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Records of the First Lady's Office (Clinton Administration)
Melanne Verveer's Subject Files
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Roleig
Firsilary
TO
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
At P.S. 115, Urban Reality Is Only Pushed Aside
I
By SAM DILLON
"She picked this school 'cause she
1,000. Before Mrs. Clinton's visit, cus-
S
The First Lady's
is helping us feel better when we feel
todians and teachers worked fever-
F
Hillary Rodham Clinton thrilled
sad," he said. "I miss my teacher,
Ishly to give it a spit-and-polish shine.
n
Public School 115 with her lightning
Ms. Manning."
But the Gothic 1913 building is crum-
le
visit yesterday, but minutes after her
visit lifts morale,
"I cry when my teacher tells me
bling, and Mrs. Clinton was not given
0
departure, students were back in
a complete tour.
h
about Ms. Manning, so Mrs. Clinton
mourning for a teacher who may
but effects are
comes to make me feel better," Ariel
She did not see, for instance, the
=
have been murdered, and the princi-
added. "I think she knows that some-
hole in the auditorium ceiling, four
pal was worrying that more school
temporary.
body killed Ms. Manning, and she has
feet in diameter, left when hundreds
S
ceilings will collapse.
to find the polices and tell them to
of pounds of plaster crashed to the
J
Though it appeared that the First
find the robbers that killed her."
floor recently after a water leak
e
Lady wanted to make an upbeat point
caused a cave-in.
e
about volunteer action - she chose
Indeed, in the hours after Mrs. Clin-
Colleagues last saw Ms. Manning
at school on Jan. 13. When she failed
"Water is seeping in all over this
C
P.S. 115 to honor an innovative tutor-
ton's visit, the mood in the school
school," Mr. Tomka said. "And my
n
ing program there - her one-hour
faded from exhilaration into renewed
to call after several days of absence,
letters to the school board authorities
11
tour of the crowded Washington
grief over Ms. Manning's death. Stu-
Mr. Tomka said he phoned the police
Heights school became a surprise
Jan. 19.
about it go unanswered."
dents, teachers and parents milled
When Mrs. Clinton stood in the area
brush with urban violence and decay.
through the school's office wearing
"We think she was murdered -
It came one week after school au-
their best clothing, donned for the
though we're not sure," Mr. Tomka
on the floor above the collapsed ceil-
ing, Isabel Horwitz, a teacher, said
thorities reported the disappearance
First Lady's visit, and black ribbons
said. Her death had no apparent con-
she and other teachers became con-
of a longtime teacher, Patricia Man-
distributed by parents in memory of
nection to her school activities, he
cerned. "We were all afraid she
ning, whose body was found by the
Ms. Manning.
said.
would fall through," she said.
police in her Queens apartment, her
"We're all just destroyed by Ms.
Lieut. John Shatinski, the detective
Mr. Tomka said three students
head bloodied. The police are investi-
Manning's death, but Mrs. Clinton's
squad commander in the 113th Pre-
were killed in drug-related violence in
gating the death as a homicide,
visit came just at the right moment,"
cinct, said that the medical examiner
the streets outside the school about
though other causes have not been
said George Tomka, the school princi-
has not yet ruled on the case. Ms.
four years ago, and in November
ruled out.
pal. "Out of tragedy comes hope."
Manning was a "very private per-
1990, Antonio Otero, 23, the custodian,
"It was good that Mrs. Clinton
Mrs. Clinton visited P.S. 115 as a
son" who confided little, even to rela-
was attacked inside the school by
came here when she did, because
way of lauding volunteer tutors who
tives, and that has made the investi-
teen-agers who beat him with a bat,
morale was very low," said Graciela
work with the school's children one
gation difficult, he said.
dislocating his arm.
Navarro. who coordinates bilingual
day a week. But students like Ariel
P.S. 115, situated on West 177th
"I'm glad everything went good for
education at the school. "Il cheered
Diaz, 8, believed the First Lady had
Street, IS among the city's most
Mrs. Clinton here, because the neigh-
us up, but now we'll go back to mourn-
come because of Ms. Manning's
crowded schools, with 1,400 students
borhood around here is terrible," Mr.
ing."
death.
jammed into a structure built for
Otero said.
1/27/93
1/27/93
"To do what my husband asked me
In a third-floor classroom, 12
to do that's what I'm going to try to
By MICHAEL KELLY
fourth- and fifth-grade students and
do," she said. "To perform the func-
On her first day in her new job
seven tutors involved in the volunteer
tion he outlined yesterday, to come up
shaping her husband's health-care
program New York Cares sat on
with, by working and coordinating
small, worn wooden chairs around
with a lot of people, his health-care
plan, Hillary Rodham Clinton yester-
day mixed private discussions on
small, worn wooden tables. At one
proposal that he will present to the
health policy with a public appear-
end of the room, a blue and white rope
Congress in May. And that's what
ance scripted along the traditional
line held back a medium-sized cohort
we're going to do."
lines of First Ladyhood: a visit to a
of journalists: six or seven video
The First Lady's performance yes-
public school in New York to chat
cameras, as many still photogra-
terday comes directly out of difficult
with children in front of cameras.
phers, a lesser complement of radio,
experience in Arkansas.
Mrs. Clinton's approach mixes two
news service and newspaper report-
Hillaries: one a Presidential partner
ers. The photographers shouted in-
who is daily setting precedents of
structions to the children to move
here and there, so as not to block the
Bill Clinton's first term as Gover-
perquisite and power, and the other a
political wife performing a function a
shot of the First Lady. A White House
nor of Arkansas ended with the voters
hundred years in the circumscribing.
advance staffer plastered gaffer's
throwing him out. Hillary Rodham
The mix, mastered over the years
tape over the lock on the classroom
was part of the reason why. A leftish
First Lady and Top Official Visit, Both Named Hillary Clinton
as the First Lady of Arkansas, is an
door, so her entrance would be
feminist lawyer who came to Arkan-
essential tool in the selling of Bill
smooth and seamless.
sas by way of Wellesley College, Yale
Clinton's programs, and one that will
Mrs. Clinton, with a wireless micro-
and Capitol Hill, she fostered great
likely be much in evidence over the
phone to broadcast her words tucked
disapproval with her dismissal of the
development of the health-care plan.
into the back of her belt, spent about
traditional trappings of the First
In the afternoon Mrs. Clinton, tak-
20 or so minutes among the children,
Lady role.
ing advantage of her presence in New
stopping to sit and talk at each table.
The theme of the visit was to em-
By 1983, when Mr. Clinton, back in
York to receive a long-scheduled hu-
manitarian award, met privately at
phasize White House support for the
office, appointed his wife to run the
commission that would shape the
the Chemical Bank headquarters
New York Cares program, a six-year-
with several woman involved in
old volunteer organization that en-
overhauling of the state's public
health-care issues, all of whom were
lists the evening and weekend work of
schools, "she had grown tremendous-
also in the city to take part in the
some 3,500 people who tutor children,
ly in her understanding of how to
award ceremony of the National
visit the elderly and people with
present herself," said Bill Bowen, a
AIDS, plant community gardens and
Little Rock friend and political ally.
Child Labor Committee.
Substantive Discussions
do other good works. Maria Alvarez,
"And this helped her tremendously in
33, a vice president with Chase Man-
selling the whole education reform to
a state that traditionally had always
Mrs. Clinton met with Colleen
wanted better education but had nev-
Luntsford Bevis, who is active in
er wanted-to pay for it. If she had not
drug education and child abuse issues
in Tampa, Fla.; Nan Songer, the
hattan Bank, established the pro-
learned to fit in, she would never have
chairwoman of the New York State
gram at P.S. 115 last year, and ac-
enjoyed the same success. We all
companied Mrs. Clinton on her
tend to listen to people who are like
Interagency Coordinating Council for
Early Intervention Services; Jeri
rounds.
us, dress like us, don't put on airs."
Ann Brooks, a California doctor who
The First Lady moved through the
works with AIDS patients, and Barba-
room at a practiced clip, and kept the
ra Carol Staggers, also of California,
talk light and sweet, as is the norm in
who works with adolescents on men-
these sort of events.
tal health issues.
"We talked about general political
"Hi, Melissa, what a pretty dress, I
issues and health care," said Jeffrey
love the colors!," she said to one 8-
Newman, the executive director of
year-old girl. "You know I used to do
the National Child Labor Committee,
this when I was living in Arkansas,
who took part in the meeting. He said
which is where I lived before my
Mrs. Clinton had quizzed the others
husband was President. I would go to
about the health needs of their com-
a school and work with students and I
munities.
really liked it, 'cause I always
But in her one public appearance of
learned something too."
the evening, a brief speech accepting
Melissa was reading a book about
the 1993 Lewis Hine Award for serv-
an ice-skater, which prompted Mrs.
ice to children, Mrs. Clinton spoke
Clinton to recall that she had enjoyed
entirely in the glowing vagueries and
skating as a child. "But I never got to
smooth-planed platitudes typical of
go very fast," she said, with a touch of
First Lady oratory, and resisted any
rueful humor. "I was usually trying
temptation to mark her first day as
to prevent myself from skating on my
chief health reform planner with an
ankles."
address on the subject.
Mrs. Clinton capped her visit by
"We have to fight against our own
feelings of cynicism and skepticism,"
she said in speaking about efforts to
calling the numbers in a brief, not
improve the lot of children. "The
particularly hard-fought game of
President is convinced, and I am con-
multiplication bingo. Erick Macea,
vinced, that each of us can make a
10, who played two cards, won. He
difference in the life of a child."
Her school colleagues last saw
received a kiss from the First Lady,
and two happy faces.
Ms. Manning at school on Jan. 13.
A Veteran Playing the Role
But the part of the day that gar-
As she was leaving the room, Mrs.
nered the greatest attention from the
Clinton stopped to answer a shouted
press was spent in pure, old-fashioned
question from a reporter, her only
First Lady theater.
chance in the morning for making a
In a morning appearance at Public
statement of a substantive nature.
School 115, an elementary school in a
What, the reporter asked, did Mrs.
Washington Heights, Mrs. Clinton
Clinton hope to accomplish with her
gave a demonstration of her mastery
new committee on the health-care
of a genre of political behavior de-
system?
NYT's
fined by 200 years of wives before
her.
1/27/93 USA Today
1/27
By Tim Clary, Agence France-Presse
HELPING OUT: Hillary Rodham Clinton works with Chevon
York. Clinton, in New York to receive an award for her work for
Perry, 12, during a visit to Alexander Humboldt School in New
children, told the students that math 'was hard for me.'
First lady gets down to business
By Mimi Hall
game, to talk policy.
hattan. She spent about 30
who's conversant with the
USA TODAY
Riegle, chairman of a
minutes helping tutor fourth-
problem and can make a sig-
health subcommittee, says he
and fifth-grade students.
nificant contribution."
President Clinton wasn't
was happy to hear from her:
Meanwhile, her appoint-
In Cincinnati, callers to
kidding when he said his na-
"It's clear to me that she is ab-
ment to head the health-care
talk radio WCKY were over-
tional task force on health-
solutely focused on this."
task force generated little
whelmingly opposed. "Even
care reform would "work
On Tuesday, the first lady
controversy. In Washington,
people who voted for Clin-
constantly day and night" to
headed to New York City,
most members of Congress
ton said this is not what they
come up with a plan for Con-
aboard the Delta shuttle, to
praised the appointment.
voted for," said talk show host
gress in 100 days.
receive the Lewis Hine
Even House Minority
Mike McMurray.
Monday night at 10:30, just
Award for community ser-
Leader Bob Michel, R-Ill.,
But in Keene, N.H., most
hours after she was named to
vice on children's issues.
who initially quipped, "Well, I
callers "think Mrs. Clinton
head the task force, Hillary
In New York, her first stop
could always ask my wife, I
will do a good job," said
Rodham Clinton called Sen.
was at Alexander Humboldt
guess, to come be my repre-
WKBK talk show host Dan
Donald Riegle, D-Mich., who
School - also known as P.S.
sentative," quickly amended
Mitchell.
was home watching the De-
115 - in a gritty immigrant
his comment and added he
troit Pistons' basketball
neighborhood in Upper Man-
has "no problem with anyone
Hillary in N.Y., 2D
Of Pat.,Manning
I
-
S
F
Jim Estrin/The New York Times
Hillary Rodham Clinton's visit to Public School 115 in Washington Heights provided a respite from mourning for a beloved teacher who may have
been murdered. Students looked at memorial to Patricia Manning, whose body was found in her Queens apartment, her head bloodied.
h a "
1/27
USA TODAY
WEDNE
OPINION USA
Don't underestimate Hillary Rodham Clinton
She improved Arkansas schools as head of
in some instances are high
task force and can do the same for nation's
than national averages. Onl
half of the school district
health system, says former 'Gazette' editor.
taught physics in 1983;
they all do. More than 60 of the
small, inefficient school
The Arkansas Legislature
country was going to be OK,"
tricts have merged.
created a state Education Stan-
Chaffin said. "If anyone in the
School standards weren
lards Committee in 1983 large-
country can make it OK, it's
her only project in Arkansas
to humor then-governor Bill
Hillary Clinton."
She led a study on rural health
Clinton, who appointed his wife
The Arkansas Education
and championed many cause
chairman.
Standards Committee called
for children. She proposed
The legislators, cynical
for smaller classes, enriched
annual report card for ever
bout the shelves-full of reports
curriculum, a longer school
AFP
school district in the state, com
critical of the state's schools,
day and year, promotional and
CONFIDANTE: Sharing her thoughts.
paring test scores, attendan
vere so certain that nothing
competency student testing,
and the like, and the idea ha
vould ever come of the com-
mandatory kindergartens,
now spread to every state.
nittee's work that they didn't
tougher graduation require-
Hillary Rodham Clinton
appropriate any money for ex-
ments and the like.
management style is unlike
enses.
Many of the changes were
her husband's. She starts her
So, instead of going to a hotel
Hillary Clinton's ideas. Requir-
meetings on time and does not
vhen they came to Little Rock
ing counselors in elementary
try to micromanage every
or meetings, committee mem-
schools was one of them. Like
thing. "Her interest is always
from outlying areas
many other recommendations,
the bottom line, not necessaril
unked with members who
it wasn't popular with educa-
how to get there," one of he
in Little Rock or close by.
tors (they wanted to rely on
associates said.
But the legislators underesti-
school nurses), but because of
AP
She can be both brief
nated Hillary Rodham Clin-
problems like incest, which in
CHAMPION: First lady has been an advo-
1983 AP photo
persuasive. Back in 1983 (then
Under her direction, the
1983 was not so widely recog-
cate on many causes for children.
LEADER: Heading education task force.
governor Clinton's secon
ommission transformed pub-
nized, she insisted that profes-
term), after she completed
ic-school education in Arkan-
sional counselors were needed
plaining the standards to lege
Furthermore, she persuad-
at the grade-school level.
she said many times.
Of course, this was wise not
championed this idea and
lators and answering question
the legislators to pass new
She was respectful of the
She used her position as first
only for input but for politics.
pushed teacher testing through
state Rep. Lloyd George
axes to fund the transforma-
opinions of professional educa-
lady to get the opinions of ex-
To overcome the objections of
the Legislature. For a time, it
Danville, a veteran of 12 term
tors, but she didn't accept their
perts, persuading many of
teachers and the cynicism of
made her SO unpopular that
in the Legislature, told repor
State Sen. Charlie Cole Chaf-
opinions as the last word and
them to come to Arkansas to
legislators, Hillary Clinton was
when she walked down the
ers, "I think we've elected
of Benton, a member of that
never hesitated to disagree.
talk to the committee for free.
building support among the
halls of at least one school, the
wrong Clinton."
ommittee, heard on the radio
She abhors mediocrity. She
She also wanted to hear from
voters for these expensive and
teachers slammed the doors to
Monday that she was now go-
is a good listener but also a pro-
parents and, in a move that sur-
major changes in the schools.
their rooms. Many voted
Robert S. McCord is form
to lead a task force on re-
digious reader. Hillary Clinton
prised everyone, she insisted
Arkansans believed there
against initiating her into an
senior editor of the Arkans
orming the nation's health-
does her homework. "People
that the committee hold a pub-
were many incompetent teach-
honorary teaching society.
Gazette.
are system. "I decided right
are tired of their children go-
lic hearing in every one of Ar-
ers. Over the protests of the
But the changes are now
that health care in this
ing to school and not learning,"
kansas' 75 counties.
teacher unions, the Clintons
paying off. Arkansas test scores
Reaction to new job, 4A
First lady's first labors:
Hillary speaks up for kids
Hillary Rod-
er won: Al gets a
ham Clinton
nomination this
plunged into
year for his tor-
her ground-
tured lieutenant
breaking first
colonel in Scent
ladyship Tues-
(based very
day with a day
much on Breg-
of serious work
man), but will
in New York
actually win
City. Get used to
next year for
her middle
his gangster
name; even
portrayal in
Mayor David
Carlito's Way.
USA
Dinkins care-
JEANNIE
Now, Carlito
Joday
fully used it
WILLIAMS
is Bregman's
Tuesday night
film, so he's not
Warner Bros.
to introduce her
<2/1
News & Views
unbiased. But
BASINGER: Goes it alone,
as she received
he says it's a
except for beau Baldwin
a special Lewis
gangster role
Hine Award from the Nation-
playing to Pacino's strength
who might end up with Pa-
al Child Labor Committee.
of revealing hidden fury; he's
cino in Carlito's Way is Sean
Clinton, in a long, purple
a man trying to escape the
Penn. And Penn has other
dress with a pin of tiny chil-
mob world. Brian De Palma
projects pending - not least
dren given her by her hus-
directs.
of which is the second child
band, said, "In this informa-
Bregman, lunching at New
that he and Robin Wright ex-
tion age, we are barraged by
York's Royalton Hotel - the
pect about August. They al-
images, where the faces of
newest spot to be seen
ready have Dylan, almost 2.
children lose their indi-
schmoozing - also has his
Penn will direct The Cross-
viduality
We have to fight
own take on Kim Basinger.
ing Guard but is waiting till
our own cynicism and skepti-
She just played a bank rob-
fall because Jack Nicholson
cism, we have to fight against
ber in The Real McCoy for
may be bagged for that one.
our own feelings of hopeless-
him in Atlanta, and he calls
ness in the face of such big
her "an old-fashioned ac-
QUOTABLES:
Even
if
you
problems. I know the presi-
tress. She's very quiet, easy
read every word on David
dent is convinced, and I
to deal with." Basinger isn't
Letterman's switch from
know I'm convinced
that
one for an entourage, he says
NBC to CBS, take time for
each of us, every day, can
(unless you count Alec Bald-
Ken Auletta's smooth insid-
make a difference in the life
win, who adds up to one all
er piece in the Feb. 21 New
of some child."
by himself).
