header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
March 6
1772 - Spanish Capt. Pedro Fages arrives; camps at Agua Dulce, Castaic, Lake Elizabeth, Lebec, Tejon [story]
Pedro Fages


Sen. Dianne Feinstein
| Monday, Dec 16, 2013

The following commentary, originally published by POLITICO, is part of a series in which dozens of women will reveal what women they most admire. The series is part of “Women Rule,” a unique effort this fall by POLITICO, Google and The Tory Burch Foundation exploring how women are leading change in politics, policy and their communities. See more essays [here].

 

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif.

In 2000, shortly after Hillary Clinton was elected to represent New York in the Senate, I was honored when she called seeking my advice.

When I first met Hillary in 1992 during Bill Clinton’s run for the White House, I was immediately impressed by her commitment to helping people and her grasp of complex policy issues. She is one of the most talented and impressive women I’ve ever known, so I had no doubt she possessed the ability, stamina and passion to make an outstanding senator.

Even though she came to the Senate as an international superstar, she immediately proved her mettle.

She did her homework. She worked across the aisle.

She didn’t get bogged down in party politics. She worked hard for her constituents.

As a senator, Hillary committed herself completely to the nuts and bolts of legislating that separates the show horses from the workhorses in today’s Senate.

She defied the skeptics by working not just with Democrats but by developing productive relationships with Republicans — many of the same senators who had been relentless critics of the Clinton administration.

And that hard work paid dividends.

Hillary mobilized resources and services to help the victims of Sept. 11 recover and rebuild. She worked closely with the families of those killed and insisted on compensation and health care for first responders.

She also met with our troops overseas and worked on behalf of veterans. She fought for women and children’s health, education, economic development and trade.

Hillary was deeply committed to democracy in Tibet and Burma.

And she fought in committees and on the Senate floor for every corner of New York.

In other words, she was a model senator.

Eight years later, after many months of a grueling and exhausting campaign, she and then-Sen. Barack Obama met privately at my home in Washington to put the primary behind them and set a course to win back the White House.

Cynics questioned Hillary’s commitment to that cause, but those of us who knew her well had no doubt: She would be an invaluable asset on the campaign trail and eventually a trusted adviser in the Obama administration’s Cabinet.

Hillary is a patriot who loves her country completely. Her deep commitment to public service and progressive causes runs through her veins.

At the State Department, she proved to be an outstanding diplomat.

She rolled up her sleeves and went to work repairing relationships with heads of state around the world. From the evolving conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq to the turbulent Arab Spring, Hillary was always a steady hand on the foreign policy rudder.

Over the years, Hillary and I have conferred on health care, international terrorism, foreign affairs, the environment and gun safety.

Inevitably, our conversations turn to our daughters. We both have a daughter, and I know Chelsea enriches Hillary’s life far and above any achievement in politics or government. That special relationship is one reason the well-being of women and girls has been central to her agenda, as far back as the United Nations Women’s Conference in Beijing nearly 20 years ago.

I was an early and enthusiastic supporter during Hillary’s run for the White House in 2008. I believed she would be a spectacular leader and a transformative president for our country.

I still believe that. Now more than ever.

 

Dianne Feinstein represents California in the U.S. Senate.

 

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

16 Comments

  1. Susan Stroud says:

    Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha. Hillary should be president because she has a daughter. Lying, scandals, lack of accomplishments and the cover up of 4 dead Americans in Benghazi and her complicity must be overlooked.

    Dianne, your Alzheimer’s is showing.

  2. LONDONBACH says:

    Hillary Clinton? The oafish fat-ankled quasi-female political opportunist? That’s the BEST the Left can do for a Presidential candidate? Can’t the Left produce even one person who has enough grace & intelligence not to make people groan & cringe? Someone, for instance, like Daniel Patrick Moynihan. Mr. Moynihan was a lifelong New York Democrat who worked frist for his State and his Nation, not just his Party.

  3. Karen Grube says:

    “Over the years, Hillary and I have conferred on health care, international terrorism, foreign affairs, the environment and gun safety.” How scary is that? THAT is precisely why no one should even THINK about voting for her and why California voters need to stop voting stupid and get you out of office at the earliest possible time. Wish it weren’t so hard to recall a Senator.

