February 16, 2008
Posted: 05:15 PM ET
Chelsea is assuming a new, more public role.
Chelsea is assuming a new, more public role.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – She's faced the glare of public life since she was a girl, but Chelsea Clinton must contend with renewed press scrutiny as she increasingly assumes a role in her mother's campaign for president.

The former first daughter always has been off-limits to the media, especially while she was growing up in the White House.

But pressure to burst this protective bubble is likely to grow as the soon-to-be 28-year-old campaigns across the country for Sen. Hillary Clinton, even heading to Hawaii — Sen. Barack Obama's home turf.

Full story

Filed under: Chelsea Clinton • Hillary Clinton


Jimmy McCosker   February 16th, 2008 10:33 pm ET

Keep your head up little lady,your parents know what they are doing!!!! Your father is a good man, and a very great president,my opinion,one of the best since F.D.R.!!JUST KEEP ON SMILING, Sincerely J.L.McCosker. LOU,JACK,WOLF,ANDERSON GREAT REPORTING,THANKS!!

ynot19   February 16th, 2008 10:18 pm ET

You cannot have it both ways… Your daughter campiagns aggressively for you but no one can talk with her. I understand and totally agree with not bothering kids; however, when your daughter is 27 and is on the campaign trail daily you cannot expect a news reportor not to ask her a question.

Joan   February 16th, 2008 10:13 pm ET

She isnt crazy. Watching how you unduly and disproportionately excoriate her mother and not mention her dad, why would she open herself to the press?

lsawyer   February 16th, 2008 10:04 pm ET

She's 28. Why is she off limits? I can understand why her mom wants her to help her win but does'nt want her challenged. .. but what's the press's excuse?

Viki   February 16th, 2008 9:46 pm ET

“The former first daughter always has been off-limits to the media, especially while she was growing up in the White House.” – As I remember media always was after Chelsea how awkward she was as teenager, who she was dating, where she was going. Media is always happy to dig some dirt. Unfortunately for media, Chelsea grown up to be well balanced well educated, down to earth young woman. There is nothing wrong with her desire to help her mom’s campaign.

DAM   February 16th, 2008 9:45 pm ET

How about alittle pressure on Obama. Oh wait, CNN already has endorsed Obama with a free ride

wastonf   February 16th, 2008 9:25 pm ET

i wish hillary lose , i am tired of them their record is great but i cant stand a fighting losser i wish she could agree to be the VP and stop the bitterness , if she become the nominee i will not vote for the DNC i will go GOP and all our groups enough is enough ,hillary. We love Bill ,but hillary no !

Michael   February 16th, 2008 9:23 pm ET

I think it is reasonable to expect Chelsea to be a part of the Clinton campaign. As for media coverage, the press should maintain levels of professionalism towards her. However, I do think that she opens herself to fair criticism if she misspeaks or misrepresents issues or other candidates.

At this stage of the game, it seems that the Clintons are desperately (and collectively) working hard to save their campaign. If Cheslea engages in negative attacks in similar fashion as Bill and Hillary, then she (like Bill and Hillary) should be prepared to receive open criticism as well.

Trev   February 16th, 2008 9:22 pm ET

She has done well in the areas where she has campaigned. It is fine to subject her to more scrutiny. It is the attacks that go to far. I don't hear anyone in the media saying ANYTHING close to this bad about Obama or any of his family. Hillary has solutions and Chelsea is telling people about them.

Hillary 08

wastonf   February 16th, 2008 9:16 pm ET

ho well! chelsea was always off limitt to people , but here goes the clintons , i do wish she lose.

aware   February 16th, 2008 8:53 pm ET

Aloha and welcome to Hawaii Chelsea!

We Americans are rugged individuals with minds of our own and the energy to dialogue/debate creatively to bring about justice for all!

Peace will never come without justice no matter how sweet the rhetoric.

Hillary the HOPE of 08

Kay   February 16th, 2008 8:52 pm ET

Chelsea Clinton is the best testament to what Hillary and Bill Clinton are all about. Anyone can see she has been raised to be confident, caring, intelligent and an all around good person. Anyone that picks her apart does it for political reasons to hurt Hillary because she certainly does not deserve it. She has the right to support and campaign for any candidate she wants, as does anyone supporting any other candidate, without the media picking at her bones. If the Obama people feel they have to take Chelsea on personally in Hawaii because she disagrees with them, shame on them, that is stooping pretty low and a good indication of just how vicious and desperate they really are.

