Hillary: 'I'm Really Proud of the People That I Have Endorsing Me'

Exclusive: Sen. Clinton says she would be in control in the White House.

ByABC News
January 30, 2008, 9:58 AM

Jan. 30, 2008— -- Sen. Hillary Clinton began the day with three hours of sleep in a place that she came to more than 30 years ago -- following her heart and William Jefferson Clinton.

Little Rock, Ark., is the place she called home for nearly two decades, and if at one point she came here reluctantly, that is not the case now.

This morning a black Elvis impersonator (calling himself "Belvis") showed up to sing her praises. She sang along with him.

Her good mood this morning may not be entirely from the warm welcome at the Kitchen Express on Asher Street in Little Rock -- last night's 20-point win in Florida does give her bragging rights going into Super Tuesday -- now less than a week away.

But some have called that win in Florida a political stunt. It was a state Democrats were not allowed to campaign in because of party rules and that awarded no delegates towards the selection of a Democratic nominee. In an exclusive interview, "Nightline" co-anchor Cynthia McFadden asked her what that Florida win meant.

Being a Democrat in Florida Has 'Not Been Easy'

"If you're a Democrat in Florida the last two election cycles have not been very easy to take and I think they wanted despite the odds against them to demonstrate they were there," she said. "They wanted to be heard and I was thrilled to go down there and thank them for the votes -- we couldn't campaign there -- but I want them to know that if I'm so fortunate to get this nomination, I'll be there a lot."

Another reason for her fine spirits today may also have been the announcement that John Edwards made in New Orleans while the press waited for Clinton in Little Rock.

At just about 2 p.m. ET, as Edwards wrapped up, she came back to give her reaction to the press.

"I want to start by expressing my appreciation and admiration to Senator Edwards, to Elizabeth, to their family for their years of public service and advocacy on behalf of those who needed a champion and particularly during this campaign he has made poverty a centerpiece of his candidacy and it needs to be on the top of the list of American priorities," she said.