Flashes burst around the room as she held a microphone steadily and answered questions.
"My mom will…." Chelsea Clinton said, in response to dozens of questions at Casper College on Thursday afternoon.
Chelsea Clinton, daughter of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, was one member of the Clinton family to tour Wyoming Thursday. Her father, former president Bill Clinton, spoke in Riverton, Rock Springs and Laramie.
More then 200 Casper College students and interested Casperites filled the Roberts Commons cafeteria for the informal question and answer session, "Our Voice Our Future."
"I feel like a teenager," said Casperite Julie Briggs, a Hillary for President pin on her blouse. "I just love this."
Briggs had a front-row seat for the discussion, she made sure she went to the college cafeteria more than an hour early to get a good place.
"I've followed the Clintons forever."
Briggs wasn't the only one who came early. Casper College freshman Justine Swenson and sophomore Meghann Dillon both wanted to ensure they would be able to hear what Chelsea Clinton, 28, had to say about her mother's campaign.
"This is a once-in-a lifetime chance," Dillon said. "I want to hear about her mother's health care plans and see what she plans to do if she is elected."
Chelsea Clinton answered questions about her mother's possible domestic and foreign policies. An occupational therapy-student asked about health care.
She said her mother will advocate for universal health care.
When another participant asked the former first daughter about global warming, she said the former first lady acknowledges global warming as a problem and will work to make the country "greener."
One student asked if Hillary Clinton was going to "bring us back our dignity."
Sophomore Ryan O'Donnell said he is currently undecided, and wants more information before the caucuses on Saturday morning.
"It's a rare opportunity to see any kind of politics in Wyoming," he said.
He was most interested in Sen. Clinton's plans for education, particularly her stand on the evolution of science in education, he said before the question and answer session.
One student said the information from Chelsea Clinton about her mother's policies helped him as he makes his decision, but he is still undecided.
"It's a strenuous process" deciding who to vote for, Evan Slafter said, after the hour-long forum.
Contact Christine Robinson at (307) 266-0639 or christine.robinson@trib.com
Posted in Local on Friday, March 7, 2008 12:00 am | Tags: Political, Presidential, Democrat, Hillary Clinton, Chelsea Clinton, Wyoming
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