Shenehneh from Chappaqua   February 16th, 2008 8:48 pm ET

Someone should have bust that girl's big bubble head a long time ago. And that's all I have to say about that right there! Love always, Shenehneh from Chappaqua

Joan   February 16th, 2008 8:45 pm ET

Chelsea?

Yawn.

I'm just tired of the Clinton family. All their shenanigans, scandals, arguments, bickering, schemes ….

Clinton fatigue.

Arlene   February 16th, 2008 8:45 pm ET

Why is the media so hung up on Chelsea. She is doing what any daughter would do if her mother was running for President of the United States. What is it the media wants from her. Does she have to share herself with everyone. I don't blame her for not answering the reports. Anything she says will be twisted to become a sensational story anyway. Leave the girl alone.

Will   February 16th, 2008 8:42 pm ET

Oh please…Hillary needs to campaign by herself. Her daughter and Bill are just reminders are scandals…that's why the Republicans were in power for the past years! Never in the white house again, Hillary!

Pier Giacalone   February 16th, 2008 8:42 pm ET

Oh yes, by all means let's tar and feather the girl for being born a Clinton.

You can hear the wolves licking their chops at the prospect of fresh meat. What could be better than a new outlet to castigate the Clintons for…..uh….. serving their country.

I'm sure Frank Rich and Maureen Dowd are planning to dine on Chelsea's liver with a side a fava beans and a nice chianti.

This is our 4th branch of government? This is our watchdog? Please protect me from Chelsea "Cloverfield" Clinton!

Anonymous   February 16th, 2008 8:38 pm ET

I hope Chelsea turns out better than her parents.

Stephen,Wilmington,NC   February 16th, 2008 8:37 pm ET

PLEASE, Chelsea is a big girl now, she's all grown up and is an adult. If she chooses to place herself in the middle of her mom's campaign then she should be able to role with the punches.

Angelina005   February 16th, 2008 8:36 pm ET

oh please this is no news, she has been putting her daugther, her mother, her husband, and then if anyone says anything about it like she is pimping her daugther in politics she is mad………. what kind of world is this, where the clintons make the rules then they break them.. please
we want democracy not dynasty………….

i am so sick of this Clinton blah blah, it is like People Magazine, talking about Britney Spears, ………….. they love the paparazzi

Lee Ann H~ Texas   February 16th, 2008 8:22 pm ET

Seeing how Hillary seems to control her ADULT daughters life makes me fear her being our president. I mean, COME ON!! Her daughter is nearing 30 years old!! Let her be in control of herself.

Anonymous   February 16th, 2008 8:15 pm ET

You can't have your cake and eat it. Chelsea is available for politics but not available for political scrutiny? Bill throws up unfavourable remarks about African-American leaders like Jesse Jackson and then attends church with African-Amercans when the heat is on? Florida and Michigan was not counted when it didn't matter, and now they should be counted when it matters? Thanking voters in states won, but giving voters the cold shoulder in states lost? Blaming Obama for your losses ('Obama's ignoring my White House legacy') instead of blaming yourself? Claiming achievements when Bill was president as yours? It is a sad state of affairs in Hillaryland.

Tom,des moines   February 16th, 2008 8:12 pm ET

Chelsea,keep on fighting for your mom and your country.

Unemployed Citizen   February 16th, 2008 8:11 pm ET

She must be very proud of her Mom, as her Mom must be so proud of Chelsea.

It's not easy to be in the public spotlight, with all the press, and Chelsea is doing a wonderful job!

Hillary Clinton 08

ernestine   February 16th, 2008 8:03 pm ET

i really think she wishes her mother would lose , because she is just tired of her parents political ambitions . she doesnt appear to be truly engaged in the campaign . it more like as arranged marriage. there is "no other choice" it must be tuff to be an only child .

