December 2, 2008
Posted: December 2nd, 2008 03:58 PM ET

From
Bill Clinton is seeking cash off his wife's new position.
Bill Clinton is seeking cash off his wife's new position.

(CNN) – One day after Sen. Hillary Clinton was formally nominated to be the next secretary of state, her husband sent a message to supporters seeking cash to help alleviate the former presidential candidate's campaign debts.

"This nomination would not have been possible without the hard work of everyone like you who has supported Hillary throughout the years," former President Bill Clinton wrote in the e-mail sent Tuesday. "I know I speak for her when I say thank you for everything you have done for her."

The message, which also asks supporters to write notes of congratulations to Clinton, features a big "Contribute" link below the text.

Sources told CNN last month Clinton's campaign debt is roughly $7 million - down from the more than $20 million she owed last summer.

The fundraising e-mail comes hours after former Obama campaign manager David Plouffe sent out an e-mail of his own touting the president-elect’s new national security team - including Clinton - and seeking cash for the transition fund.

"While the challenges they are sure to face will be great, the opportunities to unify our country and our world will be even greater," Plouffe wrote. "With your support, we'll meet those challenges and opportunities with the hope and optimism that has brought us to this moment of change."

Obama received over $6 million from government funds for his transition effort, but is seeking millions more in private donations.

Filed under: Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton


J Robinson   December 2nd, 2008 9:00 pm ET

Clinton as SOS is the best way to keep her at a distance. She can go prancing around the world stage, but her role will be largely ceremonial since Obama will be a strong and decisive leader, unlike Bill Clinton who let Maddie Albright set his foreign policy. If Hillary expects to pull that, I think she will come up short.

bill for barack   December 2nd, 2008 8:53 pm ET

Somebody wanna tell Bill it's time for a long winter's nap ?
Like maybe 8 years' worth ?

Sara from Arizona   December 2nd, 2008 8:51 pm ET

Like a bad dream, the Clintons just will not go away. Tom, could not agree with you more. I can't think of anyone worse for SOS than her highness Hillary.

Rob   December 2nd, 2008 8:40 pm ET

What was Hillary's salary from the campaign anyway ?

Want real change in politics ?
Stop letting canidates pay themselves from campaign funds.

Fred from San Jose   December 2nd, 2008 8:37 pm ET

No wonder we are in a recession. Presidential campaign is over and no more free spending....

marla   December 2nd, 2008 8:33 pm ET

lets stop talking about the clint ons, and let these people do there jobs and you do yours and if you had been listing today you would have heard that your gov. should have been doing his job,,, like i have always said.so lets get after these guys some gals.

Texas Teacher   December 2nd, 2008 8:30 pm ET

Do You Know What You Are Talking About,

Thank you very much! :)

danielB   December 2nd, 2008 8:26 pm ET

So wait, $6 million isn't enough to put your cabinet together? Why should Obama stop asking for money when people literally gave him their first born during the campaign? I don't see how people could think that this a smart man when he's spent millions and hasn't done anything for ANY of us yet!! Maybe he should donate his royalties from his books of lies!

Briana the college student   December 2nd, 2008 8:14 pm ET

Dave, Illinois

the president elect shield doesn't cost tons of money. I could make a shield like that in photoshop for free.

stop being a hater

Anna, ATL   December 2nd, 2008 7:58 pm ET

Get a grip, Tom.
Jabs on the sniper story has run its course. Its not funny. It never was.

A First Lady getting blasted by bullets in the 90s probably would have made the news big back then. Some of us would have remembered.

Woe be to hillary that the American public isn't witty enough to recognize a joke when they hear one.

But one of the hardest working Senators since 2000 isnt qualified to some of these witless people. Big deal.

Anna, ATL   December 2nd, 2008 7:52 pm ET

Finally, someone has a brain on this site.
Thanks, Do You Know

First for knowing what you are talking about, and second for explaining Campaign Finance to some of these people.

Tom in Delaware   December 2nd, 2008 7:44 pm ET

And those donations will go to pay off the money she loaned her own campaign that she stayed in after it was mathematically impossible for her to secure the nomination....after all, why should she be responsible for it if you're going to pay it for her.

Stupid is as stupid does.

DeVone   December 2nd, 2008 7:09 pm ET

people stop winning do or donot and for thouse who will God bless
them and for the person who said we can feed and cloth others, TRUE
and I hope you keep your word
FOLKS LETS MOVE ON AND PRAY PRAY FOR THE BEST
negitivity is not in Gods plan and if youu dont believe live with it

Mike, Syracuse NY   December 2nd, 2008 6:57 pm ET

Leave it to Bill to try to turn Hillary's nomination into a payday. This isn't going to hurt Clinton Corp. one bit. Bill will probably get more for speaking engagements.

ck   December 2nd, 2008 6:44 pm ET

Yeah, real change coming!!

