I just met Hillary Clinton!

Well, the big event was tonight and we got to meet Senator Clinton. She was quite stylish, very gracious and obviously deeply committed to her work. The event was hosted by a long time friend of hers from back in "Texans for McGovern" campaign days and it felt like we were just joining a conversation they had begun 30+ years ago.

I didn't fully know what to expect of the evening. We are inundated with media images of political figures, usually in some heightened, pressured, stressful environment. Or in a completely modulated formal setting. I had some thoughts about Senator Clinton formed by mass media; but I also have a friend who has known her for over 30 years and says he can't think of a finer person to have as our President. Another friend's mother lives in Buffalo New York and cannot say enough nice things about the Senator and what she's done for the 'real people' of upstate New York. I was fortunate to meet President Clinton in 2005 when he was in Austin signing his book so I knew that Hillary Clinton had to be his equal for their relationship to have lasted so long in such a pressure cooker.

What we saw tonight was a strong, smart, thoughtful woman who is fully committed to her principles. She was accessible, interested and had a much softer energy than is generally portrayed in the media. She took time with everyone, whether they were on the catering staff, old friends or new supporters. In her speech she spoke passionately about getting back to the principles of Americans; in her actions, she proved it was more than just words.

There is still a long campaign ahead, however tonight made me feel hopeful that it wasn't just another egotistical fight to the finish for the moneyed class. Rather, it's got the potential to be a reawakening of the American dream for those who had come close to giving up on that potential for themselves and their families.

rg