Ivan, Chicago, Illinois   February 16th, 2008 8:02 pm ET

WHY IS CNN STOPING COMMENTS ON STORIES NEGATIVE TO OBAMA ?

ONE STORY HAS ONLY ONE COMMENT AND CNN STOPPED ACCEPTING COMMENTS.

COME ON CNN YOU ARE SUPPOSE TO BE THE BEARER OF NEWS NOT THE SHAPER OF NEWS.

I WONDER WILL THIS GET ON YOUR BLOG?

Frank   February 16th, 2008 7:58 pm ET

She is campaigning … why would she be 'off limit' ???

I guess it's one of these Billary rules that change as needed.

Bill Laxton   February 16th, 2008 7:57 pm ET

If she's going to campaign for her mother, then she will ipso facto burst the bubble herself. But that of that? Should it bother her or damage Hilary's campaign in the slightest?

Waiting for Miracles   February 16th, 2008 7:50 pm ET

Chelsea is a private citizen, as a daughter it is within her right to campaign for her mother; that doesn't remove the fact she is still a private citizen, cannot be pressured to talk to the media or grant interview if she doesn't want to.

Christine, NJ   February 16th, 2008 7:49 pm ET

This is absolutely ridiculous. Chelsea is on the campaign trail giving speeches but the press can't speak to her? I'd get it if she were 14 years old, but this is a grown 28 year old woman. If she's press-shy and can't stand the spot light, stay at home. Hillary and Bill, if your daughter can't stand media attention, stop exploiting her!!!

Hillary all the way!   February 16th, 2008 7:46 pm ET

Hillary and Bill,

You have been great parents! I hope my daughter grows up as nice, smart and accomplished as Chelsea!

Hillary all the Way!

jvii   February 16th, 2008 7:45 pm ET

Chelsea, having spent 8 years in the White House, annnouces she is going to run for President of the USA in 2008 if OBAMA beats her mom.

v.ananthan   February 16th, 2008 7:45 pm ET

CHELSEA HAS THE RIGHT TO CAMPAIGN FOR HER CANDIDATE LIKE OPRAH AND THE KENNEDYS AND ….

CHELCEA HASN^T DONE ANYTHING "LIKE OBAMA" IN THE PAST YEARS , SO THERE IS NOTHING TO CRITICIZE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SO GOOD SPEECHES FROM CHELSEA MAY DO..(LIKE FOR OBAMA)…

GO CHELCEA GO HILLARY………………

Loila   February 16th, 2008 7:41 pm ET

Chelsea need to talk to the Media Or to Stop Campaigning.

California Voter   February 16th, 2008 7:39 pm ET

How about scrutinizing Michele Obama for a change??????

Janet   February 16th, 2008 7:37 pm ET

If Chelsea and her mom are going to put Chelsea out on the campaign trail, they've got to be open to the same harsh criticism/slander that the Clintons like to dish out to their opponents (Republicans & Democrats alike)

joe   February 16th, 2008 7:29 pm ET

Yeah - - like those two are real important reasons to support this wingnut

Texasboo   February 16th, 2008 7:28 pm ET

Her body language shows that Chelsea is not comfortable with the limelight and being put on the spot. IT's not her thing. She's not natural with public speaking or campaigning. I'm sorry but she is being pimped out for the "youth vote". The Clintons aren't stupid and ? why is Chelsea calling up superdelegates? I mean does she have that kind of pull to "sway superdelegates?

Still waiting on those tax returns Sen. Clinton.

TheLeftNut   February 16th, 2008 7:27 pm ET

She's an adult. She has to ability to say "no" to her mother if she doesn't want to campaign for her.

If she does campaign for mom, she's old enough and smart enough to know the consequences of doing so.

Chelsea all grown up now– no more bubble.

Betha   February 16th, 2008 7:26 pm ET

Pretty sorry sight to have Chelsea on the trail…

Clinton's always wanted to "protect" her… now she will be the focus of a lot of venom…

It's truly a sign of desperation on the trail…

keith   February 16th, 2008 7:24 pm ET

Anybody who's ever stumped for a candidate has been questioned about their background and credentials for their position. Unless Chelsea's only reasons for endorsing Hillary is "She's my mom," she should expect to be drilled. She's an adult now and should be able to take it.

