Senator Clinton has taken offense at this comment by Senator Obama: ”It’s that experience, that understanding, not just of what world leaders I went and talked to in the ambassador’s house, who I had tea with, but understanding the lives of people like my grandmother, who lives in a tiny village in Africa.” The gentleman from Illinois does have a point, however. As First Lady, Clinton did spend a lot of time with Earl Grey. Consider just a few examples:
“While the NATO leaders met in the Mellon Auditorium Saturday afternoon, their spouses were hustled about Washington for luncheons and teas. First lady Hillary Clinton had all the other NATO wives to the Yellow Oval Room in the White House for lunch; Tipper Gore hosted a luncheon for spouses of the foreign and defense ministers and other dignitaries at the vice president’s residence.” – Washington Post, April 26, 1999
“While Havel met Clinton, the First Ladies got together over a cup of tea.” – BBC, September 17, 1998.
“Mrs Hillary Clinton shared tea and sympathy with Russian businesswomen yesterday, making her first public appearance since her husband admitted to an affair with Miss Monica Lewinsky.” – Birmingham Post, September 2, 1998.
” As the President toured an industrial park in protestant East Belfast, Mrs Clinton took tea at a women’s community centre in the city’s south.” – Herald Sun, December 2, 1995
“In her first White House reception for the Russian first lady, Mrs. Clinton showed no tension. The women’s smiles seemed relaxed and they nodded agreement as they chatted at a table in the Diplomatic Reception Room, sipping from a historic tea service.” – Washington Times, September 29, 1994.
“After the speeches, Mr Clinton escorted the two Middle East leaders into the White House for a first round of talks. As they met, Queen Noor of Jordan and Mrs Leah Rabin, wife of the Prime Minister, joined Mrs Hillary Rodham Clinton for tea in the White House family quarters.” – The Age (Australia), July 26, 1994.
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