Hillary Clinton ends debate with ‘Star Wars’ shoutout

MANCHESTER, N.H. — Hillary Clinton concluded the Democratic presidential debate here Saturday evening with a nod to “Star Wars.”

Clinton invoked the most famous catchphrase from the science-fiction movie franchise when she made her closing statement at Saint Anselm College.

“Thank you, good night, and may the Force be with you,” Clinton declared.

Clinton’s “Star Wars” shoutout comes as the latest installment in the series, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” is smashing box-office records. The movie was released globally on Thursday.

Prior to dropping the “Star Wars” reference, Clinton cast the presidential race as a “watershed election.” Clinton, who is the Democratic frontrunner, said there are “stark” differences between the two parties.

“I know how important it is that we have a Democrat succeed President Obama in the White House,” she said.

Yahoo News asked Clinton campaign manager John Podesta about her “Star Wars” reference when he spoke with reporters in the spin room after the debate. Podesta said Clinton has not yet seen “The Force Awakens,” but he expects she will. Another reporter expressed surprise that Clinton would be interested in the movie. Podesta laughed.

“Well, you know, I would say that she nailed the landing,” he said.