Richie   February 16th, 2008 7:22 pm ET

Clinton's claim to be a 'doer' rings hollow, given the lack of any kind of record of accomplishment. Voters seem to be catching on to this false advertising. Not unlike Giuliani, it seems that as voters get to know Clinton and Obama better, Clinton's numbers fall & Obama's numbers rise. I suppose her goal could be to suppress the Obama turnout, but thus far that strategy does not appear to be working. I suspect it won't. Her real challenge is to demonstrate an ability to lead. I don't know if an ad campaign thrown together in a couple days can accomplish such a feat - particularly given her lack of a record of such leadership*.

* I don't count the healthcare thing in the 90s, because it wasn't successful

laura   February 16th, 2008 7:21 pm ET

I was wondering when they would trot Chelsea out.The first Clinton presidency turned her upside down.She doesn't need part2& neither do we.No matter the problem I have with her parents,I have always liked her.

Donna   February 16th, 2008 7:20 pm ET

What - The Daughter the MEDIA wasn’t allowed to report on, and has been REAL quiet about, is now being used for Political purposes - - -

Cindy Mccain   February 16th, 2008 7:20 pm ET

HILLARY RELEASE THOSE TAX RETURNS PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOU MOUTH IS

VOTE MCCAIN= BUSH TAX CUTS

sny   February 16th, 2008 7:20 pm ET

she is under pressure, her mother is using her to silence the reporter that she dosn't like and that is a pity, chelsea is a good girl , but their is a time that you grow and get independent. and love shouldn't be a presion. she is not injoing the spot lights so she should resist. otherweise she should be able to deal with consicuensses.

Tim   February 16th, 2008 7:20 pm ET

'It is important for Americans to have a true inside understanding of their President'

I'm afraid that most of us already do.

joe m.   February 16th, 2008 7:19 pm ET

i agree with the clintons' stance that children, especially minors, of presidents should be off limits to the press. these individuals are not in the white house due to any of their own doing. however, ms. clinton is now an adult who is actively engaged in campaigning for her mother. she becomes fair game for the media who will scrutinize not only her activities connected to the campaign, but all parts of her life. sen. clinton may want to protect her child, but ms. clinton is also an adult at this time able to defend herself.

Brown   February 16th, 2008 7:19 pm ET

I think the US of A will be ended if Clinton is president. This women has no idea how to run a country, yet she can't even keep her own husband from cheating on her.

Don   February 16th, 2008 7:17 pm ET

Is chelsea going to fix my social security? Stop this crap!

Vicky   February 16th, 2008 7:16 pm ET

Hillary is going negative then hide behind Chelsea? How wonderful!

Mike H.   February 16th, 2008 7:15 pm ET

What a useless story! That 's the problem with 24 hour news networks: there's simply not enough real news out there so you have to write crap like this. Next , you'll be hyping a 2 alarm fire in Jersey City.

gerard c fernandez   February 16th, 2008 7:08 pm ET

Love the Clinton years,the best of my life. I pray for Sen Clinton on a daily basis. Let the cream rise to the top

SlapStick, Florida   February 16th, 2008 7:05 pm ET

Why is the media treating her like she is still 13 y/o. She is an adult and I feel as a parent, they can't honestly expect the media not to ask questions. This is not some picnic in the park. This is for the highest position in the country and if she is going to be on the trail then she needs to answer questions like everyone else and I can't believe the media is not calling HRC out on this. I guess they are being paid as well.

jane   February 16th, 2008 7:01 pm ET

wow, looks like she can not make decisions of her own. What a pity?

Jack   February 16th, 2008 7:01 pm ET

Vote for the person with the best ideas, not the best speechwriter.

Where are Obama's specific plans to show us how he'll come through on the promises he's making?

