Ben Widdicombe, apparently NYC’s “hottest young gossip columnist,” actually liveblogged Hillary Clinton’s 60th birthday bash last night. The highlight of the evening was Elvis Costello, singing “Happy birthday, Mrs. President,” so that pretty much sums up the mom-ish ambiance of the event. But, boy, did Ben try to make it work. To wit:

9:18 p.m.

Bill Clinton and daughter Chelsea took the stage, backed by three large portraits of Hillary. One was a baby picture, one a college year book photo and the third, a contemporary study, looked like an emperor posing for a Roman coin. Bill observed that he and Hillary had just celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary. “We love you, and I’m so proud of you,” he said, bringing his wife to the stage. Hillary played the Empire State card, thanking New York and New Yorkers to loud applause. Earlier, Billy Crystal had parried an audience member who’d yelled a request for the baseball scores (then cheered the Red Sox.) “I appreciate everything [Crystal] said about the Yankees, because I am and I have been a Yankees fan!” Hillary said. “No changes, no pandering to anyone else!” Take that, Rudy!

Let’s hear it for old people! Oh, and Ben, we hear that Larry King will be celebrating a b-day soon. Can’t wait to see what you do with that!