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By Jane Smith

meadville tribune

Carrying a cup of coffee, former President Bill Clinton prepared to enter the Patricia Bush Tippie Alumni Center after shaking hands with a group of people standing outside waiting for his arrival.

Approaching the president, Ed Luben of Allegheny College’s Security Office advised Valerie Kean-Staab and I we could go no further.

As the governor approached, Kean-Staab waved at him and reminded him she was his delegate to the Democratic Convention. He waved and told us to come over.

Despite numerous failed attempts to get a personal interview with the president, the time had arrived. Kean-Staab motioned me forward and introduced me to the former president.

When I asked him if I could ask two quick questions, he smiled, shook my hand and said “sure.”

Noting that all the first ladies have had “special projects” to promote, I asked what project he would take as the spouse of the first woman president.“First I would see what they want me to do,” he grinned, explaining that first ladies are often given projects to consider by other people.

“But, I would to do things with my foundation,” he said, referring to his charitable foundation. “Allegheny College was the first partner with the foundation,” he explained, noting the foundation promotes energy conservation, particularly in colleges and universities.

He also would like to work on programs to end poverty, he said. “I would like to go into the poorest communities,” he said, noting he wants to help them develop better economically by helping with special programs to get residents more education and better jobs.

The wife of the male presidents have traditionally been called the “first lady.” Asked what term he would like applied to him as the husband of a first woman president should Hillary Clinton win the presidency, Clinton said, “I have no idea.” He said the office of protocol determines that. “I don’t care what they call me, just so Hillary wins,” he grinned.

He quickly turned his attention to others who gathered. Seeing a man wearing a baseball cap marked “Vietnam War Veteran,” Clinton quickly extended his hand to the veteran and thanked him for serving in Vietnam. “Are you an Iraq vet?” he asked another man, who had a ball cap with designation on it. “Thank you for your service to your country,” he said.

As the crowd applauded, he said, “I’m glad to be here,” and paused for a few pictures before turning to go into the building to travel to the back where more than an estimated 1,800 people were waiting.