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Chelsea Clinton Takes First Step Toward Political Run

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 25: Chelsea Clinton speaks onstage at City Harvest's 23rd Annual Evening Of Practical Magic at Cipriani 42nd Street on April 25, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for City Harvest)
June 20, 2017

She’s running.

Chelsea Clinton gave what may be the first clear sign she’s interested in running for political office with a much-praised tweet Tuesday morning.

"The White House using fat shaming to justify increased opacity. 2017," the former first daughter said in response to a report that White House chief strategist Steve Bannon said press secretary Sean Spicer is backing off press briefings because he "got fatter."

The tweet — which Clinton insists was crafted as she "was standing line @Starbucks earlier" — is a masterstroke.

In less than 140 characters, Chelsea was able to take a strong stand against online bullying, a cause previously taken up by the likes of Monica Lewinsky and First Lady Melania Trump.

Moreover, she's standing up for a mainstream Republican, Sean Spicer, whose influence in the White House is reportedly waning. Winning over Republican voters, as any Clinton knows, is vitally important to winning elections.

Bipartisanship at its finest.

But don't worry, Democrats. Chelsea's tweet also signals that she's not a total departure from her parents. Indeed, it marks a continuation of her mother's battle against Steve Bannon.

And she's seized an issue with widespread appeal. According to city statistics, "In New York City, obesity is epidemic: more than half of adult New Yorkers are overweight (34%) or obese (22%)." That's a big, fat chunk of voters.

Plus, unlike her mom, Chelsea clearly understands the Internet — taking her message directly to the people, via Twitter. It’s this ability to communicate with regular Americans that will carry her wherever her ambitions may lead. Just ask the man who beat her mom.

Published under: Chelsea Clinton