Chelsea Clinton dismisses rumors she’ll run for public office: report

Chelsea Clinton, the daughter of former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, dismissed on Wednesday rumors that she is considering a political career. 

“I am not running for public office,” Clinton said in an interview with Variety.

Clinton said such rumors have been swirling her whole life.

{mosads}“I really am constantly surprised by the stories of me running for, fill in the blank—Congress, Senate, City Council, the presidency. I really find this all rather hysterical, because I’ve been asked this question a lot throughout my life, and the answer has never changed,” Clinton told the publication. 

Clinton’s parents first entered the public spotlight when her father became governor of Arkansas in 1978, two years before she was born.

Clinton dismissed the reports by praising current New York officeholders and denouncing President Trump. 

“I love my City Councilwoman—she’s awesome. I’m obsessed with Tish James, who is our public advocate in New York City. I support our mayor. I love my Congresswoman. I love our senators,” Clinton said. “I clearly do not support the president and certainly hope that he is defeated in the next election, but I don’t think I’m the best person for that job.”

But she added the caveat that she would reconsider her decision if the situation for the current officeholders changed — which is likely to continue fueling speculation about her future plans.

“If someone steps down or something changes, I’ll then ask and answer those questions at that time. But right now, no, I’m not running for public office,” Clinton added.

Clinton encouraged those who are interested in public office to consider if they have a vision for making a change in their public position and if they would they perform better than the current incumbent.

Variety interviewed Clinton for its annual Power of Women New York issue, honoring her for work benefiting the welfare of other people. She serves as the vice chair of the Clinton Foundation, and she also has worked with Alliance for a Healthier Generation to help children learn healthy eating habits.

Variety will commemorate the honorees, including Jessica Chastain, Gayle King, Blake Lively, Audra McDonald and Shari Redstone, next month.