Bill, Hillary Clinton tag-team midterm events after granddaughter's birth
Bill and Hillary Clinton may be two of Democrats' most powerful heavy-hitters, but even an impending high-stakes midterm election isn't enough to keep the duo from enjoying time with their first grandchild.
The former secretary of state announced that she would forgo plans to headline a fundraiser Tuesday night for Maryland's Democratic gubernatorial nominee, Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown, in order to spend time with her daughter Chelsea and granddaughter, Charlotte Clinton Mezvinsky, who was born Friday evening. Former President Bill Clinton will attend in her place.
"I am very grateful to President Clinton for changing his schedule to travel to Maryland and attend our event this evening," Brown said in a statement. "I appreciate and respect Secretary Clinton's decision to stay and spend time with her daughter and new granddaughter, Charlotte."
As they bask in pride for the new addition to their family, the Clintons have taken to tag-teaming in their campaign across the country for Democratic candidates in a year that could see a full Republican takeover of Congress.
The former president - who's also on the hook to speak Tuesday at a North Carolina fundraiser for imperiled Sen. Kay Hagan - was forced to cancel his appearance Saturday at an event in Colorado boosting Sen. Mark Udall and Gov. John Hickenlooper. Still, Clinton, a legendary political animal, managed to call in, joking, "I hope I've got an excused absence."
And though Hillary Clinton canceled other Tuesday engagements, including an address to the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and a fundraiser for New Hampshire state Sen. Lou D'Allesandro, she did make an appearance Monday stumping for House Democrats at a New York City fundraiser. Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Steve Israel, who was also in attendance, presented her with baby books.
Charlotte's birth has been a long time coming for the former first couple. After Chelsea announced the pregnancy in April, Hillary Clinton - who's widely presumed to be readying a bid of her own for the next presidential cycle - wrote on Twitter: "My most exciting title yet: Grandmother-To-Be!"
A social media post by Bill Clinton on Saturday said the new grandparents "couldn't be happier;" another by Hillary Clinton said they were "over the moon... One of the happiest moments of our life."
