Clintons Praise Obama Transition Aboard USS Intrepid
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Former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton attended a gala for the reopening of the USS Intrepid Thursday, and had nothing but praise for the beginning of the transition of her former rival President-elect Barack Obama. NY1's Josh Robin filed the following report.The USS Intrepid is back in the waters off Manhattan, and Senator Hillary Clinton made her first public appearance since the election Thursday to celebrate the museum-ship’s reopening.
"We're just thrilled that this piece of living history is back here and ready," said the junior New York senator.
The ship was being renovated for two years, about the same time that Clinton unsuccessfully stumped for the White House.
On Thursday she offered perspective and praise for President-elect Barack Obama’s “disciplined” campaign.
"Well, you know you don't get everything you want in life or politics and I think it's exciting for the country and a welcome relief for the world," said Clinton
President Bill Clinton barely talked about the new president, and instead focused on the veterans and soldiers honored during the evening.
"And without regard to our party and our philosophy, our ups and our downs, can we do nothing but wish our new president and our new Congress well when we think about the quality of the men and women who put their lives on the line for us in Afghanistan and Iraq?" said the former president.
Obama's developing cabinet already has one old hand from Bill Clinton’s days.
Obama's new White House chief of staff, Illinois Congressman Rahm Emanuel, is a former top aide who clashed with Hillary Clinton. Nevertheless, Clinton praised the selection.
"President-elect Barack Obama made an excellent choice. Rahm Emanuel understands both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue," she said.
Of course, both Clintons have experience transitioning from campaign trail to Oval Office.
"It’s exhausting and draining and stressful and now he has to put together a government in a relatively short period of time," said Hillary Clinton.
When asked if she would serve in an Obama administration, the senator insisted that she will return to the Senate.
The USS Intrepid opens to the public Saturday.