Bill Pulls Big Bucks for Hill
March 21, 2007— -- Team Clinton (aka the Senator and the President) hit the fundraising circle in a joint appearance at Washington's Marriott Wardman Park Hotel Tuesday night, raking in nearly $3 million for the former first lady's presidential bid.
Surrounded by former Clinton administration officials, members of Congress, donors and supporters, Mr. and Mrs. Clinton took the stage hand-in-hand, appearing together for the second time this week, following a Manhattan fundraiser Sunday night, which raised just more than a million, according to campaign estimates.
Former President, Candidate Share Spotlight
Former President Clinton's short statements highlighted his wife's leadership and dedication to serving the public, citing her work here and abroad while in law school and as first lady.
"Long before she was in public office she was a public servant," he said. "Tonight I feel more strongly than I did 35 years ago when I told her that out of all the people in our generation, she's still the best."
First Gentleman
The senator -- and second Clinton presidential contender -- addressed the guests as her husband joined the crowd and listened in. She poked fun at what would be her husbnd's historic role if she were to win the presidency.
"People ask me all the time, if you are elected, will you make him secretary of state?" she said to a crowd who giggled at the suggestion.
"Since President Kennedy and Robert Kennedy, I think that is illegal," Sen. Clinton joked, "but I sure will make him ambassador of the world because we have a lot of work to do."
Senator Outlines White House Agenda
Clinton then focused on her policy goals and listed universal health care coverage, energy independence and education among her priorities.
Highlighting the importance of becoming less dependent on foreign oil, Clinton described how proud she is of her husband for walking around the house with a bag of energy-efficient fluorescent light bulbs, replacing the regular bulbs.
She said that with each light she turns off in their home, she says in her head, "Take that Iran. Take that Venezuela," adding, "Why do we want to be spending our money to go to regimes that are taking actions that are against America's interest? Let's get smart about doing what we need to do about a different energy future."
Iraq Protestor Interrupts
While addressing the war in Iraq, Sen. Clinton was interrupted by a protester who had snuck in and was on the press riser, only about 30 feet from the senator.
"You don't care if our soldier's die," the female protestor screamed repeatedly, and then began chanting, "What about Iraq, What about Iraq?"
The protester was quickly escorted off the press riser and out of the ballroom, amid encouraging applause from the crowd.
Unfazed, Clinton resumed. "I understand the frustration about this administration's handling of Iraq," she said. "This president owes this country a plan to end our involvement in Iraq. And if he does not extricate us from Iraq before he leaves office, I will, as president," she said, garnering the loudest applause of the evening.
A small group of members from the anti-war Code Pink group had gathered outside the hotel before the events got under way.
"This is not an uncommon phenomenon," a Clinton staffer said. "It has happened before, so the impact is diminished now."
Clinton Cash Flows
Terry McAuliffe, former chairman of the Democratic National Committee and a Clinton fundraiser, said Tuesday night's event raked in $2.7 million.
Tickets for the standing room only fundraiser went for $1,000, $2,300 and $4,600, the highest figure being the legal limit for contributions to a candidate for the primary and general election. McAuliffe cracked a joke that they'll close the first quarter on March 31 with $10 trillion.
Washington power players in attendance, ncluding Madeline Albright, John Podesta, Mickey Cantor, John Merrigan and Tom Boggs, among others, prompted a Clinton administration reunion of sorts.
Several members of Congress, including fellow Democratic New York Reps. Charles Rangel and Jerrold Nadler were also present.
The Clintons mingled with guests separately after the speech, glad-handing, signing books and flashing smiles for adoring supporters.
A woman who attended Tuesday's event and had also attended Sunday's Manhattan fundraiser summed it up: "Bill did great … and she's getting better."