Bill Clinton encourages citizens to "stand up for what we believe is right" as he emphasizes the importance of moving forward.

 Although "Hail to the Chief" is no longer played when President Bill Clinton arrives, he still hears a familiar and heartwarming sound: "We love you!" shouts a bystander in Harlem.

Walking through the streets with Clinton feels like a victory lap. After leaving office, the former president made Harlem his home. At just 54 years old, newly retired, he was determined to leverage his influence, connections, and experience to continue making a difference as a private citizen.

In his final address to the nation, he expressed, "In the years ahead, I will never hold a position higher or a covenant more sacred than that of President of the United States. But there is no title I will wear more proudly than that of citizen."

In the 24 years since delivering that speech, Citizen Clinton has achieved enough to fill multiple lifetimes—and the pages of a new book: *Citizen: My Life After the White House* (set to be published Tuesday by Knopf).

When asked what he was most proud of since leaving the White House, Clinton replied, "I think the thing I'm most proud of is that I proved you can make a big difference as a private citizen."

By any standard, he’s done just that. Through the Clinton Foundation and the Clinton Global Initiative, which connects business leaders with nonprofits, Clinton has helped fund global projects such as programs to fight HIV/AIDS in South Africa and large-scale clean water initiatives in Rwanda. Domestically, his foundation has been involved in efforts ranging from retrofitting the Empire State Building to save energy, to combating drug overdoses in the heartland, to upgrading streetlights in Los Angeles. His foundation also played a role in funding infrastructure rebuilding projects.

"We raised $16 billion from union pension funds to put people to work," Clinton explained. "It was the largest of its kind at the time. That’s what I’m proud of, because I think people are happiest when they’re working on things that make a real difference."

Clinton also spent time campaigning for the Harris-Walz ticket in the final weeks of the election and said he was disappointed but not surprised by the outcome.

When asked if part of the issue was America not being ready for a female president, Clinton replied, "Maybe. I think in some ways, we've moved to the right as a reaction to all the turmoil. And I think if Hillary had been nominated in 2008, she would've walked in, just like Obama did."

"Has the country changed?" he was asked.

"Well, I think all these cultural battles we’re fighting make it harder for a woman to run."

"Do you think it has more to do with party than gender?" 

"No," he said. "Although I think it would probably be easier for a conservative Republican woman to win."

"Than a Democratic woman?"

"Uh-huh. Because that’s what Margaret Thatcher did," he explained. "But I still think we’ll have a female president pretty soon."

"How soon? Within your lifetime?"

"Oh yeah. Well, I don’t know how long I’m going to live. You’re asking an old man that question!" he laughed. "I hope I’m around for the next time. But now it's President Trump's turn. It all depends on what he does and how things unfold."

We spoke recently as the president-elect was in the midst of appointing his new cabinet, shaking up Washington and beyond.

I asked, "Are the guardrails off?"

"Well, there's no obvious guardrail," Clinton responded. "The Senate's shown some discomfort with some of these appointments. We'll see what happens there. Somewhere along the way, [Trump] will have to decide if, at this stage of his life, the most important thing is to have unquestioned control, because that’s not what democracy is about."

"So you think President Trump might have a change of heart?"

"He might. I was raised in the Baptist Church. I believe in deathbed conversions!" Clinton joked. "I think it’s possible. But I think the rest of us have to stay vigilant, watch for signs, and be ready to stand up for what's right, even if it costs us."

In his new book, Clinton candidly addresses his health issues, including his struggles with weight. But even with his health concerns, he still couldn't resist stopping by Sylvia's, the renowned soul food restaurant, for a coffee.

I asked, "If you were eating here, what would you get?"

"In the middle of the afternoon? Probably a slice of pie," Clinton replied.

"I know you talk about your diet in the book. You have to watch what you eat a bit more now?"

"A lot more," Clinton said. "It's unbelievable how much your metabolism slows down."

While he's open about his health, Clinton is also forthright about past controversies. He addresses the Monica Lewinsky affair, praising her work on bullying awareness.

Why mention that? "Because I felt it was important to say something, and I wanted to help her turn the page. She deserves a chance to build a future, not be constantly dragged back into the past," Clinton explained.

Though he reflects on the past, Clinton is focused on the future, continually trying to make a difference. 

"I don’t mind when people criticize me; I just talk to them," he said. "You don’t need to win everyone over. You just need enough support."

"We all need to loosen up and get back in the game. The way I keep score is: Are people better off now than when you started? Do children have a brighter future? Are we coming together, instead of being torn apart? If I can answer ‘yes’ to those, I’m satisfied."

"I know there are no permanent victories or defeats in politics," Clinton added. "I’m not interested in being an armchair quarterback, except to help my team perform better. They have enormous talent. I wish them all well, and I’ll continue to help. But for now, I’ll suit up and keep doing what I’m doing."

For more information:

Citizen: My Life After the White House by Bill Clinton (Knopf) is available in hardcover, large print trade paperback, eBook, and audio formats starting November 19 via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org.

Clinton Foundation

Story produced by John D'Amelio. Editor: Ed Givnish.