Jordan, a student at PSU, is a field organizer for Oregon for Hillary. Fourteen years ago, she met the then-First Lady in a meeting arranged by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. At just eight years old, Jordan had endured two heart operations, cancer and a kidney transplant. People like Jordan are the reason why Hillary is in this race.
On Friday I woke up at 4:30 in the morning -- I had jumped the gun by two hours. However it’s not every day you get to reunite with your life-long hero, hence my anxiousness. As an eight-year-old girl recovering from renal failure, I first met then-First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton at the White House.
I am 22 now, and in less than four hours I would be meeting Hillary yet again. Only this time she was coming to my neck of the woods, Portland, Oregon, and not as First Lady, but as Senator Clinton, Democratic presidential hopeful. Our reunion would take place at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, a place that has given me a second chance at life on numerous occasions.
Upon seeing her at last, I met her half way as she greeted me with open arms. This was history coming full circle and I could barely contain my nerves. In an attempt to compose myself, I recalled the advice of my father who told me days prior, “Remember this isn’t about you. Just remember what you are there for.” I tried to keep in mind the bigger picture, and thus the larger-than-self meaning behind Hillary’s visit.
More important than me was the Senator’s effort to revisit the cause she so vigorously championed during the time of our first meeting. Universal health care is as she said -- “unfinished business.” I have the luxury of being relatively healthy now, and more so, have had the luxury of being insured, making my trials much easier for me and my family to deal with. The same can’t be said for 43 percent of the patients currently treated at Doernbecher.
As a former patient I now had the honor of guiding the Senator on a tour of the intermediate care ward. Her candor and grace immediately struck me, and her inquisitive nature made her effortlessly approachable. Watching the Senator reach out to one young man, clearly suffering from the effects of chemotherapy and radiation -- a distant memory in my mind -- prompted flashbacks, which further reinforced my sense of place and purpose.
At 9:30 the visit culminated in a roundtable discussion in the main courtyard where dozens of doctors, patients and their families braved the cold to hear the Senator make her case for why every American must have health care. We heard from two mothers of ill children treated at Doernbecher -- two separate stories as case in point for how the current health care system has failed its people, and in this particular instance, its children. “How can we expect to achieve Universal Health Care if the stated goal is something far less?” Hillary asked of the hospital’s onlookers.
This is why I support Senator Clinton. She was ahead of her time when she first worked to achieve universal health care fourteen years ago and she has refused to give up since. I am thoroughly convinced that, above all, Hillary has a personal interest in seeing this come to fruition, and we know she won’t shy away from the fight ahead. I’m for Hillary because she’s a fighter like me.
05/14/2008 - 496 Comments
You and I both know my mom will make a great president. I'm so blessed to have her as the best mom I could imagine -- at 8, 18, and 28. As we approach Mother's Day, I want to share a few memories of my mom with you.
Take a look.
Thank you again for your support of the person I am so proud to call my mom.
Happy Mother's Day!
05/09/2008 - 451 Comments
Take a look at some photos of Chelsea from the Kentucky Derby and read more about her day here.
05/08/2008 - 6 Comments
Francisco is Director of the Office of Legislative Services of the Puerto Rico Legislative Assembly and the national Young Democrats Democratic National Committeeman. Francisco is also the founding President of the Puerto Rico Young Democrats and National Co-Chair of Hillblazers.
On April 20th, we held a press conference in front of Puerto Rico’s Capitol announcing the endorsement of both the New Progressive Party’s (NPP) and the Puerto Rico Young Democrats (PRYD) youth leadership. Senate President and Democratic National Committeeman Kenneth D. McClintock was on hand to make the official announcement. The President of the NPP youth Abid Quiñones stated "Hillary is the logical choice since she has always been there for Puerto Rico." For PRYD President Luis Caraballo, Hillary’s commitment to proposing legislation in the Congress in favor of Puerto Rico and her proposal to end all inequalities regarding the Island’s treatment under the Medicare and Medicaid programs, only solidifies his belief that Puerto Ricans will massively support Hillary during the June 1st primary.
From my perspective, it was wonderful to see so many enthusiastic young people supporting the candidate that continuously delivers on her word and has always been there for Puerto Rico. As a young superdelegate living on the Island I’m excited to see the primary contest make its way down here. The support from both of these youth organizations is a big step in mobilizing the 18-34 year old vote in Puerto Rico. Young people are engaged and ready to help Hillary make history as our democratic nominee!
05/05/2008 - 27 Comments
David is a senior at Duke University and a member of Duke Students for Hillary.
It was the middle of exam week, but when the Clinton campaign called to offer me a ticket to see Hillary speak at the North Carolina Jefferson Jackson Dinner on Friday night, I jumped at the chance. I was excited to see Senator Clinton in person for the first time, but I never imagined how incredibly inspiring she would be.
Over the past months, I have read and watched Senator Clinton take strong stances on the issues that matter most to college students today: making higher education affordable, ensuring we will have health care no matter what job we take, protecting social security for our generation, taking a tough stance against global warming, and guaranteeing equal rights for women and LGBT individuals. Senator Clinton speaks about a new kind of diplomacy, with long-range plans for Iraq, the Middle East, and global coalitions. Never have I heard a candidate present such a well thought-out platform.
Senator Clinton doesn’t just have big ideas. She tells us how she will pay for each proposal and shares her plans for how legislation will pass. When Chelsea Clinton came to Duke a couple of weeks ago, she answered every question the students asked in remarkable detail. The campaign does not pander nor condescend. The Clintons are committed to sharing exactly how we can begin to fix the root causes of inequality and injustice in society.
When I heard Senator Clinton on Friday, I was completely blown away. I knew I would agree with her positions on the issues, and I knew her stories and experiences would be convincing. What really struck me was her deep sense of conviction that was evident as soon as she stepped onto the stage. I felt confidant that she will be a president who would stand up for our values, work with everyone in both parties, and actually get things done. What an incredible blend of passion and pragmatism! You could not help but leave the dinner on Friday night energized with the possibilities Senator Clinton offers. What amazing hope for our generation!
Earlier in the day Hillary stopped in Kinston, Hendersonville, Greensboro -- take a look at some photos from her day in North Carolina:
05/05/2008 - 4 Comments
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