The Freshman

The freshman senator from New York may want to seem like all the other kids in her class, but as they say in New York: fuhgeddaboutit.

"Everyone knows Hillary Clinton as America's First Lady. We are thrilled, thrilled now to be able to call her Senator Clinton," announced a beaming Minority Leader Tom Daschle.

Hillary Clinton is clearly the belle of the ball, and try as she may to play politician, she seems more like a reluctant rock star, reports CBS News Correspondent Diana Olick.

"She said it best today. She wants to be a workhorse, not a show horse," said New Jersey's Democratic senator-elect John Corzine.

But for another month or so, the freshman is still the First Lady, with all the domestic duties that need doing. This week she showed off the White House Christmas decorations to reporters.

"It's going to be hectic, there's no other way to describe it. But I'm excited by what I'm doing," Mrs. Clinton said.

And don't forget about her husband -- who might be craving a little extra attention nowadays.

Last week she introduced President Clinton at a White House gathering.

"Thank you. Thank you, Senator," the president replied with a smile. "I'm trying to get used to that."

And not only does Mrs. Clinton have to manage 26 social receptions in about 16 days and prepare for a new job, she's also got to find a new place to live.

"If you've got any suggestions or anybody has any place that you'd like to talk to me about privately, I'd be glad to hear it," Hillary announced to her fellow senators, to laughter.

But her colleagues seem, at least publicly, to want her to feel at home in the Senate -- as long as she knows her place, that is.

"When she raises her hand and says, 'I do,' she's a senator, and she'll be treated accordingly," claimed Majority Leader Trent Lott.

And will all this hospitality last into a happy new legislative year? What's that thing they say in New York again?

©2000, CBS Worldwide Inc., All Rights Reserved