Hillary made some changes to her previous plan to do a major policy speech due to recent developments in Syria. She chose instead a theme for the evening that was most appropriate to the Constitution Hall setting - freedom of speech, specifically the value of debate - particularly in the effort to effect bipartisan agreement. Her only reference to current events was a remark affirming the value of debate.
She taught an extraordinary history lesson about the bipartisan alliance between Republican Senator Arthur H. Vandenberg and one of her long-acknowledged heroes, George Marshall, in gaining approval for the Marshall Plan. As always, I learned something new. It is impossible not to when you hear her speak.
It was Hillary Clinton's evening. She was gracious, delightful, instructive, and her own woman. Some speakers nudged her toward a 2016 run.
Our best compliments, Mme. Secretary! It is an honor most richly deserved, and we could not be more delighted to see you receive it!
Now - the pictures.
