Clinton Unveils "Hill-Force One"
LAS VEGAS -- With the campaign in full swing and with nearly 50 reporters and photographers traveling with Hillary Clinton's campaign, the campaign has decided to charter a Boeing 737-800 to accommodate the slew of reporters, staffers, Secret Service agents and, yes, the candidate herself.
To kick off the maiden voyage of this new flying partnership, Clinton took to the public address system on the airplane she called "Hill-Force One."
"Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, and welcome aboard the maiden flight of Hil Force One. My name is Hillary and I am so pleased to have most of you on board."
"FAA regulations prohibit the use of any cell phones, Blackberries, or wireless devices that may be used to transmit a negative story about me."
"In a few minutes, I am going to switch off the 'fasten your seat belt sign'. However, I've learned lately that things can get awfully bumpy when you least expect it – so you might want to keep those seatbelts fastened."
"And, in the event of an unexpected drop in poll numbers, this plane will be diverted to New Hampshire."
"If you look out to the right you will see an America saddled with tax cuts for the wealthy and a war without end. If you look out to the left you'll see an America with a strong middle class at home and a strong reputation in the world."
"Once we reach cruising altitude we'll be offering in-flight entertainment: my stump speech in its many variations. Once again, thank you for joining us on 'Hill-Force One,' we know you have choices when you fly so we are grateful that you chose the plane with the most experienced candidate. Thank you all and have a great flight."
For months Clinton has been traveling on a smaller private jet, while the press either flew commercial or on a smaller plane chartered by the campaign.
Although this is not the first time Clinton has flown with the press (she did so for the first time last week in California), this marks an entirely new phase of the campaign. Now, wherever she goes, we go.
Earlier in the campaign Clinton often jetted to other parts of the country without the press to either raise money or spend some time in her home in Chappaqua, N.Y.
There is newfound order that comes with this partnership, including submitting personal information like Social Security numbers, dates of birth and birthplaces to Secret Service agents, most of whom sit behind Clinton, occupying several rows. (Clinton sits in the first class cabin. One thing's for sure, being on the same aircraft as the candidate certainly doesn't guarantee you any extra access.)