Charlestown Executive Director Garrett Falcone agrees: “On this our 25th anniversary, everyone was excited about having a former President visiting us. The event was a huge success.”

‘A big deal’
Clinton talked about his wife’s plans to create millions of jobs, provide universal health care coverage for all Americans, make college education affordable to young people, and end the housing crisis. The former President also lightened the mood with anecdotes about the importance of this election and how easy it is to get “carried away” as President.

“You can really start to think you’re somebody,” said Clinton. “Think about it: They play a song every time you walk in the room. I was lost for three weeks after I left the White House because no one was playing a song so I had no idea where I was. You don’t ever wait in traffic; you just zip along in a bulletproof limo. You live in America’s finest public housing. And your airplane is so cool they make movies about it. Electing a President is a big deal.”

Covering the issues
“I liked the fact that he poked fun at himself,” says Charlestown resident Juanita Hendry, who attended the event with her husband James. “I thought it was very upbeat and well received. He really aimed his talk about issues affecting this age group. And instead of focusing on her opponents’ ‘negatives,’ he concentrated on Hillary’s positives and got his point across.”

Positive response
Lewis was in the crowd while Clinton spoke. “I thought that he really dealt with the issues we’re facing, and that’s what people living here are interested in—the issues. Health care was a biggie for most people, and although he didn’t go into depth, he touched on immigration, which is also a hot topic.” Lewis, who later revealed she was voting for Obama, continues, “I had made up my mind already, but there were a few times during his speech that I felt swayed a bit.”