by Jill Zuckman
With just a few days to go until the third quarter comes to a close on Sunday, the Clinton campaign has come up with a novel way to boost donations between now and then.
In a letter from Bill Clinton to potential supporters, the former president offers to watch one of the next presidential debates with a few lucky people who have made a contribution during the final days of the month.
"Hillary's campaign will pick three people – each invited with a guest to watch one of the upcoming presidential debates with me,'' Bill Clinton writes. "We'll sit down in front of a big TV with a big bowl of chips, watch the debate, and talk about the race. If you enter before the Sunday midnight deadline, you and a guest could be the ones to sit down with me to watch a presidential debate.''
(The former president as fundraiser, seen above at a recent meeting for contributors to Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign in Laredo, Texas. AP Photo by Laredo Morning Times/Susana Segovia)
He may have a future taking over for Ed McMahon and the Publisher's Clearinghouse sweepstakes. But clearly the campaign is trying to capitalize on Bill Clinton's popularity as they attempt to bump up their numbers.
The third quarter is traditionally a little slower than the first and second, and Hillary Clinton has consistently trailed Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) in the money chase.
Just to make sure potential contributors know that they'll have a good time if they win an evening with Bill Clinton, he offered this testimonial:
"When I tell you I like watching Hillary debate, I mean it,'' the former president wrote. "You're talking to the man who stayed up until four in the morning on a trip through Africa just to catch on of her debates live. So if you want to watch a debate with me – or if you just want to help Hillary win – enter today, and you and your guest might join me for a debate soon."
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Comments
"Bill Clinton Invites Donors To Watch Debate With Him"
I've already bought tickets to this event for myself, Bruce and Lil Johnny D, we're so EXITED!
Posted by: John E | September 25, 2007 1:06 PM
Capitalism at work! Bill Clinton is starting to look more and more like a Republican! hahahaha
Good for him!
Posted by: Lou | September 25, 2007 1:21 PM
John E.,
Even though I'm an Obama guy, I'll kick in for Terry, Paulo and Jerry White. (Did you know Jerry's from Springfield, IL?)
Anyhoo...
Imagine their fun and surprise when they end up on Hillary's mailing list.
The knuckleheads can count their blessings for the 22nd Amendment or Bill'd still be president.
Good times!
Posted by: Doug Zook | September 25, 2007 1:36 PM
I would not watch the debate with Bill Clinton if he paid me ...
Posted by: johnny | September 25, 2007 2:00 PM
John E Lemming meet Doug Zook Lemming.
Gee, I wonder if Norman Hsu and Charlie Trie will be invited, and if Slick Willie will have coffee with them?
And, if by some horror among all horrors and the Queen B does win in 08, will the Lincoln Bedroom get sold again and will Willie Boy and Denise Rich make whoopee in the Lincoln bedroom again??
Posted by: John D | September 25, 2007 2:19 PM
My goodness gracious! Obama has been leading this race all along from the very beginning, as everyone else copies him. Hillary followed with send in a donation and 'let's do lunch'. Then it was Edwards with send in a donation and 3 people or something build a house or something with me. Now even the former president is getting in on Obama's act with send in a donation and watch the debate with me, all on the heels of Obama's send in a donation and have dinner with me. How in the world America can vote for these copycats is beyond me. Obama, the true and only leader, should be truly flattered, that even now the former 2 term president is copying him. GO OBAMA!!! OBAMA '08!!
Posted by: RuthieM | September 25, 2007 3:16 PM
How much is he charging to meet Monica?
Posted by: Horatio A. | September 25, 2007 3:39 PM
Being a college student, I have already found money to donate to the Hillary Campaign....I plan on doing so again, because why wouldn't I want a great candidate to win?
Posted by: Ryan | September 25, 2007 3:48 PM
I would never spend time with Bill Clinton in any place. I will not feel safe. He will probably have some cigars!!
Posted by: Lucy Suarez | September 25, 2007 4:38 PM
Hillary/Bayh 2008!
Posted by: Michael | September 25, 2007 5:24 PM
When Queen Pander Bear's away, King Pander Bear will play! First Gentleman? NOT!
Posted by: JRChase | September 25, 2007 5:38 PM
Doug,
If you are going to my work, do it competently. And also msitpye sopmething.
There was a footnote on the invitation - If you a contributor from a foriegn country, you must bring your own interpreter.
Ryan,
Your parents wioll be dissappointed to know that is where there money is going and will question the education you are receiving.
Posted by: Terry | September 25, 2007 5:58 PM
"Bill Clinton invites donors to watch debate with him . . ."
And I'll bet he'll chose the donor from pictures. And, if they're cute, he'll let both of them sit on his lap so they can let another poor unfortunate soul have the extra seats.
[Sigh.]
Posted by: John W. | September 26, 2007 2:02 AM
I would hope that Bill Clinton would donate money to me to have the pleasure of watching TV with me at my home. I am a school teacher with limited funds and a meager retirement to look forward to. I have two married children and five grandchildren that I need to help with day to day living expenses. I also have my 88 year old mother who has a minimal social security check living with my husband and I. We want to be sure we have money for an at-home nurse so my mom will not have to go to a nursing home when her care gets too overwhelming for us. My husband works 12 to 14 hours a day and travels a lot for his pay.
Why would I pay money to watch TV with Mr. Clinton?
Posted by: sue liming | September 26, 2007 9:07 PM