Yorker. Even Connie Chung
Earlier, Clinton had pri-
That duo will continue
was brought into the pitch by
vate meetings, one with Hine
their support for New York
CBS Broadcast Group chief
awardees in health-care
City's Carriage Horse Action
Howard Stringer. Among a
fields, "getting a lens on the
Committee by attending a
stream of gifts and notes, he
current health-care system,"
committee cocktail event to-
sent Letterman a tape of
part of outreach for the pres-
night at Doubles.
Chung giving reasons Dave
ident's reform task force,
should switch, including,
which she heads, said press
FLASHES:
Another star
"For one year, whenever
secretary Lisa Caputo. Clin-
Maury (Povich, her hubby)
ton also visited kids and their
and I make love, I promise to
volunteer tutors at a public
say, 'Oh, Dave! Oh, Dave!' A
grade school in Washington
wooer from ABC, Ted Kop-
Heights - "lit up and hap-
pel, kicked a soccer ball
py," as she called them.
around with Letterman over
a hot-dog lunch. Auletta says
INSIDERS: Al Pacino is
NBC did offer The Tonight
hot, with a Golden Globe win
Show to Letterman - after
for Scent of a Woman, and
June 1994, if he stayed with
producer Martin Bregman
Late Night till then; NBC de-
has him. Bregman has
nies this.
known Pacino for years, pro-
One winner is Creative
duced him in Dog Day After-
Artists Agency, which negoti-
noon, Scarface and Sea of
ated a $39 million deal for
Love). He may be changing
Letterman and his team. It
his mind since the Globes,
could get at least $2 million-
but he figures the Oscars this
CHUNG: Oh Dave, oh Dave,
plus in fees and a percentage
way for Pacino, who has nev-
please come to CBS.
of syndication sales.
Learning the Ropes
Reuters
First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton watches stu-
The visit Tuesday to the public school in a drug-
dents Chevon Perry, left, and Tanya Perry work
plagued neighborhood of upper Manhattan was
on reading drills in their New York City school.
a symbolic first trip for the fledgling First Lady.
LA Times 1/27/93
THE FIRST LADY
Her Visit Multiplies School's Hopes
In her first trip since the
inauguration, Hillary Rodham
Clinton visits a math class at
New York public school in a
drug-plagued neighborhood.
By JOHN J. GOLDMAN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
N
EW YORK-Hillary Rodham Clin-
ton, making her first trip as First
Lady, stood amid math texts and mythol-
ogy legends, encyclopedias and Bible
studies books Tuesday in the library of a
public school in a drug-infested neigh-
borhood of Upper Manhattan and, to the
delight of the pupils, played multiplica-
tion bingo.
"Ready, everybody? I have never done
this before," she said before promptly
plunging into the game. "0-9x5, N-2x5,
O-7x6, I-10x10, N-10x3, I-4x1, N-5x0, E-
10x10."
"You are going to have to do better
here," she said, glancing down at one pu-
pil's card.
G-5x1, O-2x2, N-1x8.
Yea, Mark, that's great," she said, prais-
ing another. "You all were doing two
cards, too. I'm impressed.
"My father and mother used to quiz us
on the multiplication tables. My father
would get up in the morning and quiz us
Reuters
before breakfast," she said. "I would say,
'Why do I have to do this now?'
First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, during her first trip since her husband was
It was a significant and symbolic first
inaugurated, greets students and parents at a New York elementary school.
visit, designed to underscore the White
House commitment to volunteerism and
and addiction to alcohol and drugs.
ington Heights, a neighborhood with a
to inner-city education. At Public School
At the Park Avenue reception that fol-
well-founded reputation as a cocaine su-
115, Clinton met tutors from New York
lowed, Clinton received the Lewis Hine
permarket near the George Washington
Cares, a voluntary organization that pro-
award of the National Child Labor Com-
Bridge, she said: "We need to remember
vides one-on-one assistance to fourth-
mittee, a New York-based group that
those children who were lit up and happy
and fifth-graders at the school.
promotes the rights, dignity and well-be-
because of the volunteers who had come
Forgoing the typical transportation of
ing of children. The Hine award is named
to see them."
first ladies, she traveled to New York on
in honor of an early 20th-Century pho-
Earlier, speaking to reporters about
a commercial flight. "She just wanted to
tographer who documented in gripping
her assignment to lead the President's
fly commercial," said Lisa Caputo, her
black-and-white pictures the exploita-
drive to reform the nation's health care
spokeswoman.
tion of children.
system, she stressed that a "key part" of
L
ater in the day, before receiving an
"There is no substitute for love and
the plan will be to make health care more
award for service to young people,
caring and compassion and human beings
accessible for children.
she used the occasion to confer with four
helping one other," the First Lady said in
Asked to define her goals as head of
health care experts among her fellow
accepting the award. "No matter how
the President's health care reform com-
prize recipients.
much we do, from the White House to the
mittee, she said she wants to do "what
Those at the private meeting said is-
courthouse
what children need is
my husband asked me to do-perform
sues discussed included how health ser-
adults who care about them, who are
the functions he outlined yesterday [and]
vices are delivered in poor neighbor-
willing to stand up and fight for them
work and coordinate with a lot of people"
hoods, the health problems of farm
against a world that is often unfair."
to formulate a proposal to take to Con-
workers and medical questions involving
Speaking to the audience about her
gress.
adolescents, including teen-age suicide
visit earlier to the public school in Wash-
The First Lady has long been interest-
LA Times 127 193
1/2
THE TIMES POLL
Redefining the Role?
Hillary Rodham Clinton has become a symbol for the changing role of women in
American society. More than half of Americans believe she will be more heavily
involved in presidential decisions than her predecessors, a Times Poll found. The
poll was taken before President Clinton this week named his wife as chairwoman
of the presidential Task Force on Health Reform.
A NEW DIRECTION
CABINET CONNECTION
Do you expect Hillary Clinton to play
Do you think the new First Lady
a more important role in national
should sit in on the President's
affairs than previous first ladies?
Cabinet meetings?
More important role
51%
Should sit in
24%
Less important role
4
Should not
68
About the same
40
Don't know
8
Don't know
5
HER VALUES
HER INFLUENCE
Does she represent the values that
Is her influence on her husband a
you find important?
good thing for the country?
Yes
50%
Good
39%
No
26
Bad
13
Don't know
24
Has little effect
40
Don't know
8
PAST COMPARISONS
OVERALL IMPRESSION
Do you think she will be a better role
What is your impression of Hillary
model for women than past first
Clinton?
ladies?
Favorable
58%
Will be a better role model
41%
Unfavorable
19
Will not be a better role model
41
Don't know
23
Don't know
18
Source. Los Angeles Times Poll of 1.733 adurs nationwide, Jan. 14-17. Margan of error IS plus or minus 3 provide
points.
ed in children's issues. In 1973, she joined
students massed at outdoor ceremonies in
the staff of the Children's Defense Fund
the school's courtyard.
in Washington and later served as a
"I know it is cold and I want all of you
board member and chairwoman. When
to get back inside where it's warm. How
Bill Clinton was elected governor of Ar-
many of you saw my husband, President
kansas in 1978, she founded the Arkansas
Clinton, when he was sworn in to be
Advocates for Children and Families.
President?" she asked. "Did you see him
Mrs. Clinton said she decided to visit
on television?"
P.S. 115 to see the work of Maria Alvarez,
The pupils raised their hands and
a vice president of the Chase Manhattan
cheered.
Bank and a fellow Hine Prize winner,
"Well, one of the things that he said
who had established the highly success-
was all of us are going to have to work
ful tutoring program.
harder to be better citizens and better
A
t ease in the glare of television
Americans.
All of the students here,
lights, Mrs. Clinton sat down at low
each of you, will have to work to learn as
tables with the students on the third
much as you can learn. I just met some
floor. helping them with multiplication
students, and I know that you can learn a
flash cards and reading exercises.
lot. So thank you for letting me come."
"I'm being reminded of a lot of things."
As she spoke, George Tomka, the prin-
she told one group of pupils. A few min-
cipal, proudly stood listening.
utes later, as people waved from fire es-
"It's a big ray of hope," he said. "It
capes across the street, she addressed
shows that we are heing noticed."
2/2
New
YORK
Post
1/27
New York Post: Don Brinzac
TUTOR FOR A DAY: Hillary Clinton helped Washington Heights kids with math yesterday.
Hillary goes to head of the class
By KIERAN CROWLEY
want to follow in her footsteps.
Mrs. Clinton sat next to Tanya
Hillary Clinton, in her first
"I don't want to be a first
Perry, 7, to go over her sums.
public appearance as First
lady," she said. "Too much trou-
"Let's do it together," said the
Lady, helped tutor New York
ble. Too much work."
