Hillary Clinton Breaks It Down And Gets Real In The Motor City -- A 'Michigan Matters' Exclusive
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton talked about what mattered most to her as a grandmother and a statesman during her visit to Detroit at a small gathering of supporters.
"She was so warm and funny," said Denise Ilitch, CEO of Ilitch Enterprises, who was there along with 200 others.
Ilitch met the former First Lady years earlier at the White House when the NHL Stanley Cup Champ Detroit Red Wings -- which her family owns -- visited the first couple along with the team when Bill Clinton had the keys to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
"She wasn't at all as she is portrayed by the media," Ilitch added during taping of CBS 62's "Michigan Matters." "She was open and really funny-- sort of like you," Ilitch said looking at Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, a Republican known for his quick wit and one liners who sat next to her during the taping.
Patterson and Buzz Thomas, a former Democratic state legislator who runs Thomas Group Consulting, also appeared with Ilitch and Senior Producer/Host Carol Cain "Michigan Matters" and discussed Clinton's prospects in 2016.
Since announcing her intention to run for president a second time, Clinton made her first official visit to Detroit on Tuesday heading to the home of political power couple Jill Alper and David Katz. Ilitch was among the 200 people who paid $2,700 to mingle and have their picture taken with her.
Alper, partner at Dewey Square, has been a Clinton devotee for years. She has worked on both Clinton's various political campaigns along with other high-profile Democrats like Secretary of State John Kerry and former Gov. Jennifer Granholm.
Katz, an executive with Detroit Medical Center, is also involved with politics.
Clinton also made a surprise stop at Sweet Potato Sensations in Detroit, a family owned business, telling patrons she wanted to be the "Small Business President."
Clinton then gave a 35 minute speech at the Alper-Katz home and dazzled attendees as she talked about Iran, gay marriage, how she and Bill met, and how Obama convinced her to become his Secretary of State -- not accepting her initial "No" response.
And she discussed why she wanted to become president.
The Clintons became grandparents when daughter Chelsea gave birth to a daughter recently.
Patterson, the top political leader in Oakland County, mentioned his county's five-year budget and how things are looking better though there are potential pockets of concern long-term, depending on who the next president is.
Thomas, who supported Obama's two bids for president, mixed it up with Patterson when he mentioned the economic upturn Patterson is experiencing came under Obama's watch .
You can hear the conversation by watching "Michigan Matters" 11:30 am Sunday on CBS 62.