  4. SkyLark says:

    Why, Ms. Feinstein, do you hate America so much as to want to drive this final nail of progressive corruption into its coffin?

  5. bob says:

    “At this point, what difference does it make?”. You yoyos saddled us with one moron, why buy another used liar from you?
    Both sides of the aisle should be arrested, tried for treason by the citizenry, then hung if guilty.

  6. Ruth says:

    This is really disturbing. I don’t see any accomplishments cited in this article so I’m guessing that we “need” her because she’s a woman. Um, no. Haven’t we learned anything yet? Voting for someone, merely because of race or sex is a losing proposition for this country. Hillary has no accomplishments and a whole lot of scandal. Wake up, people. Quit voting to “make history” and vote for someone who can lead, has legitimate credentials and doesn’t work to divide the nation. If you’re too young to know about Ms. Clinton..I suggest you begin boning up on history and save yourself from another wasted vote.

  7. Phil says:

    The scary part? Feinstein is our SMART senator!!

  8. Leadrunner says:

    Hillary is a power whore. Nothing more, nothing less.

  9. Benny says:

    We certainly do not need to transform the USA into anything other than the GREAT, beautiful nation we had. Our consitution had worked perfectly for many years. Now, this administration has tried to transform us into a socialist republic. We know what happened when Germany tried their National Socialist Republic. We do not need that in the USA.

  10. mj loehrer says:

    There’s nothing I can add to what has already been written. There are some brilliant people on the Left Coast.

  11. Rebecca says:

    Hillary has a never ending list of accomplishments, if you don’t relies this your not informed enough to comment on this issue. Try looking something up instead of just listening to angry republican talk. Hillary has greatly improved several of our foreign relationships, just for a start.
    “Over the years, Hillary and I have conferred on health care, international terrorism, foreign affairs, the environment and gun safety.” Karen, the only reason I can think you would be upset about this is if you don’t want everyone to have health care, want more terrorist attacks, want the rest of the world to hate America, you don’t go outside, and want mass shutting a to continue. If you think them discussing these things is stupid, I don’t think you understand politics.
    Ruth, again she is a very, I stress a very accomplished politician. We don’t want to vote for her because she’s a women, we will vote for her to CONTINUE bettering our country. The republicans on the other hand did want to vote for a female politician simply because she was a female, Sara Palin. Now that would have been scary.
    Bob… What are you quoting? …

    After one search I found…and form One paragraph about Hillary’s accomplishments….
    Clinton was at the forefront of the U.S. response to the Arab Spring, including advocating the military intervention in Libya. She introduced the Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review process to the State Department, seeking to maximize departmental effectiveness and promote the empowerment of women worldwide, and used “smart power” as the strategy for asserting U.S. leadership and values in the world. She is the most widely traveled secretary during her time in office and also championed the use of social media in getting the U.S. message out.
    P.S. I’m posting so late because I’ve been at work since 6am but I still took the time to do a little research.

  12. SukieTawdry says:

    So, Rebecca, how is that whole Arab Spring thing going? Things working out okay in Egypt? How about Syria (hey, remember back when Hillary haled Assad as a reformer)? How has the “liberation” of Libya worked out? Do you feel we have been given a satisfactory explanation of what occurred in Benghazi? Or why Hillary lied about it?? Do frequent flier miles add up to accomplishment? Can you point to any women around the world who have actually been empowered through Hillary’s efforts? Define “smart power” and explain how, when and where Hillary exercised it.

    What was Hillary’s greatest accomplishment as the junior senator from New York? As First Lady of the US? As First Lady of Arkansas? As a practicing attorney? Do you considering “conferring” with a fellow senator an accomplishment?

    For someone who claims Hillary’s list of accomplishments is “never ending,” you sure don’t seem to able to come up with much.

  13. ConradCA says:

    Her greatest accomplishment while SOC was racking up lots of miles in the air. Worked tirelessly to replace our friends with enemies in the Middle East. Betrayed our people in Benghazi by denying our Ambassador and the consulate any effective security in a country full of our enemies. Remembered for “It’s a vast right wing conspiracy.” and being under sniper fire. Would be the second worst president after Tyrant Obama if she wins/steals the presidency.

