According to the news reports, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's Commonwealth Club- sponsored speech last Friday was all about drug wars in Mexico, climate change, terrorism and how to fight it, State Department stuff of note. But I thought the more interesting thing -- I was among the 48 Commonwealth Club volunteers who showed up to help the umpteen security forces of all sizes, shapes and affiliations -- was audience reaction.

Admittedly the Bay Area includes a strong pro-Hillary base, and she probably knew she could get a warm reception. But 1400+ enthusiastic ticketed folks showed up for the sold-out event (some as early as 3 hours in advance,) went through security (metal-detector doors, sniffing dogs, bag scanners, a battalion of uniforms), listened attentively and cheered politely. Hardly a sneeze, no suggestion of a boo.

The crowd was clearly interested in the State Department formal policy segments, but the enthusiasm was for suggestions that entrepreneurial activities, innovative technology and individual connectedness might actually achieve what all these wars we're fighting don't seem to be doing.

And wouldn't that be nice?