PENDLETON-- This year's Democratic campaign is historic-- it could propel the first woman or black man to presidency, and for the first time, Oregon matters.

Hundreds of people gathered at the City Hall gymnasium to hear former President Bill Clinton campaign for Hillary Rodham Clinton this morning.

Former President Clinton started by saying he has "a large collection of Pendleton blankets, which I treasure."

Then he talked politics. He lauded Hillary Clinton's commitment to the "only universal health care plan in this campaign."

"The insurance companies spend $5 billion a year figuring out how not to ensure you," he said. "Think of it as an 'un-insurance' premium."

He also spoke about the war in Iraq, saying Hillary Clinton is the most capable of bringing troops home and helping veterans.

With gas at more than $3 a gallon, former President Clinton also devoted much of his speech to the economy and the environment.

"Five million people have fallen from the middle class, back into poverty-- while working," he said, referring to the last decade. "That's the American nightmare."

The audience cheered energetically during former President Clinton's speech, but afterward, a few people still had unanswered questions.

"I never got an explanation about why Hillary voted for the war in Iraq," said Peter Walters.

Others expressed their whole-hearted support.

"We need things fixed, and Hillary's the girl to fix things," said Sandy Colsen, of La Grande.

A few people admitted they came more for former President Bill Clinton than for his other half.

"I'm in business for myself, and the best economic financial years I had, was his eight years in office," said Ron Williams, about his favorite president of all time. He added that the last seven years haven't been financially "worth a damn."

After shaking hands with the crowd, the former President left for stops in Baker City and Redmond.