  14. ctmom says:

    Rebecca, did you cut and past directly from Hilary’s State Dept. bio?

  15. CLINTON DICKENS JR says:

    Republicans seem to have an intense hatred for President Bill Clinton & also for potential 2016 Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
    I am of the opinion that their irrational hatred of President Clinton stems from the fact that in his two successful campaigns, he was smart enough to utilize the Republicans’ own issues to defeat them and they just can’t live with the knowledge that he–even today–is the most popular political figure in our country.
    As Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton was one of the brightest stars in the Obama Administration, proving that she can hold her own & perform successfully on the national & international stages.
    She & her husband are head & shoulders above any other political figure in the United States today.
    In the 2016 Presidential election, the American people need to elect a President that is capable of dealing effectively with the many serious problems that threaten our Constitution & the freedoms it has guaranteed for over 200 years.
    The person that can take on that challenge successfully is Hillary Clinton.

Leave a Comment


Opinion Section Policy
All opinions and ideas are welcome. Factually inaccurate, libelous, defamatory, profane or hateful statements are not. Your words must be your own. All commentary is subject to editing for legibility. There is no length limit, but the shorter, the better the odds of people reading it. "Local" SCV-related topics are preferred. Send commentary to: LETTERS (at) SCVNEWS.COM. Author's full name, community name, phone number and e-mail address are required. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are not published except at author's request. Acknowledgment of submission does not guarantee publication.
Read More From...
RECENT COMMENTARY
Friday, Mar 6, 2026
In every community, there are moments when people pause, turn the page together and discover something larger than themselves. A story has the power to spark conversation between neighbors, connect generations and transform quiet reading into a city experience.
Thursday, Mar 5, 2026
Spring is a season of new beginnings, longer days and renewed energy.
Tuesday, Mar 3, 2026
Innovation guides how Santa Clarita brings the community together through its events and programming. Each year, the city introduces new ways to engage residents and highlight what makes Santa Clarita unique.
Monday, Mar 2, 2026
In Santa Clarita, building a strong sense of community is a priority we carry through everything we do, from shared experiences that bring residents together to programs and opportunities that encourage us to learn, participate and connect with one another.
Thursday, Feb 26, 2026
Love has a way of transforming a moment into a memory that lasts a lifetime.
Monday, Feb 23, 2026
One of the most rewarding parts of my role as City Manager is connecting with our community and sharing the stories behind the people, projects and services that make Santa Clarita such a great place to live, work and play.