He knows how to tell funny jokes and say things that make people feel great, but I feel like I need more than that.

jose   February 16th, 2008 7:00 pm ET

I hope she will not be negative like her mom………….

vivian   February 16th, 2008 7:00 pm ET

As Hillary put it"It took Bill Clinton to clean up after the first Bush and it's gonna take another clinton to clean up after the seocnd bush" but she forgot to continue on. It also took the second bush to clean up after clinton. the 1993 bombing of the world trade center was ignored by clinton and the result of that was 9/11. That's cleaning up also! Clinton should have been after usama bin laden, but instead he ignored it and left a mess to be cleaned up by Bush. So, what do we do now, elect another clinton to clean up after the second bush. What is this? the bush/clinton/bush/clinton clean up? I don't think so! what's next, Jeb bush to clean up after hillary, then chelsea to clean up after Jeb? and so on so so forth…where are we people? Saudi Arabia? keeping it in the family? when did these politicians become the owners of our country? let's move on people, let' make a change, let's break the chain. Vote Obama! Change we can believe in, change that is real. The white house is not a revolving door.

Patrick Anthony Drake   February 16th, 2008 6:55 pm ET

THE LOVE OF FAMILY IS A WONDERFUL THING TO BEHOLD. GOOOOOOO CHELSEA!

Hillary for President in 2008!

james   February 16th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

Here they are,piling on Obama! Give it up Clintons!

Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA   February 16th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

If Chelsea can't handle the heat in the political kitchen by answering questions like Mom's other surrogates, she should stick with her day job playing monopoly with the hedge fund.

B Smart TX   February 16th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

Poor Chelsea. She looks as if shes saying: "Mom , I really don't want
to live in the white house again anyway."

NickSanDiego   February 16th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

She turned down a question from a 4th Grade little girl reporter??
Who do these Clintons think they have become? They are Above the rest of us? Their Daughter can Go Stump for her mother and push her on the people …claim her mothers policies but she is IMMUNE from ANY questions?

Great set-up they have there! Bill says what he wants but must be held in the high regard of an ex-President even as he lies through his teeth and now their Daughter ( WHO IS ALMOST 28 NOT A BABY) is being held TOTALLY above the fray and never has to answer to ANYTHING??

Some one Help me on this?

joe   February 16th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

I think she is so brainwashed. Can someone see she is going back to being a kid after being a proffessional and a woman of her own. Chelsea you better do what is right for you before you go down with your mom. just a 2cent advice!

Alicia, Moorpark, CA   February 16th, 2008 6:44 pm ET

if the media would be running a professional, unbias coverage of Hillary's campaign then these issues of protecting Chelsea would not exist. I don't blame the campaign or herself, if she does not speak to the media after the way most of you had treated her father and mother….and do not say it's because you are just pointing out the Clinton's faults. How easy we forget the times 8 years of prosperity we had under the Clintons.

CHELSEA CLINTON 16 & 20

julius   February 16th, 2008 6:41 pm ET

Will Hillary tell why she is not releasing her tax returns?

ken   February 16th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

Hillary will not committ to stopping this revolving door. Time to stop this dynasty thing!

U.S. Army Vet.   February 16th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

If she is campaigning for her mother, then she should be treated as all other persons in this campaign have been treated. There should not be any special treatment of her and the Clintons.

Senator Obama has to overcome the influence of the Clinton machine and campaign against Bill, Hillary, and Chelsea. I do not think there has been anything like thins in the history of U.S. politics.

Hillary Clinton is she running for president or is her entire family running for president? Think the American voting public should really consider the prospect of the Hillary Clinton option. I think it is not just the deal of two for one but also the deal of three for one.

I, for one, want a president, not a ruling family. If I wanted a ruling family I would move to the United Kingdom, or some other nation where the people are rule by royal authority. My fellow Americans, how about you?

By a Texas whiteman and Army Vet.

James   February 16th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

Chelsea is about my age. I will be blunt. While she seems like a nice person, she has nothing in common with most people our age. Most of us do not have the ability to fall into Oxford and then fall into a hedge fund six figure job. I'm not being jealous here. I understand that she is privileged for being the former president's daughter. I just find it absurd that the Clinton's and CNN think because she is 28 she can be a great spokes person to the young.

Trust me on this one. Obama has more in common with the young than Chelsea does.

Amy   February 16th, 2008 6:31 pm ET

Bravo Chelsea, support your mom's campaign. She deserves to be the President of the United States.

Hillary'08!

Tan   February 16th, 2008 6:28 pm ET

If Chelsea is anything like her mom, she will show how tough she is.

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