Chelsea Clinton addresses the audience at the South Austin Campus.

Her father is the former president of the United States. Her mother is a U.S. senator currently running for the presidency. Chelsea Clinton just might know a thing or two about politics.

Clinton made a campaign stop on behalf of her mother at Austin Community College’s South Austin Campus on Friday. Though the temperature hovered around 50 degrees, the courtyard was filled with people young and old – some wearing Hillary Clinton buttons or carrying “Hillary for President” signs; others there out of mere curiosity.

“I saw the fliers, so I was interested in coming,” says ACC student Emily Odom.

Phi Theta Kappa President Jeremy Dertien echoes her sentiments.

“I was interested to see Chelsea speak, and I wanted to represent Phi Theta Kappa here,” he says, adding that he’s undecided on his presidential vote.

Hillary’s supporters did their best to change that, including the daughter of former Gov. Ann Richards, Ellen Richards, who addressed the crowd before Clinton.

“My mom’s legacy shows that having women in public office is really important,” Richards says. “She brought a new perspective to the Texas governor’s mansion, and I believe Hillary Clinton will bring a new, desperately needed perspective to the White House.”

And of course Chelsea Clinton agrees. After taking the stage, she told the audience she hoped they would support her mother and that she was there to answer any questions they may have. Hands shot up immediately.

The first question, from a woman who is legally blind, regarded Hillary’s making the country more hospitable toward those with physical and mental disabilities.

“She worked for the Children’s Defense Fund,” says Clinton, “and was part of the effort that helped pass a law in 1974 that made the United States the first country in the world to guarantee every child the right to public school education.”

That was not her only response to be greeted with applause. Hillary supports universal healthcare, stands up for “equal pay for equal work,” has twice voted in favor of stem-cell research, and would like for everyone to be able to afford their own home.

Some audience members seemed concerned about Hillary’s stance on immigration. One man from Eagle Pass inquired about the border fence.

“She said that it may be appropriate to have a fence in some instances,” says Clinton, “but that she would listen to local communities, to local citizens, so that it was a coordinated effort.” Her mother also supports a path to earn citizenship, she says.

Clinton answered questions for nearly an hour, stopping after she received a note that a police officer in her mother’s Dallas motorcade had died after being involved in an accident. She offered condolences to the officer’s family before leaving the podium.
Students seemed impressed with Clinton’s talk.

“She answered all of my questions through other answers she was giving,” says Mike Reid, who serves as parliamentarian of ACC’s Student Government Association. “The only question I would like to have seen her answer was more on the GI Bill, the financial aid that veterans get.”

Adam Rodriguez, who before Clinton arrived wasn’t sure what to expect, says she answered his questions as well.

“I think she made some very convincing arguments,” he says.

The Clinton campaign approached Austin Community College to arrange for Chelsea Clinton to meet with students.

“This is a rare opportunity for ACC students to raise their civic awareness and become involved in the political process,” says Linda Young, ACC executive director of government/community relations. “We would welcome future visits from the candidates and elected officials.”

With the spotlight on Texas until the March 4 primary… it could happen.

Find early voting locations and other information on the March 4 primary.