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
The California Department of Public Health is urging the public to avoid contact with dead or distressed marine mammals and wild birds along the California coast after H5N1 bird flu, also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza, was confirmed in weaned northern elephant seal pups at Año Nuevo State Park in San Mateo county.
CDPH Urges Public to Avoid Sick, Dead Marine Mammals, Birds Along California Coast
The Placerita Canyon Nature Associates and County of Los Angeles Parks and Recreation will host a special Discovery Days event 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, March 14 at the Acorn Amphitheatre at the Placerita Canyon Natural Area and Nature Center.
March 14: Discovery Days at Placerita Canyon Nature Center Acorn Amphitheatre
Rancho Camulos Museum in Piru will present a special program, "After the Break," on Saturday March 14 at 1 p.m. The event will include a presentation by historian Ann Stansell, who explores the lasting impact of the 1928 St. Francis Dam collapse and the 1963 Baldwin Hills Dam failure.
March 14: Rancho Camulos Presents St. Francis, Baldwin Hills Dam Disasters
The Dumas-Stenson Thespians will present "We, the Women," Thursday, March 26 through Sunday March 29 at the MAIN.
March 26-29: ‘We, the Women’ presented by the Dumas-Stenson Thespians
Child & Family Center has been recognized with a 2026 Silver Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health by Mental Health America, the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health, well-being and prevention.
Child & Family Center Earns 2026 Silver Bell Seal by Mental Health America
Samuel Dixon Family Health Center, Inc. hosted its inaugural Crab Fest on Saturday, Feb. 28, bringing together community members, leaders, and supporters for an evening of food, fellowship and philanthropy.
SDFHC Hosts Successful Inaugural Crab Fest Fundraiser at Elks Lodge
In every community, there are moments when people pause, turn the page together and discover something larger than themselves. A story has the power to spark conversation between neighbors, connect generations and transform quiet reading into a city experience.
Laurene Weste | Read Along with This Year’s One Story One City
Foothill League softball begins next week.
Here Comes Softball
Agua Dulce Winery will host a sound bath event, 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m., Saturday, March 21.
March 21: Sound Bath Event at Agua Dulce Winery
Foothill League baseball games will get started in earnest next week.
Get Ready for Foothill League Baseball
<strong>1772</strong> - Spanish Capt. Pedro Fages arrives; camps at Agua Dulce, Castaic, Lake Elizabeth, Lebec, Tejon [<a href="https://scvhistory.com/scvhistory/signal/reynolds/part09.html" target="_blank">story</a>]<br> <a href="https://scvhistory.com/scvhistory/signal/reynolds/part09.html" target="_blank"> <img src="https://scvhistory.com/gif/mugs/pedrofagest.jpg" alt="Pedro Fages" style="margin-top:6px;width:110px;border:0;"> </a>
Lucky Luke Brewing in collaboration with Color Me Mine will host a St. Patrick's Day themed mug painting class "Pints & Paints," Thursday, March 12 6-9 p.m.
March 12: Color Me Mine ‘Pints & Paints’ at Lucky Luke Brewing
The Santa Clarita Artists Association will host its general meeting at the Old Town Newhall Library Community Room on Monday, March 16, 6-7:30 p.m.
March 16: SCAA General Meeting, Live Demonstration
Pocock Brewing Company will host a St. Patrick's Day Festival, "Irish Fest," noon-10 p.m. Saturday, March 14 and noon-9 p.m. Sunday, March 15.
March 14-15: ‘Irish Fest’ at Pocock Brewing Company
College of the Canyons baseball opened up Western State Conference, South Division play with an 11-4 home victory over West L.A. College at Mike Gillespie Field on Tuesday, March 3.
Cougars Open Conference Schedule 11-4 Over West L.A. College
College of the Canyons softball scored its go-ahead run in the third inning, then held on the rest of the way for 2-1 victory over Moorpark College at Whitten Field on Tuesday, March 3.
Cougars Get Back in Win Column 2-1 Over Moorpark College
College of the Canyons men's golf won its second consecutive Western State Conference tourney with an eight-stroke victory at Cypress Ridge Golf Club on Monday, March 2.
Canyons Stacks Second Conference Victory at Cypress Ridge
Spring is a season of new beginnings, longer days and renewed energy.
Bill Miranda | Spring into The Cuuuuube, Keep Santa Clarita Moving
Hannah Ulibarri placed third and Wes Opliger finished in fourth as The Master's University golf teams competed in the RMC Intercollegiate in Lake Las Vegas, Nev. March 3-4, with the men finishing in fifth and the women in sixth.
TMU’s Ulibarri Places Third at RMC Intercollegiate
Wednesday, March 4, the opening day of the 2026 NAIA Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving Championships, was a massive success for The Master's University swimmers competing in the first four relays of the four-day event held in Elkhart, Indiana.
First Day of Swim Nationals puts Four TMU Relays on Podiums
The Master's University beach volleyball team dominated in the sand on Wednesday, March 4, defeating No. 5 Hope International 5-0 at the TMU Beach Volleyball Courts.
Mustangs Sweep Royals on Beach
In celebration of Earth Day, the city of Santa Clarita invites residents to take part in the annual Neighborhood Cleanup on Saturday, April 25 from 8-11 a.m. Online registration is required and opens March 6.
March 6: Registration Opens for Earth Day Neighborhood Cleanup
The Small Business Development Center hosted by College of the Canyons will offer a free, two-part webinar as part of the Veterans, Military and Spouses Series on Thursday, March 12 from 1-3:15 p.m.
March 12: Free, Two-Part Business Webinar in Veterans, Military, Spouses Series
SCVNews.com