First Lady, leaning over Tanya,
youngsters in math yesterday
Mrs. Clinton flew here on a
who counted on her fingers and
at Washington Heights elemen-
commercial flight to visit PS
wrote down her answers
tary school.
115 on West 177th Street and to
"Good girl," said the visitor.
Some students at PS 115 were
accept a Lewis Hine Award
"My father and mother used to
impressed Some weren't
from the National Child Labor
quiz us on the multiplication
"She helped me with my math,"
Committee for distinguished
tables," she said. "My father
beamed 7-year-old Tanya Perry.
service to children and youth.
would get up in the morning and
"She said my homework was nice.
She headed straight for the
quiz us. I would say, 'Why do I
She's nice. Tm happy."
school, joining bank executive and
have to do this now?"
"She's tall. She's pretty. She's
fellow award recipient Maria Alva-
The First Lady also called out
wonderful. And I think she's
rez in helping 4th and 5th graders
the numbers for a round of mul-
powerful," said Ysleny Reyes, &
with their math as part of a one-on-
tiplication table bingo, which
Jenny Nunez, 11, said she ad-
one volunteer tutoring program
Tanya's brother, Mark Patter-
mired Mra Clinton, but didn't
run by New York Carea
son, & won
First lady spends nrst trip with KIAS
vinced and I am convinced that
Clinton called out numbers for math
cessor, Barbara Bush, might have
By Anne Gowen
each of us every day can make a
bingo and said, "This [program] has
done.
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
difference in the life of some child,"
a good reputation and is in line with
But then Mrs. Clinton would say
NEW YORK - First lady Hillary
she told her audience of 200 at the
what I think needs to happen, that
something such as: "Oh, now, what
Rodham Clinton spent part of yester-
Chemical Bank Corp. headquarters
more adults spend more time focus-
happens [to the tutoring] in the sum-
day helping a group of at-risk public
on Park Avenue.
ing on children, whether it's educa-
mer? Oh, you continue.
school children with their multipli-
Mrs. Clinton told the group that
tion or health or welfare or recrea-
"That's the unusual thing about
cation tables while vowing to "do
her visit yesterday with students at
tion. And I like this kind of one-
this. You know, if you chart kids'
what my husband asked me to" to
Public School 115, Washington
on-one attention. I think there's real
achievement levels, over the sum-
help deliver his health care proposal
Heights' Alexander Humboldt
substance in that."
mer there's a drop-off."
She sat down and taught sixth-
to Congress.
School, was an example of what vol-
Throughout the presidential cam-
Mrs. Clinton ventured out of
unteer efforts mean to children.
grader Maria Tories of Manhattan a
paign, Mrs. Clinton said she planned
Washington for the first time since
"The children that I saw at that
"trick" to remember multiplying by
to be a "voice for children" in the
the inauguration to receive a Lewis
school were lit up and happy, not be-
nine that had reporters frowning
White House. But Monday she was
over their notebooks.
Hine Award for Distinguished Ser-
cause there were TV cameras in the
given a bigger role when her hus-
vice to Children and Youth, given by
room, but because they were sitting
"She was a nice person," Maria
band announced that she will head a
the National Child Labor Commit-
with volunteers who had come to see
said of the first lady. "I think she is
task force on health care reform.
tee, a nonprofit children's rights
them," said the first lady, wearing a
going to help a lot of people."
organization.
bright purple dress and a pin with
During the cozy photo session at
"It's kind of strange seeing some-
During her acceptance speech,
ceramic people on it.
the school, Mrs. Clinton moved
one of that stature sitting next to
Mrs. Clinton sounded familiar
Mrs. Clinton visited the school to
through tables filled with eager chil-
you, but I guess she's just a regular
themes, calling for Americans to
see a tutoring program put together
dren who scribbled with pencils.
person," said Kenny Munno, 30, a
work to see that "no child is left be-
by another Hine awardee, Chase
There were small signs that she is no
computer programmer from Brook-
Manhattan Bank Vice President Ma-
run-of-the-mill, momlike first lady.
hind."
lyn and a volunteer tutor.
"We have to fight against our cyni-
ria Alvarez. Because of Ms. Al-
She went on in her folksy, adopted-
Ms. Alvarez's project was put to-
cism and our skepticism. We have to
varez's efforts, volunteers tutor His-
Arkansan way - "How are y'all do-
gether under the auspices of New
fight against our feelings of hope-
panic fourth- and fifth-graders at
ing here?" and "My father used to
York Cares, a group of 3,500 volun-
lessness in the face of such big prob-
the school in math and English every
get me up in the morning and say,
teers who work with poor children,
other Saturday.
'OK, we're going to do multiplication
homeless families, people with
lems," Mrs. Clinton said.
"I know that the president is con-
Sitting in the school's library, Mrs.
before breakfast'' as her prede-
AIDS and the elderly.
The Washington 1/27/93 Times
'93 02:20 BOSTON GLOBE
Clinton
1'1's said yu. right there ill 100
mere. -ming that Hillary Citton's
base birth ...! in. who
Apericance advising he: hessand .)??
sill". and like. 13864 this VITY as
again securely
reform in Arkansas Doded
portant jain. There's inc. criticism. be:
well the health care reform.
eventually people will accept it."
And women's advocates greeted
in high profile
Criticism there was.
Sonre political unservers and ci!!-
the appointment as a welcome sign
nat the First Lady rittl abandoned
By Sally Jacobs
20115 expressed concern vesterday
tin. relatively iow protile she minpted
'il :he face of Remblican criticism
CLOBE STAFF
sholl potential complications arising
then the appointment maniy chall
during the campaign. and would he
For months, Hillary Clinton has
members of the committee might he
taking nn activist role.
been a most pliant political wife. She
reluctars to criticize ideas in her
"This is an absolutely fahulous
has stood quietly at her husband's side.
hasband The task force is (i) pre-
mage for women in general." said
face tilted toward his. She has served 8
pare legislation for revamping the
Baston lawyer Nancy Gertner. d
compelling complement, trimly dressed
nation's complex health CRIP system
friend of Hillary Clinton's. "What" "i-
and cunningly coiffed.
and in present its proposal in Con.
happening now is people are getting
But now Hillary Rodham Clinton is
THOSE within 100 days. Other mem-
keel u seeing her as an extremely
back.
of the commission include many
alented competent woman and 11:1-
First, her maiden name cropped up
members of the Cabinet and senior
prestand that the Clintons' marriage
in between Hillary and Clinton shortly
White house staff.
: is partnership. These are net
after the inauguration. Then came the
a secretary of health
or hollow gestures."
announcement that she would be the
and human services 111' it hadget n.
Ackled NOWs Ircland: "I don't
first First Lady to occupy a West Wing
rector idi ol president that his withs
think we'r' secing nearly as much
office, in addition to the traditional
indrin :- half-baked" asked Gary
resistance :o this as WC might have
East Wing offices to which her prede-
Baner. it domestic policy adviser un-
decade ago. The fact is the: mòst
cessors have been assigned. And now
our Ronald Rungan.
people are in the paid work force ani.
her hairband is back, too.
Consultants ittal observers iils:
we're getting more used to having
After being shelved for the final
expected negative reaction from the
women in positions of power
weeks of the Clinton campaign, the vel-
public which has not looked warning
vet are of control is back on Hillary
,Ancl far. far from the political
ruga presidential wives involved in
newer corridor of the Northeast.
Clinton's head. And to image-savvy ob-
policy in the past. They HIRD objected
Hillary Clinton's new image seems
servers yesterday assessing her ap-
that lawyer Hillary Clinton has iittle
to be playing just fine,
pointment to a new national health care
experience in the field of health care.
"You know. the issue is not ner
task re, its significance was vividly
noting that the absense of such it
hairband or where she 11:18 her
clear.
track record makes he: posting un.
"I think her hairband is indicative
chair." said Tim Witsman. Republi-
ocessarily politically risky.
can chairman of the Wichita Cham-
of her saying, perhaps unconsciously,
"She has the toughest political
i)el" of Commerce. "The issue is why
that she is back, she is going to be her-
assignment possible." said Richard
she does with health care. I donk
self and it's a new era," said Patricia
Wirthlin. a Republican pollster in
know. a lot about her. birt she seems
Ireland, president of the National Or-
Virginia. "No 11'8' she cun handle
ganization for Women. "For a busy
smart. and she has the president's
that position without 8 slin-up Cr
in I'm ill! for it."
woman with lots of responsibility the
two. and when she slips up ihe com-
temptation is always to throw a head-
Naterial garose the Associated
nand on. perhaps signifying thill -in
sequences will he five times 81.5 1.27'21
11,4.4.8 ,IViA used 111 this preparention !!!
nas a loi on iw mind hesides dissin.
H.S i!' she took it lesser role. You could
lisis report
her hair Prushs and that's 03898 in:u1 il
zzizt the best and brightest in Chat po-
ill}."
sition and they would have difficul-
In st culmination of the
3
subtle image changes. Hillary Un.
Rist many others applauded the
ion on M indav 11:10 appointed IN byd.
appointment. welcoming the applica-
husband 1.1 bund the high-profile
100 of .. bright. energetic mind :
President's Tisk Furer off National
the nation's tabyrinthe health care
Health Reform. Hillars Clinton
stom That it is the mind of the
clearly. 11.89
president's wife. they said. seemed
shaping unis. n: : in..
