The Clintons: Real "Kings" of New York

It is a real Clinton week — much like fashion week — that is kicking off while the 2012 presidential campaign gears into action, and the Clintons are not, in theory, even the heroes. One speaks only of them, and the Obamas have almost been reduced to the role of provincial cousins with their booking on “The View” for ABC, Michelle’s green dress and the president confiding about the postponement of their 20th wedding anniversary celebration until the day after the first presidential debate on Oct. 3.

The Clintons take in the whole world. Hillary welcomes heads of state to the annual U.N. General Assembly, and Bill, for the fourth time, brings together people from around the world involved in his Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) to work on the theme of optimism. Chelsea is not to be outdone and is participating in a CGI panel on new technologies while also taking on the role of NBC News journalist. This Clinton festival is allowing the rumor of Hillary’s 2016 candidacy to catch on in all credibility.

Hillary receives heads of state and it’s her job. But this year, her role is particularly convenient for the 44th president, who does not wish to shake certain hands due to the election. Take the case of Egypt’s Morsi, with whom he has made a critical analysis of the term “allies.” He leaves his secretary of state with the job of gently patching it all up. It is not worth it to reopen recent wounds and to trouble the American Jewish community — a faithful electoral supporter of the Democrats and a tenacious fundraiser — with too visible an interest in the matter. The president will speak at the General Assembly this Tuesday but will not meet with other foreign leaders, which is a break from tradition. As a result, Hillary Clinton is even more down to business: the Syrian problem, Islamist demonstrations, the “conflict” between Japan and China over islands of little interest.

Bill Clinton receives great minds and world leaders for the fourth meeting of the CGI and treats himself to the luxury of an out-of-the-norm closing with the two presidential candidates, Obama and Romney, who will address the prestigious guests this Tuesday. The topic for reflection this year — “The Case for Optimism in the 21st Century” — is a red carpet for developing his ideas for the future… no blunderers allowed.

Chelsea is received at the CGI and will work on new technologies and their possibilities. During the course of an interview on Monday, she clearly displayed an optimistic vision for the years to come: “Optimism is a mix of pragmatism, focused on real solutions … and also big dreams and radical ideas.” In other words, the definition of optimism. A board member of the CGI, she lets doubt hover over her intentions to delve into politics and is visibly at ease in her reflective role as an NBC News reporter. She doesn’t lack any distance from herself. She proudly describes herself as “nerd” or “wonk.” Hick? We don’t believe that at all.