Women We Love: Hillary Clinton

Hillary Clinton in a fashion blog? Well, she certainly rates "most improved". From this:

To this:

Methinks she had some advisors who said, "Lady, Bill's a dreamboat; you've got potential; you must put yourself in our hands." Over time we've seen her struggle with her weight, her hair, her pants suits. Let's face it; this lady is just too busy saving the world to eat right, exercise and go shopping.

On the occasion of putting a Hillary bumper sticker on my car, I'd like to share with you a Hillary story. Prior to this meeting I was Not a Fan, of her or of Bill. He had disappointed me big-time with the Monica Lewinsky scandal. I never knew what to make of her stand-by-your-man attitude regarding that and accusations of other affairs. I was only vaguely aware of her brilliant mind and the team aspect of their marriage. I felt sorry for not-so-pretty Chelsea always in the spotlight. I was, in other words shallow and uninformed.

In late fall of 2000 Woman's Day Magazine flew two of us— myself and the photo editor— to Washington to photograph Hillary Clinton for a piece she was writing. It was not a slam-dunk to get a sitting with her (we figured we'd have to use a stock photo), but the editor, new to the job, was a go-getter, pulled some strings and landed it. Needless to say, we all felt very special. Go-getter photo editor also enlisted one of Hillary's favorite photographers, Harry Benson. That may have influenced the request.

We were flying in for the day, went from airport to White House, had a brief tour of the state rooms (being readied for Christmas) and waited briefly for Hillary in a private garden. She came out accompanied by an aide and could not have been more welcoming, relaxed, gracious and charming if she had known us for 20 years. I think she did know Harry for 20 years so that helped. Her aide arranged for the obligatory "You-are-here" photos taken by a White House staffer. We presented her with a basket of American crafts. Then Harry set to work photographing Hillary in various settings in the garden. The aide disappeared. No hair-and-makeup people fussing about, Hillary chit-chatting with us all the while. We felt as included as Harry, but I have no idea what we talked about.

Apologies, dear reader: I would have included the photos we took that day, but I can't find them. And I was wearing such a nice coat!

I knew during those 45 minutes I was changing my mind about Hillary. Now as she is gearing up for a run at the presidency, I hope some of you with negative opinions based on what you think you know can consider likewise. No matter the fantastic thought that FINALLY a woman President! Oh, and there are those who like this idea too:

As it turns out, I'm not the only one to have an epiphany. A new biography, "HRC: State Secrets and the Rebirth of Hillary Clinton", reveals that the usual initial reaction goes from "Oh no, I have to work with her" to great respect to real affection. My short time with Hillary had the same, totally unexpected results. It changed the way I've looked at her (and Bill) ever since. It proves we are not what we seem yet more than what we seem and capable of change— and not just changing a hairstyle. You can change your mind too.

So in case I forgot to say it:

And I leave you with this: