GMA Exclusive: Clinton Hostages Speak

Dec. 4, 2007 — -- The workday continued normally for three young staff members who worked at a Hillary Clinton's Rochester, N.H., campaign office late last week. As they awaited a volunteer's arrival, a man walked into the office and claimed he had a bomb strapped to himself shortly before 1 p.m.

"The three of us were meeting to go over what we do for the day," said field organizer Katherine, who along with the other hostages, asked that her last name be withheld. "Lee walked in. I approached him. That's when he showed me what he said was a bomb. That's kind of how it all began."

Katherine, Morgan and Graeme said accused hostage taker Leeland Eisenberg, who was arraigned in court Monday on kidnapping charges, was very specific about his goal.

"I mean it was a very complex situation, but he clearly was there to seek attention from someone who could help him," Morgan said. "He thought Hillary could do that and that's why he was there — to speak with her."

As the drama unfolded, the three awaited resolution. The minutes soon turned to hours as 46-year-old Eisenberg held the group.

The hostages soon found themselves in the role of negotiator, as they acted as an arbitrator between Eisenberg and police.

"We served as mediator with the negotiator to keep him calm," Morgan said.

"We were very involved in that dialogue," Graeme added

Eisenberg began to release hostages and Katherine was the first to go.

"I really don't know why it was me," Katherine said. "I was closest to the door. I don't think it was anything specific, at least to my knowledge."

After she left, Graeme and Morgan said they were more positive about their situation.

"It was definitely a shift in the turn of events knowing someone was out there in contact with authorities, who could describe the room," Morgan said.

Still, nothing was immediate. Morgan said she wasn't even sure how long she had been held before she was released.

"To be completely honest, I have no idea in terms of time. It was several hours," Morgan said.