s role on the campaign trail is part of a larger campaign strategy to woo young voters, who may be drawn to Obama’s youth and theme of change.
