[Natalie Allen, Cnn Anchor:] He's been out of the White House for several months and pretty much out of the public eye, but not today. Former President Bill Clinton is settling into his new office in Harlem, today, and the neighbors have turned out by the hundreds for a street party to welcome him. CNN's Maria Hinojosa is there for the festivities. I guess he's expected to speak soon Maria.
[Maria Hinojosa, Cnn Correspondent:] Hello, Natalie. Yes, in fact, the former president arrived on stage about a half hour ago, and he's been listening to some of the speakers who are a who's who of African-American politics in New York City. Speaking now is former Mayor David Dinkins, the first African-American mayor of New York City. Before that was Congressman Rangel, who takes a lot of credit for bringing the former president here. Also, it's being hosted by Cicely Tyson. This is a big event with many people. It started off not-quite full, but now it's really filled up. There are people lining up and down 125th Street. When the former president stepped on stage, everybody started waving these flags and these little fans that have been passed out. It's really like the welcoming of a rock star, almost. Much of what's been said here has been the importance of establishing his offices here as a way of revitalizing not only Harlem, but other Harlems across the United States, other African- American communities
[Joe Lockhart, Former Clinton Press Secretary:] I think the president likes to tell people that sometimes your first idea isn't your best idea, and he definitely believes that today the best place in the world for him to be is in Harlem. You can see by the look on his face how happy he is to be here, and the vast majority of the people here are returning that.
[Hinojosa:] Now, what is your sense about how he's dealing with the fact he's got a group of protesters. What do you think is going on in his mind, in terms of look at my new neighborhood.
[Lockhart:] I think the one thing that Bill Clinton understands is a little bit of controversy, and he's flowed around and
[Hinojosa:] What has he told you about his feelings about Harlem? Does he want to walk the streets here? Does he feel like this is the neighborhood that is going to open themselves up to having him be just a regular guy?
[Lockhart:] The president's talked very fondly about when he was just out of college walking around 125th Street and seeing all of Harlem. He's been back here as a candidate for president, and as the president, and I think he's just really excited that this will be his new home.
[Allen:] Joe, this is Natalie Allen at the Atlanta studio, wondering what life has been like been for Bill Clinton. You said, this morning, that he had trouble using an ATM card. What kind of adjustment has it been for him? He's made millions of dollars; is he out of debt, at this point in his life?
[Lockhart:] I think there's been a number of little things that he's had to figure out. He doesn't have aides following him around. But I think that's what he enjoys the most, that it isn't a big deal, and 50 people don't have to move to get him to a coffee shop or to go have breakfast. He's been very busy. He's been working on his foundation on this office, giving speeches, providing for his family. So I think his biggest complaint right now is that he's got too much to do. Otherwise, I think it's been a great transition for him.
[Allen:] Joe Lockhart, a familiar face to all, we thank you. TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com