Why Hillary Clinton Thinks America Has a 'Fun Deficit'

— -- Hillary Clinton appears ready to embark on one of the most rigorous and time-consuming political journeys -- the presidential campaign trail -- so her message to Americans today was unexpected: Take a break and have more fun.

"There's a huge fun deficit in America," Clinton said during remarks at the American Camp Association conference in Atlantic City. "We really need camps for adults."

With a wink and a nudge to Congress, Clinton made the case that if more adults -- and perhaps politicians -- had more fun, more people would get along.

"The red cabin and the blue cabin have to come together and actually listen to each other," Clinton joked to the crowd of roughly 3,000 summer camp professionals.

The event also included a rocket round of questions for Clinton:

What's the historic figure you most identify with? "Eleanor Roosevelt"

Who is a mentor of yours? "Marian Wright Edelman ... founder of the Children Defense Fund."

If you were not a political figure or lawyer, what would you have liked to have been? "A teacher."

What's the most important thing you learned from your father? "Discipline ... a sense of getting up every day ... and doing the best you can."

What do you like to read? "I love to read good mysteries ... especially mysteries written by women. I like to read American history."

Do you watch "Homeland"? "I have. I'm little behind to be honest."

How about "House of Cards"? "Yes ... we binge watch. But we haven't yet watched the third season. ... Great acting, unrealistic stories."

What is the most important character trait? "Love and kindness."

Words you live by? "I really try to start every day and end every day practicing the 'discipline of gratitude.'"

Clinton, who has been steadily staffing up and seeking counsel ahead of her expected run for president, also noted that she's recently been reading about founders of the United States, including the George Washington administration.

The Atlantic City event -- a paid speech, which included prepared remarks followed by a question and answer session moderated by Jay Jacobs, a Democratic National Committee member and camp owner -- also marked the end of an era for Clinton, who has been on the paid speaking circuit since leaving the State Department. This was her last scheduled paid gig ahead of when she is expected to announce her candidacy early next month.