And so is Bill Clinton

[Gayla]

President Bill Clinton to Headline April 20 Alabama Jefferson-Jackson Celebration

For Immediate Release: March 21, 2007
Contact: Zac McCrary [phone]
Alabama Democratic Party Chairman Joe Turnham announced today that former President Bill Clinton will headline a spring Jefferson-Jackson Celebration on behalf of the state party. The event is scheduled for Friday, April 20th in Birmingham at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center. A private reception will begin at 5:30pm with dinner at 6:30pm.

As the only two-term Democratic President since Franklin Roosevelt, President Bill Clinton remains a highly popular former president with over 59% of Americans saying they still hold him in high regard. Clinton is one of the world's most sought after speakers having addressed dozens of groups in every corner of the world since leaving office and is one of the world's most recognizable figures.

"The Alabama Democratic Party is deeply honored and appreciative to President Clinton for giving us this opportunity to celebrate together, raise funds, and build our party infrastructure in order to help build a better Alabama," Turnham said. "When President Clinton left office we were at relative peace in the world, our economy was strong and budget surpluses were projected for the next decade. Yet President Clinton's work as a private citizen since leaving office is equally impressive as his Clinton Foundation has helped millions suffering in the HIV/AIDS epidemic through afforable drug availability in places like sub-Saharan-Africa. He also has joined with former President George H.W. Bush in raising funds worldwide to assist the tsunami-stricken people of Asia," Turnham noted.

This will be President Clinton first appearance at at a party-sponsored event since leaving office in 2001.

The evening event will feature a private kickoff reception with President Clinton of the "New Alabamans", a group of special donors that pledge $1,000 annually to underwrite party activities. The reception will be followed by a dinner at which President Clinton will deliver the keynote address. Tickets for this event are $150 each. Space is limited and those persons interested should contact the party office in Montgomery at 334-262-2221 or order online at www.aladems.org.

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[Stuckinthebush]

1. I'll be there!

Looking forward to hearing the Big Dog!

[Syrinx]

2. tell us about it please

I'm looking forward to your report. :)

[Stuckinthebush]

3. Amazing!

I tell you, that man, Bill Clinton, is a master of communication. Ronald Reagan as the Great Communicator? Fergetaboutit! Clinton stood up and talked for what seemed to be an hour (I lost track) with minimal notes. He had a command of the statistics, facts, research, and message. He reached out and connected with everyone in that room. Pure mastery.

His message was: You and I are Democrats because we don't believe in concentrating wealth and power in the hands of a few, but in ensuring that ALL are lifted up by society. It is the job of government to do this.

He discussed the war, health care, the environment. He said that there is one undeniable fact: When the Dems are in power the world is generally a better place.

He had a beautiful story to punch home the folly of this Iraq mess. He said that when he was president they gave very small business development grants to individuals in third world countries. THey only cost us $50 to $250 per grant. A small amount. But that small amount helped people move from poverty to prosperity. Sometime after his presidency, he was visiting an African nation (sorry, can't remember which one) and as he was walking out to his plane a woman ran toward him screaming, "Wait! Wait!". She ran up to him and handed him a shirt she had made. She said that because of him and the US she received one of these grants which allowed her to begin making shirts and selling them which meant her children didn't have to work and could go to school. Now her children are doing well, aren't fighting in a tribal war, and will be educated.

Bill said that he has that shirt on a shelf in his closet where he will see it every day as he gets dressed. He does that to remind him that this woman DOES NOT HATE HIM. Meaning, she does not hate the US. Through a small fraction of what this foolish war costs, we could create goodwill throughout the war and ensure that people wouldn't hate us but would want to work with us as a partner. He said, "Now that makes sense."

I could go on and on. He seamlessly moved from one topic to the next each time bringing the message back to the point that Democrats make things better.

Amazing.

[Syrinx]

4. Thanks for your report about my man, Bill Clinton!

The Big Dog is an amazingly talented animal. It's heartbreaking to think of the initial promise of his presidency, which was snuffed out by the purveyors of hate, and manufacturers of false scandal.

Mr. Clinton is not perfect, obviously, though my criticisms of him have very little to do with his personal sexual appetite.

It is shocking, in retrospect, to remember the turmoil that this country was put through by the Republican Congress in their continual witch-hunts during the Clinton years.

In very stark contrast, we currently have a monster in the White House that so far has not been held accountable for his numerous crimes against the Constitution, and against humanity.

Here's to better days for our country, and for our world. Thanks kindly for the firsthand report!
:toast:

[Gayla]

5. I have to agree.

President Clinton was wonderful! I loved watching him talk, all the hand gestures and facial expressions!!!! I want to see if the state party can put a transcript up, because I know I don't remember all that he said...and he made lots of great points, especially on global warming (an opportunity to create jobs) and health care for all...
I especially liked that they allowed people to get up to the ropes to make photographs. And I loved how he worked the crowd afterwards; I think he would have stayed there for hours! And I love that I got to shake his hand!!!!!

[Syrinx]

6. did he make a pass at you Gayla?

Inquiring minds want to know. ;)

Seriously, my main beef with Clinton is his coziness, when he was president, with corporate America. But his faults in that regard pale in comparison to what's going on now.

If you got your picture taken with him, I'd love if you could post it.

Finally, don't be such a stranger at DU! It's nice to see you around. :hi:

[Gayla]

7. I only wish, Syrinx!!!!

I do love the Big Dawg!

I think maybe we're enamoured (sp?) with Bill because the current Resident is so full of sh*t.....

No photo with him, but I was able to get some good ones of him speaking...I just don't know how to post them (call me computer illiterate!)...