Skei." in ensure that the com-
producessess isbit appears 04. :
mission world Ke: priority attention
ih's H Firs: Lad. lini, 28.1 :..
train in Own! Office.
the some whether in ii.
"Therell be all kinds of com.
PAGE 1
:i. might In. changed is' something
about it being the president's
like "Fus: Partner" 11" "Fis:
will und 5% 11111 all !ha! shull
Spouse" in rethed iien 111.5
her middle Same and ner office is in
hon
vike 1441' and aobody really rares
"Betore in:- dection ,Shil' lais: 11.15
-ini David Garth. the Now York :>:
the consultant "She's snart. JR.
not in. cause unre stamong Pa
American chetorate." ,-.liej Learn
COi . kiva 10 her. wal it she can LOUI
Baldridge. crief , 1' -ix.:I bir langue
boukh reform CAFC through she CALL
line Kennedy Onassis 111111 it
have d don't in the Oval Office
dicated columnist "Bill! NEW I them
Several experts in the health
quil ilin realsed the
'93 06:32
P.9
BURRELLE'S
75 EAST NORTHFIELD ROAD LIVINGSTON / NEW JERSEY 07039
TV
(201) 992-6600 / (800) 631-1160
CLIPS
DATE January 26, 1993
ACCOUNT NUMBER 63/1672 NX
TIME 6:30-7:00 PM
NIELSEN AUDIENCE 11,682,000
NETWORK NBC
PROGRAM NBC Nightly News
TOM BROKAW, anchor:
Hillary Clinton in the White House--Bill Clinton's top adviser, point person
on one of his key programs--very much like her role in Arkansas, but now a
much larger stage and larger stakes. NBC's senior Washington correspondent
John Cochran on a new kind of first lady who flew commercially to New York
today.
JOHN COCHRAN reporting:
For her first trip as first lady, Hillary Clinton chose New York, where, as we
all know, if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. Actually, this
was a piece of cake--a visit built around an award for her volunteer work with
school kids. All first ladies do this sort of thing. What makes Hillary
Rodham Clinton different is that she has a real, full-time job heading up the
president's task force on health care.
Mrs. HILLARY CLINTON: That's what I'm going to try to do--to perform the
function that he outlined yesterday, to come--come up by working and
coordinating with a lot of people his health care proposal that he will
present to the Congress in May.
COCHRAN: Mrs. Clinton is most often compared to Eleanor Roosevelt, who also
wanted a piece of the action. In his third term, her husband finally gave her
a minor job as assistant director of the office of civil defense. It was a
disaster because her role was so ill-defined that she had no authority. The
Clintons are trying to avoid that mistake. Unlike Mrs. Roosevelt, Hillary
Clinton will have real authority, not just power based on who her husband is.
She also has a reputation for competence.
Ms. DORIS KEARNS GOODWIN (Author): I think the American people have to
recognize that Hillary Clinton comes to this job with enormous qualifications,
and would have been probably on the short list for even a Cabinet position,
had her husband not been president.
COCHRAN: Yes, yes, it all sounds like a smooth fit, but White House staffers
love to leak complaints about their bosses. A former Reagan staffer offers
this warning:
Ms. SHEILA TATE (Nancy Reagan's Former Press Secretary): Even if she's a
saint, she's going to make a mistake somewhere along the line, and you're far
staff. more likely to read about it because of her proximity to the rest of the
Copyright (c)1992 National Broadcasting Company, Inc. - All Rights Reserved.
2ck10
will UO 'What My Husband Asks Me To Do
NEW YORK (AP) Hillary Rodham Clinton got a quick start Tuesday
on her job heading her husband's health care task force, pursuing
support on Capitol Hill within hours of the appointment and seeking
advice from award-winning health care experts.
She also wowed New York school kids, one of whom declared she
was pretty ' and I think she's powerful.'
Mrs. Clinton picked up a community service award on her first
trip outside Washington as first lady, and used the occasion to
question fellow winners whose projects involve health care for
children.
The Lewis Hine Award was for her service to children over the
years.
President Clinton appointed his wife, a former corporate lawyer,
to lead the task force on one of the most important issues of his
presidency, saying Monday that she was ''a first lady of many
talents.
Asked what she planned to do in her new role, Mrs. Clinton said
Tuesday, ''Do what my husband asks me to do.''
Prodded for specifics, she said her job will be ''to perform the
function that he outlined yesterday (and) to come up with by
working and coordinating with a lot of people his health care
proposal that he will present to Congress in May.
Although reluctant to talk publicly about her new role,
officials said Mrs. Clinton called several congressmen in the first
24 hours on the job. The conversations were general, part of an
initial effort ''to reach out to people, said an official
familiar with the situation.
The official believed some of the calls were made from New York.
Sen. Donald Riegle, D-Mich., said he got a phone call from Mrs.
Clinton late Monday.
While her husband was governor of Arkansas, Mrs. Clinton chaired
an Education Standards Committee that played a leading role in
pushing through school reforms. She also chaired a state panel on
rural health problems and was an active board member of the
Arkansas Children's Hospital.
For her first trip since the inauguration, Mrs. Clinton chose to
forgo the usual government jet generally used by first ladies and
took a commercial flight to New York.
''She just wanted to fly commercial," said her spokeswoman,
Lisa Caputo.
Her first stop was at Alexander Humboldt School also known as
P.S. 115 in a gritty immigrant neighborhood in Upper Manhattan.
Mrs. Clinton spent about 30 minutes helping bank executive Maria
Alvarez tutor fourth- and fifth-grade students.
Ms. Alvarez, a vice president at Chase Manhattan Bank, is a
member of ' 'New York Cares, a volunteer group. She also was a
Lewis Hine Award winner.
Mrs. Clinton said she met informally with four Hine health care
winners to ''learn more about the programs, why they've been
singled out, get their advice about what they think will work.
Caputo said the one-hour conversation got very specific, with
talk about troublesome regulations and innovative policies. ''It
put a lens on some of the most fundamental problems that exist in
the way health care is funded through their experiences as
physicians and leaders'' in the health care field, Caputo said.
She declined to release the names of Mrs. Clinton's guests, but
Hine winners with health care backgrounds are Colleen Lunsford
Bevis of Tampa, Fla.; Nan Songer of Liverpool, N.Y.; Dr. Geri Ann
clinton told a small crowd on the top floor or
But no matter how much work we do, from the White House to the
ent's term to improving the lives of American children.
uilding that she and her husband would dedicate the
ouse, town, what children need more than anything else are
up and down every street, in every large city, adults in every
ing are to stand up and fight for them against a world that
about them, who love them, who teach them and who are is
n the 77-year-old elementary school, Mrs. Clinton offered
cruel and unfair,'' she said.
At to the students, holding their hands, patting them on their
ulders ce and recalling her own problems with multiplication
les. ''My father would get me up in the morning and say, 'All right, the
re going to do multiplication before breakfast, ... she told
udents. She conceded that the math ''was hard for me.''
NP-01-26-93 2012EST
Ege New
Georgetown Is Basking
n.Clinton's New Glow
By KAREN DE WITT
but probably Bill Clinton's Presiden-
Special so The New York Times
cy helped," he said.
WASHING-
Dr. Krogh said he was impressed
TON, Jan. 26
GEORGER
by the financial support Mr. Clinton's
The trees are
classmates gave his candidacy and
bare, the weath-
by the dinner they gave for him the
er wintry, but Georgetown University
night before the inauguration. "I
is experiencing an early spring be-
graduated from Harvard and I'm not
cause of President Clinton, class of
sure that a Harvard class would have
1968.
done what this class did," he said.
No other event in the university's
sity's most famous alumnus at 1600
history prompted as many calls to the
Pennsylvania Avenue, Georgetown
The New York Times
1/27/93
With the installation of the univer-
public affairs office as the diplomatic
undergraduates' steps seem bounci-
reception Mr. Clinton held on campus
er, the faculty's collective chests
during inauguration week, said Jane
more expansive.
Daly Seaberg, assistant executive di-
"He's S.F.S.," said Mgisa Masha,
rector of public relations.
noting that Mr. Clinton had studied in
"We were flooded with calls about
the university's School of Foreign
who could come, who could get in,"
Service, where Mr. Masha is enrolled.
she said. "It was great exposure for
"It's a boost to our reputation. Also,
the school. But the biggest question
the way he's tried to pull Georgetown
came from alumni who wanted to
into his orbit, having the diplomatic
know what Georgetown was doing for
reception here, speaking to the stu-
its alumnus who had been elected
dents — he's really boosted the pride
President."
in the school."
Ms. Seaberg said alumni from all
Mr. Clinton visited the campus the
different classes volunteered to do ev-
day before his inauguration, praised
erything from singing to paying to
his undergraduate experience and
have the campus bells repaired so
suggested that he would return in
they could be rung after Mr. Clinton
June for his class's 25th reunion.
struck the replica of the Liberty Bell.
Charles Deacon, dean of under-
graduate admissions, said George-
"Everybody feels that it is a new
town might see more tangible evi-
day," said Elise Finch, a senior in the
dence of Mr. Clinton's influence. Un-
school of business, who is from New
dergraduate applications have in-
York City. She recalled how excited
creased 11 percent this year, a phe-
she was to vote for a Georgetown
nomenon running counter to the expe-
graduate the first time she was eligi-
rience of many other universities.
ble to vote.
