Clinton's Edge? He's Standing Next To Her

(CBS)  If you want to know one of the keys to Sen. Hillary Clinton's lead in fundraising, he's standing right next to her.

"When it comes to raising money Bill Clinton is ka-ching, ka-ching...," said Gregg Birnbaum, the blogger behind JustHillary.com.

In one week alone, President Clinton helped raise more than $2 million for his wife, reports CBS News correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi. Part of it came from boutique events where small groups of his wife's supporters pay a premium to gab with the former president.

"He can do these one after another – lunch and dinner, lunch and dinner, over and over again all across the country," Birnbaum said

Or Mr. Clinton can watch you work off those calories, at a fund raiser at this New York spin class center. Forty-five people paid $2,300 each to get some face time. In just a half an hour Mr. Clinton pulled in $100,000 for his wife's campaign.

When asked if the expense was worth it, one of the spin class attendees answered, "Absolutely." Another said, "To be one on one with the former president, with his reputation, it was unbelievable."

Any old wounds from Clinton scandals seem to have healed. A USA TODAY/Gallup Poll found 70 percent of Americans believe Bill Clinton will do more good than harm for his wife's campaign.

"He's a big attraction for Hillary," said Charlotte Krupp, a Clinton campaign donor. "It's a good thing she didn't get rid of him."

Mr. Clinton is also mobilizing the network of friends and donors he developed over two presidential campaigns and eight years in the White House. CBS News has learned he already has six fund raisers scheduled for April. Democrats in the know say the other campaigns are feeling the pressure and some resentment.

"There has been some grumbling out in the country that the fundraising has been a little heavy handed by the Clintons," said Democratic strategist Jamal Simmons. "You can't find a Democrat who has worked in government in the last ten years who is not a former Clinton administration appointee, so a lot of people feel a sense of loyalty to him."

It can get tricky for Sen. Clinton, too. She needs to keep her husband close enough to benefit from his popularity and far enough away to keep it from overshadowing her.

[gunownerdan]

Will the American people be dumb enough to follow Billary stright to hell?
My guess is they are(look at who won the last 2 elections).

[randalds]

I agree with skyk. I'm an Edwards/Obama ticket supporter myself, but another 8 years of Clinton's in the White House would suit me fine too. Bill Clinton was a great president and his legacy grows better everyday that Bush is in office because the difference between how good he was and how much Bush sucks is so stark. George W. Bush is without a doubt the worst thing of any kind that has ever happened to America, but he is also the best thing that has ever happened to the Democratic party.

[imprisonbush]

Bill Clinton was a superb President. That's why he can travel the world and people flock to see him even if they have to pay big money. I am sure that when the Shrub is out of office, he will not be able to go to the local mall without an armored car and huge security detail to protect him from the throngs who want to kill him. When he's lost his powerful position, nobody will pay a plug nickel to hear him speak except for the right wing neo nuts who will start a cult that will live on in dark alleys everyone -- much like the Nazi party today. I believe many people -- inluding I -- have judged Hillary too quickly and on miniscule information. I saw her speak recently and was surprisingly impressed with her. I must admit that I had developed a negative attitude toward her even though I cannot say I really ever heard her speak about substantive matters. She struck me as very intelligent and straightforward and not standoffish at all. I think -- especially with Bill's loyal support -- could make an excellent President if we give her that chance. I must say I am excited by Barack and think he would make a wonderful VP as would Edwards. It would also be fun to see the looks on the faces of those neo-nut Clinton haters who have had too much news coverage these last 7 years of neo-nutdom.

[dog-x8]

RandalDS, me4prezz, stockseer, BRAVO, BRAVO, Stand up & take a bow!! Very well said!!!

[randalds]

For once RandalDS, I agree with you. Wow, that is a such a revelation! LOL.

Posted by me4prezz at 11:30 PM : Apr 01, 2007

It IS an odd feeling isn't it? lol!. I'm not the biggest fan in the world of Hillary, but if she's the nominee I'll vote for her mostly because I think she'll listen to Bill's advice. Just as we had two for one when he was president with him asking her, I think it'll be the same this time with her talking to him. As for thier personal life, who cares. My wife and I are convinced that her being mad about Monica was much more about him not being discreet and having it hit the press, not that he cheated.

All in all, the best president we've had in my lifetime (or at least tied with JFK) and I'm 50.

[jamesmc5]

I wouldn't give Bill so much credit. 80% was from small grassroots donors. Hillary can clean-up on her own merit.

[nazirp]

I was quite impressed with Hillary Rodham Clinton's performance at the town hall meeting in Iowa.
I believe her when she says she will deliver on Universal Health Care. In 1993-94 she was ridiculed when she wanted
a plan that would benefit all Americans. Now Americans see the urgent need for such a plan. She was the architect. Given a chance she can do quite well as the next President of the United States.
When she came to NY to seek a Senate seat there was skepticism but New Yorkers who are tough when it comes to voting gave her a chance and she has worked very hard as a Senator. Her answer to a question from a reporter concerning Elizabeth Edwards was classy. She has been on four committees - She is the first New Yorker ever to serve on the Senate Armed Services Committee, working to see that America's military has the necessary resources to protect our national security. She has visited troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. She has travelled the world and knows world leaders. She has the necessary experience in politics.
Going forward Americans will see that she is a genuine person. Politics is simply not her passion for power but she wants to deliver what the current Republican administration has failed to do. She will not be run by corporations.
She will bring in a balanced budget and a better economy.
And she will make her own decisions as a leader and as a President. But whatever she does it will give better life to the many Citizens who live below the poverty line.

[nazirp]

Hillary Rodham Clinton is the best person to lead the US. She will bring in the best Universal Health Care for all Americans and bring in a balanced budget and a better economy.
She will also bring the soldiers home. She has the most experience in politics having served on four important committees. And has proven herself as a very hard working senator. The Republicans blew it. It is time for a leader who will deliver and Senator Clinton will as the next President of the US. Give her a chance. Keep an open mind.

[me4prezz]

come on USA Last 20 years BushClintonBush, who is dumb enough to make it BCBC? what a joke this is...
Posted by kwlambi at 09:56 PM : Apr 01, 2007

I am, I am. Why not? One Clinton for every Bush. This means that each Clinton is responsible for cleaning up the mess that each Bush left behind.... Sounds like a plan to me!

GO HILIARY!

[me4prezz]

For once RandalDS, I agree with you. Wow, that is a such a revelation! LOL.

I voted for Clinton and would have voted again had he been eligible. I don't care what happened in his personal life and Hiliary is a big girl and old enough to handle the wrongs handed to her by her husband. It was how he affected my life and my family's life that I cared about and for whatever people have to say about him, our lives were a lot better with him in office than they have been with Bush. (I know I am going to get ripped up for that one by someone on here, but it is very much true...oh well, truth hurts).