The former First Daughter appeared on the long-running "Making a Difference" series, visiting a woman who runs afterschool mentoring sessions for at-risk teens in Arkansas and wove a heartwarming tale about children whose lives were seemingly saved by Annette Dove's program.
While the subject of the piece, Dove, was lively and emotional, Clinton stuck to a businesslike, even monotone voice at times, critics said — a surprising turn for the youngest Clinton, who is said to be extremely charismatic and charming in private.
"Rather, what was surprising to see on Monday night's show is how someone can be on TV in such a prominent way and, in her big moment, display so very little charisma — none at all. Either we're spoiled by TV's unlimited population of giant personalities or this woman is one of the most boring people of her era," one Washington Post critic charged.
Other critics pointed out that it was Clinton's first time appearing on television — and she made it through without any fumbles.
"The former First Daughter appeared poised and well-prepared, though a bit nervous, delivering her report," Politico.com wrote.
Ms. Kennedy dropped her Senate bid after a few chaotic weeks. Ms. Clinton mapped out a more considered and well-oiled campaign, with timely public appearances and selective press interviews.
Ms. Clinton’s first report was only slightly different from other “Making a Difference” features on NBC News. She chose a subject located in her father’s home state of Arkansas, and the profile she did was high-minded, serviceable and not at all bad — a warmly drawn portrait of an appealing older woman who courageously helps needy, neglected children.
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Ms. Clinton is a little self-conscious on camera and doesn’t have the kind of richly modulated anchor voice most television reporters acquire, but that actually gave her piece a more natural feel — like a video blog on Current TV.
It’s easy to see why NBC signed her up; the network has already hired Jenna Bush Hager, another former first daughter, who is a “Today” show correspondent; and Meghan McCain, a daughter of Senator John McCain, who is an MSNBC contributor. Ms. Clinton’s parents are more prominent and she has a higher — and more respected — public profile.
Television gives Ms. Clinton more than a platform for her charitable causes. It’s a fast track to all kinds of careers, including politics. The best, and perhaps, only way to trump inherited fame is to double-down on it. Television doesn’t often lend its stars dignity, but it is the great equalizer: almost anyone on it long enough can become as well known as the parents who helped get them the job. To younger viewers at least, Tori Spelling has become perhaps even more famous than her father, the producer Aaron Spelling, merely by putting a camera on her private life for her reality series. The Kardashian daughters have done the same.
And in some cases, celebrity begets political standing. Donald Trump may be something of a joke on his reality show “The Apprentice,” but his wealth, fame and brio have made him a player — and possibly even a potential third-party candidate — in the 2012 election.
For all her experience at a hedge fund and in nonprofit work, Ms. Clinton is basically known as the daughter of a former president and the current secretary of state.
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