"Politically, this is our era," said
Ms. Finch. "Here is this man who
In conversations with administra-
walked the same steps we've walked
tors at prestigious prep schools, he
and he's sitting in the White House."
said he was told to expect a large in-
Even as students and faculty mem-
crease in students from those schools.
bers basked in the glow of an alum-
"They said a significantly larger
nus's fame, that fame was taking on
number of their juniors were interest-
an aura of the heroic. Legends about
ed in Georgetown," he said. "But we
Mr. Clinton's undergraduate days
already draw from those schools. I'm
were circulating.
more interested in whether his Presi-
For example, Stan Majcher, a sen-
dency will give us a boost among pub-
for business major from Pasadena,
lic schools, particularly as he contin-
Calif., said he had heard that Mr. Clin-
ues to emphasize the Georgetown
ton arrived several days in advance
connection. And I expect he will. He's
of his freshman class in 1964 so he
only 21 blocks away."
could introduce himself to the 1,077
Mr. Deacon said the generational
students. "That takes a lot of initia-
change that Mr. Clinton represented
tive," Mr. Majcher said. "The kind
had lightened the atmosphere of
that leads to being President."
Washington and its "inside the Belt-
Indeed, Mr. Clinton was president
way" mentality.
of his freshman and sophomore class-
"You want young people who have
es at Georgetown.
idealism," Mr. Deacon said. "Presi-
Peter Krogh, dean of the School of
dent Clinton is from a small town, a
Foreign Service, said applications at
poor kid who came to Washington and
the undergraduate level had risen.
got interested in government. He re-
"We like to think that is just because
lates a little closer to youth, and that
of recognition of our increasingly na-
makes Washington suddenly a partic-
tional and international excellence,
ularly interesting place for college
students."
And Hillary Clinton's Job
H
ILLARY CLINTON has always worked
and to reassure the tradition-minded that she was
closely with her husband, both in govern-
really much more old-fashioned than supposed.
ment and politics. He and she both wanted
But the truth is that she has always been more
it to be that way again in the White House. The
than a one-dimensional figure, that she does
plan they've come up with-appointing Hillary
represent, in her outlook on life, her interests
Clinton as head of a committee that will oversee
and activities, vast numbers of women who can-
health care reform legislation-is straightfor-
ward and audacious. It will make the president's
not be pigeonholed as homemakers vs. working
wife publicly accountable for the large imprint
women. She is First Lady, with all the duties that
she was going to make on public policy, whether
go with that role. She also now has a big policy
or not she officially took on another title besides
job within the administration. She should be
First Lady. It is hard to imagine a more difficult
judged by how well she does each-not by
assignment than health care. The precedent Mr.
whether she should be performing either set of
Clinton invokes here is Hillary Clinton's role in
duties or what is fitting for her to do and so on.
helping to get education reform in Arkansas.
And judged she will be. For starters there are
That reform turned out to be his greatest source
bound to be some difficulties inherent in Mrs.
of pride during his tenure as governor. The
Clinton's West Wing role. This is a built-in risk of
president clearly expects that his wife will do a
those who have spouses working for them along
similar job this time around.
with others. Will members of Congress master
Hillary Clinton has been carrying a heavy
the art of mixing respect for the First Lady with
burden over the last year. Americans have spent
candor about the matter at hand? Will it be
three decades or so in a free-form argument
possible for other aides and subordinates of the
about the roles of men and women, husbands and
president to stand up to his wife, or even to
wives, fathers and mothers. There's been a
challenge her work to him, if they think they
considerable shift in opinion. When pressed, few
should (and as they would with any other person
people (including few who call themselves con-
in her job)? With luck it won't come to that, but it
servative) want women to be forced back into the
is a hazard both Clintons should be mindful of. In
roles that had been defined for them in the
fact, we suspect the president's aides would
1950s. But the country is still divided and uncer-
always be able to get any discontent across to
tain about many of the questions at stake.
him through the wonders of a free press and its
Mrs. Clinton, as the quintessential transitional
obligation to protect sources. More important is
figure, thus has found herself at the center of
that having taken line responsibility, Mrs. Clinton
many arguments that were not really about her
will have to accept the costs of being involved in
at all. The issue was sometimes muddied by her
controversies that revolve not around her "role,"
husband's own campaign, which wanted simulta-
but around the public issues at stake. We don't
neously to use her to appeal to feminist voters
think she'll have a problem with that at all.
Jash Post 1/27/93 y,
REUTER
Hillary Clinton watches New York public school students Chevon Perry
and Tanya Perry work on reading drills during her first official trip.
The Health Czar,
At Her Other Job
For Hillary Clinton, Kids and an Award
On a Traditional First-Lady Day
By Martha Sherrill
Washington Post Staff Writer
NEW YORK, Jan. 26-While the private Hillary Rodham Clin-
ton was phoning some of the most powerful members of Congress
today to acquaint them with her new role and gathering the advice
of grass-roots health care workers, the public Hillary Rodham
Clinton was doing what First Ladies have always done: visiting
schools, patting children on the head and getting a brass plaque.
"We have to fight against our own cynicism and skepticism," she
said later, after receiving the Lewis Hine Award for her longtime
work on behalf of children. "We have to fight against our own feel-
ings of hopelessness in the face of such big problems. I know that
the president is convinced-and I know that I'm convinced
that each of us, every day, can make a difference in the life of
some child if we are willing to take the risk to reach out."
It was only Monday that President Clinton announced that his
wife would essentially be his czar of health care reform, and when
asked about that today, she deferentially told reporters that she
would "do what my husband asks me to do."
Prodded for specifics, she said her job will be "to perform the
function that he outlined yesterday [and] to come up with-by
working and coordinating with a lot of people-his health care
proposal that he will present to Congress in May."
See CLINTON, D9, Col. 3
Post 1/27/93 1/2
teer from Tampa who met with Mrs.
"Good girl!" she exclaimed when
donment and Neglect" and "Children
First Trip
Clinton, "then doctors would focus
the right answer turned up.
Under the Law," which will be col-
their attention on them, instead of
Later, Mrs. Clinton told the as-
lected and published soon by the
on the elderly like me."
sembled students to "work to learn
University of Arkansas Press. In Ar-
As
"She was concerned about how to
as much as you can learn."
kansas, she brought something
pull money away from the elderly,"
Math must have been on her mind
called HIPPY-Home Instruction
said Geri Ann Brooks, a nurse and
all day, ever since she phoned Rep.
Program for Preschool Youth-to
psychologist from Northern Califor-
Dan Rostenkowski (D-III.), chairman
the state and served on the Southern
First Lady
nia who has founded a summer camp
of the House Ways and Means Com-
Governors' Association Task Force
for HIV-positive children. "She was
mittee. That call was just one of the
on Infant Mortality and the board of
looking for how it could be used for
first steps as she gears up to take on
the Children's Hospital in Little
children and families."
health care, this most complex pub-
Rock.
CLINTON, From D1
"I told her to ask the elderly how
lic policy dilemma, in which numbers
they felt," added Bevis. "We don't
And in 1983, she was appointed to
And while some of the most en-
routinely get rounded off to the
wish to remain around so long-we'd
the Education Standards Board and
trenched interests and bureaucrats
nearest billion. While Hillary Clinton
rather see our money go to the chil-
toured schools and traveled through-
in Washington were trying to figure
has spent the past 23 years as a pio-
out exactly what that meant, Mrs.
dren."
out Arkansas, increasingly horrified
Earlier, Clinton had joined Maria
neering advocate of children's is-
by the quality of public education-
Clinton and a small entourage were
sues, she will now broaden her work
making her first official trip by un-
Alvarez-another commission
often no foreign languages were
considerably-although it's worth
award recipient-at P.S. 115. Alva-
taught in high schools, nor mathe-
ceremoniously boarding the 8:30
rez has started a volunteer tutoring
noting that many children's issues
a.m. Delta Shuttle for New York.
matics beyond algebra and geome-
spin around health care reform too.
