Charisma and charm are things we all know Bill for, but during her keynote speech at the BankUnited Center Feb. 26, Hillary Rodham Clinton showed the crowd of students, faculty and staff that she has them too.
The former secretary of state and senator, introduced by President Donna E. Shalala, began with an anecdote of her and Shalala’s friendship. Setting the mood from an expected formal one to a personal one, she began by congratulating Arizona Governor Jan Brewer for vetoing the “discriminatory” anti-gay legislation.
Clinton went on to speak about one of her favorite subjects, women’s rights. She mentioned the progress that has been made in the last 20 years but reminded the audience of the work that still needed to be made in order to improve the situation for women worldwide.
“Woman comprise the majority of the unfed, uneducated and unpaid,” said Clinton.
One of the first questions Shalala asked Clinton during their question and answer session was on the topic of Venezuela.
“We saw Venezuela, which is such a rich country and beautiful country, going backwards first under President Chavez’s rule and now in the present day with President Maduro. We tried,” said Clinton. “It’s a democracy, no one would argue that it isn’t, but a democracy doesn’t just mean an election. A democracy means a free press, protecting the right of the community.”
Other topics discussed were energy efficiency, health care and the Middle East. All the questions were chosen from submissions made by students prior to the event.
When finally asked what is in the future for her, Clinton responded humorously with a twitter reference and quickly threw up the U.
“I ran out of characters,” said Clinton smilingly. “I will certainly ponder that.”
Her response left the audience of more than 6,000 in suspense, dragging on the question of her candidacy for the 2016 presidential campaign, but appreciative of her thorough response to many of today’s pressing issues.
Clinton received a standing ovation and roaring applause as she exited the University of Miami stage.
words_ivana cruz. photo_raquel zaldivar.