Chelsea Clinton Stumps For Mom At Boston College

This story was written by Evelyn Ratigan, The Daily Free Press

Hosted by the BC College Democrats, Sen. Hillary Clinton's daughter hosted a question-and-answer session titled, "Coffee with Chelsea." During the talk, Clinton fielded students' questions covering the presidential candidate's stance on issues ranging from college affordability to gay rights.

Colm Willis, a BC senior, was one of about 20 students holding signs reading, "Chelsea, tell your mom to be pro-life," outside the cafe during Clinton's talk.

Willis said they were there to "show [Chelsea] that we really care about these issues," and said they were not acting on behalf of the Boston College Pro-Life club and were not protesting the event.

"[We're here to] let Chelsea know that pro-life is really important to young voters," Willis said. "We'd love for her to tell her mom this is what we care about."

Inside the cafe, where students had gathered for a glimpse of the former First Child, Clinton fielded questions about her mother's stance on the economy, college financial aid and an American troop withdrawal from Iraq.

"I think it's fantastic that we talk in Democratic debates a lot about college affordability," Clinton said, adding that it was a subject uncovered in Republican presidential debates.

Clinton discussed her mother's own struggle with student loans, saying if Sen. Clinton had not been able to receive financial aid, she may have chosen not to go to college and would not be a politician today.

"If she had to worry about her debt, she might have made a very different choice," Clinton said.

She said the senator plans to eliminate the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and replace it with a check-box on the family's income-tax form. Clinton said filing the FAFSA had been a "singularly traumatizing experience" for her mother when she helped Clinton's cousin fill out the form.

On questions of the senator's plans for universal health care, Clinton said she was "proud that my mom has been fighting for health care since before it was fashionable." During the session, Clinton touched upon issues of illegal immigration and how it affects many aspects of society.

"Our borders need to be secure for our security," she said. "[Sen. Clinton is committed to] making sure we are a nation of immigrants as well as [of] laws," she said.

Though Clinton talked more about the senator's platform than her relationship with her mother she added, "as a daughter, I always hope people are going to be nice to my mom," she said, though she admitted this was not always possible.

Before leaving, Clinton encouraged students to participate in the election and live up to the expectations society has of younger generations to take charge of the future.

"You talk about how engaged young people are in this election," Clinton said. "If we're going to prove the narrative right, we've got to show up [to the polls].

"I hope you vote for my mom, but I really hope you participate," she continued. "Get informed, get out and talk to friends and prove what they're saying about us."

Rachel King, a BC senior, said she heard about the event through a friend and came because she is still an undecided voter. She said she was glad to hear "firsthand" from a candidate's representative.

"It's really refreshing to hear the younger perspective [on the issues]," King said. She cited the 2004 presidential election's "Rock the Vote&qut; campaign as a failed effort to get young voters out to the polls.

Clinton campaigning for her mother was more effective than previous pop-culture efforts, she said. Though King said she was "really impressed" by Clinton's performance at the question and answer session, she added, "I can't say I'm decided yet."
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