Maybe it was the new $99 fare.
program there in which young pro-
try. Ultimately she worked for re-
fessionals like herself (she's a vice
"No matter how much work we
forms like reduced classroom sizes
In between the visit to P.S. 115 in
president at Chase Manhattan Bank)
do," she said tonight, "from the
and the very unpopular testing of
Washington Heights this morning
teach struggling students and pay all
White House to the courthouse, up
and receiving an award from the Na-
teachers for competence.
the costs themselves. "She was very
and down every street in every large
tional Child Labor Commission at
city and every small town, what chil-
"Last week, during the swearing-
warm," said Alvarez later, "and I was
the Chemical Bank building on Park
impressed with her ability to inter-
dren need more than anything else
in, my husband talked about a season
Avenue tonight, Mrs. Clinton met
act with the kids."
are adults who care about them and
of service for America," Mrs. Clin-
privately with four grass-roots
love them, teach them and discipline
ton said tonight to a room of 400
Confessing her own trouble with
health care workers who were re-
them, and are willing to stand up and
volunteers and professionals toiling
math, Mrs. Clinton told the fourth-
ceiving awards along with her.
and fifth-graders that her father,
fight for them in a world that is often
over children's issues. "He said what
For nearly 90 minutes, she picked
Hugh Rodham, used to get her up in
cruel and unfair."
is so clearly illustrated by the people
their brains, asking for advice and in-
the morning and say, 'All right,
Mrs. Clinton's work as a chil-
who are honored tonight. That what-
put about health care, and revealed a
we're going to do multiplication be-
dren's rights advocate began her
ever is wrong with America can be
bit of her own agenda: She is looking
fore breakfast."
first year at Yale Law School, after
fixed by whatever is right about
for creative ways to get around the
She must have learned pretty
hearing Marian Wright Edelman, the
America. And we have so much of
bureaucracies, ways to "blend fund-
well, since-in the age of the calcu-
founder of the Children's Defense
what is right with us tonight."
ing," ways to teach people how to
lator-she played "multiplication
Fund, speak on campus. She has
use the health care already available
bingo," leading the class in a game
worked for the CDF since then,
to them and ways to find new money
involving times tables, and planted a
leaving as chairman in 1991 because
for children and families.
kiss on the forehead of the boy who
of her husband's presidential cam-
"If children were properly cov-
won. At one point she hunkered
paign. As an attorney, she has pub-
ered," said Colleen Lunsford Bevis, a
down over the desk of a 12-year-old
lished numerous scholarly papers,
76-year-old children's welfare volun-
girl toiling over a math problem.
such as "Children's Policies: Aban-
Wash.Post
1/27/93 2/2
First Lady's First Task Breaks New Ground
Health Care Panel Chairwoman Introduces Herself to Congress in 6 Hours of Phone Calls
By Dana Priest
As "chairwoman," as some law-
about Hillary Clinton's role in her
tendency to treat the wife of any
Washington Post Staff Writer
makers are calling her, she will
husband's administration.
official with politeness and kid
bring together the diverse experts
The Post-ABC News poll found
Shortly after President Clinton
gloves, particularly the First Lady.
and interest groups that will have
that 36 percent of those inter-
However, if she chooses to step
announced Monday afternoon that
input into the process of detailing
viewed said they were concerned
his wife would lead a national
into the fray, I'm sure everyone
a health care proposal and she will
that Hillary Clinton was playing
will still be polite, but candor has
health care reform task force, Hil-
be responsible for writing the plan
"too large a role" in the adminis-
got to rule in these matters."
lary Rodham Clinton picked up the
that the administration presents to
tration. The majority, 58 percent,
That the First Lady enters gov-
telephone and spent the next six
Congress for approval.
said Hillary Clinton had neither
ernment working on one of the
hours introducing herself to the
A new Washington Post-ABC
"too large a role" nor "too small a
most complicated and problem-
most powerful members of Con-
News poll suggests that Ameri-
role" in the administration. Three
fraught domestic issues of the day
gress on the issue.
cans support the appointment of
percent said she had too small a
While the conversations were
has not escaped the health policy
Hillary Clinton to head the task
role; 3 percent said they did not
community.
light on substance, their signifi-
force by better than 2 to 1.
know.
"On the surface, her appoint-
cance was obvious: for the first
The telephone poll of 549
Clinton said Monday that his
ment is kind of a way to beat heads
time lawmakers would have to
adults, conducted yesterday, found
legislative proposal for national
together, of solving a managerial
deal with a First Lady on a crucial
that 64 percent of those inter-
health care reform would be ready
problem," said Stuart M. Butler,
domestic policy issue.
viewed approved of Hillary Clin-
by the end of May. Leaders of the
vice president of domestic and
"At this junction there is some
ton's appointment, while 26 per-
House and Senate yesterday said
economic policy for the conserva-
speculation, you know, should it be
cent disapproved. The remainder
they will join the task force, which
tive Heritage Foundation. "If the
his wife? Is Mrs. Rodham Clinton
expressed no opinion.
includes six Cabinet secretaries
president thinks this is just a mat-
starting to take over the White
But those surveyed were divid-
and numerous senior White House
ter of getting all the papers shuf-
House?" said Rep. Dan Ros-
ed whether Hillary Clinton was the
advisers,
fled, he's wrong. Painful political
tenkowski (D-III.), chairman of the
best qualified person that her hus-
Hillary Clinton is the first First
decisions will have to be made."
House Ways and Means Commit-
band could have appointed to head
Lady to test the official and polit-
Rostenkowski predicted that
tee, who received a call yesterday.
the task force.
ical limits of her position. The
Hillary Clinton's appointment to
"This is big for health. This is a
According to the survey, 44
ground-breaking nature of the task
head the task force will expedite
president who's laid it all out on
percent said she was "probably
is double-edged, members of Con-
the creation of a national health
the line."
among the best available people"
gress said.
care policy. Noting that she must
Hillary Clinton is not a health
to fill the job. But 44 percent be-
"I think it's going to require an
count on often cumbersome bu-
care policy expert, although she is
lieved that there were others
adjustment on all our parts," said
reaucracy to produce reams of
familiar with health care issues
more qualified, while the remain-
Sen. John H. Chafee (R-R.I.), rank-
statistics and economic analyses in
from her work on various Arkan-
der expressed no opinion.
ing minority member of the Fi-
preparing the plan, he said, "If it's
sas and southern regional pro-
The survey also suggests that
nance Committee's health sub-
Hillary Clinton calling for some
grams.
public concern may be growing
committee. "There is a natural
statistics, I bet she's going to get
wash. Post 1/27/93 1/2
WASHINGTON POST-ABC NEWS POLL
VIEWS ON HILLARY CLINTON
Q.
Do you approve or disapprove of Bill Clinton's appointment of his
wife, Hillary, to be head of a task force on health care reform?
Approve
64%
Disapprove
26
Don't know
10
Q.
Regardless of whether you approve or disapprove of the appoint-
ment, do you personally think that there were more qualified peo-
ple that Bill Clinton could have selected, or do you think that Hillary
Clinton was probably among the best available people for the job?
Others more qualified
44%
Hillary Clinton among the best qualified
44
Don't know
12
Q.
Which worries you more: that Hillary Clinton won't have a large
enough role in the Clinton administration or that she will have too
large a role, or does neither worry you very much?
Too large a role
36%
Too small a role
3
Neither
58
Don't know
3
Figures based on a Washington Post-ABC News telephone poll conducted yesterday with
549 randomly selected adults nationwide. Margin of sampling error for the overall results
is plus or minus 5 percentage points. The practical difficulties of doing a survey in a sin-
gle night represent another potential source of error in this survey. Interviewing was con-
ducted by Chilton Research of Radnor, Pa.
THE WASHINGTON POST
them a lot faster than" other peo-
Clinton was a poor choice, the law-
ple would.
maker said.
But some observers, including at
Some Hill health care legislative
least one member of Congress who
aides also worried about the intim-
asked not to be named, believe
idation factor. They were
Clinton has taken a great political
"stunned," in the words of one, at
risk by appointing his wife to for-
her appointment. "I don't know how
mulate the administration's health
you can be a staffer reporting to
care policy. If she is unsuccessful,
her. This is a very powerful woman
some people will blame the "Billary"
here, and they will think, if she
factor, they will say that Hillary
doesn't like me, I'm out of here."
Jash Post 1/27/93 2/2
HYT's
1/27/93
"All the News
That's Fit to Print"
The New 1
VOL.CXLII
No. 49,224
Copyright © 1993 The New York Times
NEW YORK, WEDNES
WORDS
Jim Estrin/The New York Times
Two Hillary Clintons: One Trailblazing, One Traditional
Hillary Rodham Clinton is both Presidential partner, attaining new kinds of perquisite and power, and
political wife, performing a time-tested function. Yesterday, she visited a Manhattan school. Page B3.
HYT's
1/27/93
Editorial Notebook
The President's Other Running Mate
According to the columnist Wil-
During World War II Mrs. Roose-
liam Safire, the phrase "first Lady
His Wife's Key Role -
velt was an omnipresent emissary
in the Land" was popularized dur-
to overseas installations, ranging as
ing the Civil War in an 1863 book by
A Logical Evolution
far as Espiritu Santo in the New
William Howard Russell, war corre-
Hebrides. It is said that some com-
spondent of The Times of London. It instantly took wing,
manders ordered G.I.'s not to take rain-showers in the
and Hillary Clinton is now 42d in a line that began with
nude for fear the First Lady might unexpectedly turn up.
Martha Washington (two Presidents remarried in office,
After F.D.R.'s death she shone in her own right as U.S.
Jefferson was a widower, Buchanan a bachelor).
delegate to the United Nations, where she headed the
From the outset, First Ladies served as hostesses and
commission that drafted the covenant on human rights.
role models. After the comparatively staid Martha and
More recent First Ladies have tended to be more
Abigail Adams came the first real leader of fashion,
conventional. Jacqueline Kennedy is remembered for her
Dolley Madison. But she was more than a party-giver.
glamour, her cultural evenings and her renovations of the
When the Britishsacked Washington in August 1814, the
White House. Lady Bird Johnson strove to beautify the
frail, 63-year-old James Madison prudently (or cravenly)
American landscape. Pat Nixon also remodeled the Exec-
fled. In the only heroic note in an otherwise humiliating
utive Mansion. Betty Ford spoke with compelling candor
rout, the 45-year-old First Lady remained at the White
about mental health.
