Clinton: Angelou Is ‘Grace Note in Our Lives’

Hillary Clinton appeared with the poet Maya Angelou at Wake Forest University this evening for a meandering conversation about diversity, equality and a little policy, too.

“I know that Senator Clinton is a long-distance runner,” Angelou said. “And however the odds may go and the polls may show – from today, to tonight, to tomorrow morning – I know she’s in it for the long run. I am honored to say I am with her for the long run.”

Clinton called Angelou “a grace note in our lives” and fondly recalled reading her autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.

In front of about 2,000 people at Wait Chapel, the two spoke about overcoming bigotry of all kinds and bringing the country together in the years ahead.

“We are so much more alike than we are different,” Clinton said. “We have allowed those relatively minor differences among us to defy and divide us, and one of the challenges of the 21st century is to affirm our common humanity.”

Angelou and Clinton also touched on Clinton’s proposals to make college more affordable and to discourage companies from moving jobs overseas. And Clinton spoke of her work during her husband’s administration trying to unite Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland

After her conversation with Angelou, Clinton took three questions from the audience. The crowd was audibly stunned by the first question.

“I love you, Hillary. I always have, I always will,” said a woman in the first row after, drawing approving cheers. But then she brought up the most taboo of all taboos at Clinton campaign events.

“I felt so sorry for you when Bill had his affair,” the woman said. “I think the best way to overcome it is to become president.” She then quickly asked a question about who Clinton would choose as her vice-presidential running mate.

As the audience murmured in shock, Clinton said shortly that it is too early to speculate about a running mate. She did not address the subject of Monica Lewinsky.