LOL

KD   December 2nd, 2008 6:40 pm ET

I received this email and the "big" contribution link you speak of in your blog is actually rather small....

Gotta love the spin here.

Do you know what you are talking about?   December 2nd, 2008 6:26 pm ET

If you know anything about campaign finance you know she cannot "pay off" the campaign debt herself because that would count as a personal contribution exceeding the legal limit to one candidate. Anyway I think (99% sure) I heard at one point that she loaned her personal funds to the campaign to keep it going when she was fighting for Florida and Michigan's votes to be counted in the primary. In that case, she can't cancel the campaign's debt to her because of the aformentioned campaign donation restrictions.

If you don't want to contribute, don't. But it is ridiculous to think this is any different than what loads of other candidates do, they take out loans banking on the chances of future success and the forecast of the resulting future donations.

The Clintons would be criticized if they smiled at the worng person...and the witch hunt gets old!

beckster   December 2nd, 2008 6:26 pm ET

WHO IS JOHN GALT?

indi   December 2nd, 2008 6:04 pm ET

It is like: "Now that I have power, send in your money and buy your privilege." Amazing! This is no difference than selling the overnight stay in the White house.

Rockford   December 2nd, 2008 5:59 pm ET

Ahhh... Change we can believe in...

Lovely

Brian G, Sugar Land, TX   December 2nd, 2008 5:56 pm ET

I guess "pay it forward" doesn't work in the real world.

Desert Storm Vet   December 2nd, 2008 5:55 pm ET

With the money the government is throwing around on bail outs, We the PEOPLE could have already brought the economy back around.
Billions and Trillions of dollars handed to people who have failed already. Wake up America!
First it was fear of terrorism that helped us swallow the "Patriot Act" Now we will be scared into thinking the economy is so bad we need to give up some other freedom. We are pawns in this – no one is listening anymore.
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security. "
Benjamin Franklin

RH from OH   December 2nd, 2008 5:46 pm ET

so her campain is 24M in debt, yet she made 105M last year.

...They should pair her up with the auto execs...

WELCOME TO THE OBAMA SHOW   December 2nd, 2008 5:45 pm ET

HEY AMERICANS,

LETS WATCH THE MONEY THAT HILLARY OWES SOMEHOW DISAPPEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dave, Illinois   December 2nd, 2008 5:42 pm ET

So, Obamites, tell me about all the people that could benefit from the obcene amount of money that Obama is still raking in and spending on vanity items like his new president-elect seal. All that money that you all contributed could have fed the starving, housed the homeless, clothed the poor. Oh, thats right, other people should do that. Just like others should pay extra taxes for the Dems pet projects. What a bunch of hypocrits!!!

Jesse Holmes   December 2nd, 2008 5:40 pm ET

And it's to pay off HER campaign debts, not Bill's.

Jesse Holmes   December 2nd, 2008 5:40 pm ET

That button is all over Hillary's website, not just on this page. I don't see what the issue is.

herb   December 2nd, 2008 5:35 pm ET

Everyone is getting upset about what? If you don't want to give don't and those who do fine let's move on. Senator Clinton will also make a fine secretary of state

Almost the end of THE error!   December 2nd, 2008 5:33 pm ET

Congrats Barack...Congrats Hillary...Congrats to America!

Ernie   December 2nd, 2008 5:32 pm ET

Obama is seeking Millions more?? He wants more of your money then he will give you a little tax break?? God help us.

Francis, IL   December 2nd, 2008 5:28 pm ET

Hillary needs to stop trying to get money for something that she was completely responsible for. She ran longer than she should have, so she and Bill should foot the bill, unless her supporters want to help her. End, and I meand the very end of the story.

The campaign is OVER and Barack is about to be sworn in–it's over Hillary, give it a rest.

conservative   December 2nd, 2008 5:21 pm ET

The Clintons always have been about money ; ours in their pockets!

JuanM   December 2nd, 2008 5:15 pm ET

These politicians, both left and right, just can't get enough can they. I just can't believe people give to them on a contribution basis. Talk about drinking the kool-aid.

Realist   December 2nd, 2008 5:12 pm ET

If we can continue to donate to fund Obama's Outrageously Lavish Inauguration during the worst economic times in recent history.

Then we can certainly donate to help Hillary Clinton pay off her debt to the American people.

I wish her luck and hope she gets it all paid off!!!!

PLB   December 2nd, 2008 5:12 pm ET

I think this is a disgrace. Clintons are not endearing themselves to their base by doing this fundraising. When Hillary was out of money she should have gotten out of the race too. They can't expect more donations now when the economy is so bad. They will be feeding again at the public troth once she starts traveling around the world on taxpayers dollars.