House until the British were at its gates; she supervised
Rosalynn Carter took a far more activist role. Jimmy
removal of Cabinet records and wrenched Stuart's por-
Carter writes that along with Vice President Mondale and
trait of Washington from its frame.
Charles Kirbo, Mrs. Carter "helped me most" with Cabi-
Probably the most powerful First Lady was Edith
net choices. "It was only natural," he says, that his wife
Bolling Wilson. During a speaking tour in September 1919,
chose to pursue the causes she had adopted as Georgia's
Woodrow Wilson collapsed and was left partly paralyzed.
First Lady, including mental health, the aged and commu-
Mrs. Wilson became his surrogate and steward. Her
nity improvement. "She and I continued to discuss a full
detractors dubbed her "Acting First Man," and called her
range of important issues and, aside from a few highly
period of power "Mrs. Wilson's Regency." Incontestably,
secret and sensitive security matters, she knew all that
she decided who and what the stricken President saw, and
was going on."
the memory of that time contributed to the eventual
More problematic was Nancy Reagan's role. Besides
adoption in 1967 of the 25th Amendment on Presidential
the expected good works, Mrs. Reagan lobbied energeti-
disability.
cally with her passive husband about key appointments;
The First Lady most celebrated for her energy and
her influence ended Donald Regan's tenure as chief of
versatility was Eleanor Roosevelt. In 1936 she contracted
staff. Far more curious was Mrs. Reagan's reliance on
with United Features to write six columns a week simply
Joan Quigley, an astrologer, whose readings appear to
headed, "My Day." Once when her husband had dispar-
have influenced the timing of the Geneva and Reykjavik
aged columnists, a reporter reminded him of her work, to
summit meetings and the President's changing views
which he replied, "She is in an entirely different category;
about the Soviet Union (all to the sometimes baffled
she simply writes a daily diary."
consternation of the President's other handlers).
The diary recorded Mrs. Roosevelt's incessant travels
Thus we come to Hillary Clinton. Her more formal role
and lecture tours. A famous Robert Day cartoon in The
is less a radical break than a logical evolution of earlier
New Yorker depicted two miners deep in a shaft; one
developments in a society where women are seen as
gasps out, "For gosh sakes, here comes Mrs. Roosevelt."
partners and co-workers, not simply homemakers. Mov-
Recent biographers assert that Mrs. Roosevelt worked
ing her office to the West Wing formalizes that change in
tirelessly on thankless party chores, that her alert anten-
status. The argument that she was not elected is only half-
nae were invaluable to her husband and that she succeed-
true, since she was clearly as much a running mate as Al
ed despite the continuous fault-finding of her mother-in-
Gore. Did anyone doubt that she would play a policy role?
law. She managed also to raise six children.
Need anyone really mind?
KARL E. MEYER
HYT's
1/27/93
Hillary Rodham Clinton's Job
It's official. Hillary Rodham Clinton will not
ing a legal career, fine. But she was a successful
bake cookies, keep to the East Wing or stand quietly
attorney and policy adviser before her husband
by her man. No, she will stand with her man, or
became President, so why not after?
maybe ahead of him, in formulating health care
Especially since, according to the history in the
policy.
Editorial Notebook below, First Ladies have long
It's a genuine job and an unusual arrangement,
advised and influenced Presidents anyway. As Karl
but it is who the Clintons are. In that regard, it is
Meyer notes, Eleanor Roosevelt was the prototype
also more honest than the charade they went
of the activist First Lady. But to be effective
through before her independence became a cam-
politically in her day, she said, a woman needed
paign liability and Mrs. Clinton helped get her
"the wisdom of the serpent and the guileless ap-
husband elected by pretending to be what she was
pearance of the dove."
not.
Here we have a chance to measure how much
Her new position and new offices in the active
times have changed. Hillary Clinton's move to the
West Wing of the White House will allow her to do
West Wing is not a stealth operation. At best, her
openly what she no doubt would otherwise have
candor will also help women feel free to be what-
done covertly - advise her husband the President.
ever they choose to be, without apology.
That has to be better than pretending, for her and
But everyone should be clear-eyed about the
for the country.
risks. This is a test of the national psyche. Millions
By functioning in the open, Mrs. Clinton will
of citizens will feel threatened by Mrs. Clinton's
exercise influence that others can engage and
assertiveness. Others will have questions about the
judge. She and her ideas can be part of the debate,
propriety of an unelected, unsalaried person with no
not the stuff of gossip. Perhaps more important, she
formal portfolio exercising authority by virtue of
will be exposed to policy and political questions that
marriage.
she would otherwise see only through the filter of
That means Mr. Clinton will have to work hard
her husband's politics and prejudices.
to see that the public understands the arrangement
In other words, Hillary Clinton can be truer to
he and his wife have put in place and endorses it
her own person. If she hadn't worked outside the
politically. And the First Lady will have to deliver if
home before moving to Washington, had preferred
this latest and most riveting experiment in the Age
to occupy a quietly supportive role instead of pursu-
of the Clintons is to succeed.
REVIEW & OUTLOOK
Hillary's Job
It was good to read in the Journal
and very public failure.
yesterday that President Clinton is
Deciphering the health-care puzzle
thinking of giving his wife, Hillary, the
is a serious, complex job-just like the
job of health-care reform czar. The as-
jobs that all the other serious people in
signment hasn't been confirmed yet,
the Clinton administration are taking
but it would be good for a number of
on. If Mrs. Clinton is going to revise
reasons, some of
the way we think about First Ladies,
which bear di-
better it should be in an assignment
rectly on Hillary
like this, as a public equal of her ad-
Clinton's role and
ministration peers, than as a figure in
some more gener-
the shadows.
ally on the role, or
That said, we think Mrs. Clinton's
multiple roles, of
boosters ought to consider the possibil-
women in our
ity that they are distorting public un-
times.
derstanding of their own cause - ele-
The
conse-
vating the role of women in public
quence of not giv-
life.
ing Hillary a real
It is hard not to notice that when
job doesn't look
what Hillary Clinton represents is
attractive.
The
Hillary Clinton
written about, the one group of women
idea that Mrs. Clinton would have an
who merit no mention are the women
office in the West Wing (the heavy hit-
who have served in the Bush adminis-
ters' wing), would have her own staff,
tration. Our list would include: Carla
would carry no official title or assign-
Hills (the Trade Representative),
ment but would sit in a corner of the
Lynn Martin (La-
Cabinet meetings taking down names
bor Secretary),
is a recipe for a full-core meltdown of
Lynne Cheney
the Clinton administration.
(the Humanities
The first time it became known
Endowment),
that Mrs. Clinton had overruled a Cab-
Wendy Gramm
inet Secretary, the new Cabinet would
(Chairman of the
collapse as a functioning instrument
Commodity Fu-
of discussion and advice. The inherent
tures
Trading
intimidation factor is overwhelming.
Commission),
How would this be different than to
Connie Horner
have had Nancy Reagan sitting in on
(director of White
Cabinet meetings?
House
Lynne Cheney
person-
But Hillary doesn't do teas. And
nel), Gail Wi-
why should she? She is undoubtedly,
lensky (who ran Medicaid and Medi-
as her many Boswells have written, a
care), Diane Ravitch (policy at Educa-
forceful, intelligent woman of inde-
tion) and Lee Liberman (deputy White
House counsel).
pendent accom-
plishment. It may
You could elect any one of these
well be that the
women to the Oval Office and stock the
time has come to
Cabinet with the rest of them, and the
rethink the First
country would run like clockwork. But
Lady model that
they are Republican women, and soli-
we've lived with
darity of some sort says they don't
for some 200
count (an exclusionary practice one
years.
Hillary
might have thought abandoned back
Clinton is hardly
around the eighth grade).
unique. A Presi-
Such silent blacklisting of accom-
dent Dick Cheney
plished women in public life is going to
would come with
Wendy Gramm
confuse many less-political women,
Lynne Cheney.
and perhaps cause some unfortunate
Phil Gramm comes with Wendy
casualties. Zoe Baird, one of the few
Gramm. As a force of nature, both are
people who seems to have been Presi-
Hillary's equal (at the very least).
dent Clinton's personal choice, has
Once the lawyers figure a way
now fallen into some sort of politically
around the Bobby Kennedy rule, put-
incorrect gray
ting Hillary at the head of an inter-
area. Many of the
agency task force on health care
women who are
makes considerable sense. Certainly it
pressing Hillary's
is possible that the dark night of the
cause seem con-
progressives would descend on us all,
tent to let Ms.
that Mrs. Clinton, HHS's Donna Sha-
Baird bleed to
lala and Clinton aide Ira Magaziner
death in front of
would conspire to truly nationalize
Joe Biden's hu-
health care. But if our reading of the
miliating commit-
many recent media hagiographies of
tee ("Right now,
the First Lady are correct, Hillary
Zoe Baird is his
Rodham's animating life force has
nominee," was
been to succeed. Success in health-
Carla Hills
the White House's
care reform is going to require, most
semi-support yesterday).
WSJ 1/22/93
of all, a maturity of judgment about
Hillary Clinton is being asked to
how best to handle the issue's endless,
carry a heavy load for a lot of other
often contradictory forces. Simply
people. It wouldn't be so heavy or risky
tying a ribbon around some progres-
if her supporters long ago had more
sive pipe dream would ensure a large
honestly dispersed the burden.