Blair excerpts reveal laughter, confidences, trust among friends

FAYETTEVILLE - University of Arkansas at Fayetteville political science professor Diane Blair became friends with Bill and Hillary Clinton in the mid-1970s. Their relationship continued through the Clintons’ White House years starting in 1992 until Blair’s death in June of 2000. Blair, husband Jim and the Clintons visited back and forth, vacationed together, telephoned one another and exchanged gifts, notes and letters.

“What do we talk about? ...” Blair wrote in a Feb. 25, 2000, note to a Washington, D.C., journalist, referring to her walks along the city’s streets with Hillary Clinton. “The same things we’ve talked about for over twenty-five years: our children, our families, friends, books, movies, ideas - serious stuff and silly stuff.”

Blair’s notes often refer to Hillary Rodham Clinton as HRC or HC, and Bill Clinton as BC. Some aren’t dated. Afew don’t show who is the writer or the addressee. Here are excerpts:

Dec. 29, no year, notes in Diane Blair’s handwriting:

“Our house. … Finally, fast sleep, heard noises in kitchen. BC … coffee … HRC - she in my robe … flannel … my socks, me in my flannel nightie. Jim [in] PJs, B in … Ark. bball shirt & ‘long johns’… 4 hours … chatter and laughter.”

Jan. 23, no year, Blair handwritten notes:

At the White House: “BC & HC necking in kitchen - jeans & sweats. Come on in here.”

Dec. 28, 1994, handwritten, stationery headed “Hillary Rodham Clinton”:

“May 1995 be a year when the good guys win - or at least tie. Thanks for all your support and friendship. With love, POTUS and FLOTUS [President of the United States, First Lady of the United States].

Aug. 7, 1995, handwritten, “Hillary Rodham Clinton” stationery:

“My dear Diane:

Even though I heard you deliver your tribute at NYU [New York University], reading it in the Annual Survey of American Law touched me deeply and reminded me again how fortunate I am to be counted among your friends. You and Jim are two of the reasons I’m glad that fate led me to Fayetteville in1974. Despite the ornithological reference, I consider you a fellow canary. We flap our little wings harder and harder while chirping as loudly as our voices permit about what’s happening around us. Sometimes we even are heard outside our cages! I don’t feel as if I have any choice but to fly straight on ... And it’s reassuring beyond words to know you’ll be there with moral support, good advice, cartoons, books to read, laughs to share and stories to tell.

Thank you for the gift of your friendship over the years - Love, Hillary.”

(Bill Clinton told Hillary Clinton on Aug. 15, 1998, about his relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinsky, according to books and news accounts. The family left soon after for a stay at Martha’s Vineyard, Mass., according to news accounts at the time.)

Undated, typewritten, addressed to “Dear” with no name:

“I’ve tried to call you at the Vineyard, but am not sure if the calls really go through or if - understandably - you just don’t feel like talking. Am not entirely certain what I would say if I did get through. (Indeed, am not entirely certain how I feel), except this: I know you’ll do what’s best for Chelsea first; but then, dear friend,do what is best for yourself. And, as always, I’ll be your buddy and back you up.”

Undated, typewritten:

“Dear President Bill:

Jim and I have talked of little else for days but your situation. We realize you have the world’s best legal talent and political advice at your disposal, but few of them either know you or love you as much as we do … Now, while the public is still strongly behind you (despite their belief that you strayed and that you lied about it) make a public statement acknowledging that both those things are true. No elaboration or details is wanted by anybody (except the fanatical press which can be handled). You should explain, with the heart and eloquence you possess in abundance, that you did so to protect the two people you love most in the world, Hillary and Chelsea.”

Without that acknowledgement, she writes: “The longer this drags out, the more you will be blamed for putting the country through such stress, and the more your support may evaporate. And the less likely it is that your presidency will be remembered for anything but this.”

Nov. 8, 1998, typewritten diary-style entry by Blair:

“While events still fresh in my mind, will scribble a few notes about the 3 rd presidential visit to our home since BC was elected President … some of it is almost comical.Example: lead advance guy, Al Rutherford, was aghast at idea that Pres. would hav3e [have] to walk through kitchen area where catering crew was setting up. I told him that last time Pres. Clinton was here he was loading the dishwasher ...”

April 13, 2000, handwritten on “Diane D. Blair” stationery, about two months before her death from cancer:

“My dear friend,

I’m still glowing in the aftermath of your visit. Can’t remember when I enjoyed a day more. It’s so nice to think the day will be permanently memorialized with the Hillary Clinton tulips in my yard … Please let Chelsea know how much her presence meant to me …

And huge hugs to the best friend anyone could ever have. Love, Diane”