Alexa   December 2nd, 2008 5:11 pm ET

You are sick CNN - what's this now "Bill Clinton is seeking cash off his wife's new position"

You CNN sure have it out for the Clintons, especially former President Clinton - why? And why is it that you are constantly mocking President Clinton? Frankly, I am so turned off by your bias reporting so now I turn to Fox News for fair and balanced news.

Charlene Republican for Obama not Clinton   December 2nd, 2008 5:06 pm ET

How can Bill accept money that Hillary blew (she lost in July and kept spending money) and he is paid 400,000+ for a lousy speech. Obama does not need the Clintons and I am so sorry that we have to put up with them for another 4 years. I hope Obama can keep her reined in....it is going to be interesting to see how she likes reporting to the man she talk trash about a short time ago. Oh my...politics.

Godluvr   December 2nd, 2008 5:05 pm ET

God loves a cheerful giver! If you have a problem with giving, don't read the articles referring to money, be quiet, or just.....I'm tired of trying to crack nuts!

Roofin Reality, Houston, Tx.   December 2nd, 2008 4:59 pm ET

Everybody is looking for cash.
I disagree with Tom from 4:05,
I think she's been around the world enough that people will give her their full attention and appreciate the position she's proposing.

And, with the heavy work she did, while not quantifiable in terms of actual votes, Obama has to feel some appreciation towards her and giving her this post is "fair" in his mind.
Look, dude was smart enough to get to this point, I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt until he actually makes a bad decision.
That'll still be quite a few less than President Bush.

Walt, Belton,TX   December 2nd, 2008 4:58 pm ET

Wonder just how much he charged Obama to rent her for four years?

Joe M   December 2nd, 2008 4:56 pm ET

Should have ended the campaign a month earlier when it became apparent that she couldn't win. As for "Bucks for Bubba", forget it. There's a lot of hurt this holiday season and lot of fine organizations trying to help out. They need the funds.

As Bill can earn as much as $500,000 an hour for a speaking engagement, "my heart bleeds". Sorry, checkbook's closed.

Sherrol in Canada   December 2nd, 2008 4:46 pm ET

I'm not surprised, the Clintons are very resourceful people and know how to garner help from just about anybody.....Makes me smile though!

Jonathan   December 2nd, 2008 4:46 pm ET

How can we trust our "nation's leaders" to guide us out of economic trouble when they can't even balance their own campaign's budget?

Maybe she shouldn't have spent more money than she had? Now there's a concept for the ages...

obama-mama   December 2nd, 2008 4:44 pm ET

CNN did not post my previous blog....Let me say it again. I love Obama and his new picks but I will not contribute a dime to people who are financially better of than me. They need to send me a donation.....

I did take some words out of this revised version. Maybe now they'll post it.....Good grief.

Matt   December 2nd, 2008 4:43 pm ET

You know she does not have a lock on this job and still has to clear a confirmation where it is legitimate to look at her lack of experience of any kind, her treatment of the secret service as first lady, her lack of record as a senator. Not to mention her husband, stolen items from the whitehouse and the lamp throwing.

Barack arrogantly ducked the question yesterday asking why he changed his opinion of Clintons experience but it still does not change the fact that he put out a 4 page report spelling out her lack of experience. You can't just say "ohh it was all just part of the campaign" Or was this more of Baracks lies to America like the big one of Change in government.

Poor Clintons   December 2nd, 2008 4:40 pm ET

Not another bailout...

:-(

IG   December 2nd, 2008 4:37 pm ET

I do think Obama got cocky on this one. I get the feeling that he was kind of showing off how he can integrate everyone in his cabinet, friends an dfoes, democrats and republicans. This is only beginning of the distraction.

Richard Stack   December 2nd, 2008 4:35 pm ET

At what point will these elected-millionaires pony up their own cash for their "tranisition efforts" and campaign debts? The very people that got them elected are still the very people that are watching the equity in their homes diminish, retirement accounts flatline or worse, and are desperately hanging on to every nickel. I find it disgraceful that our President-elect (who is about to live rent free for 4 or more years) is asking for money to help the already fortunate cabinet members.

Linda   December 2nd, 2008 4:34 pm ET

Not suprised to hear the Clintons are still looking for money, but BO already picked up enough cash in the general election to make a dent in our economic woes. It is hard to believe that in this economic crisis these very wealthy folks are still asking for hand outs.

PJP   December 2nd, 2008 4:34 pm ET

The poop is about to hit the fan, AGAIN!!!!

PJP   December 2nd, 2008 4:33 pm ET

Everybody duck!!!!!!!!

Kingslough   December 2nd, 2008 4:32 pm ET

Clinton should get it thru his head that people are fed up of paying debts that came out of her own doing. Americans aint stupid! Duh!

rachel   December 2nd, 2008 4:31 pm ET

So stop complaining if you dont want to contribute don't if you do do. Incidently OBAMA is also fundraising off his security team where is the ticker on the cnn the most trusted news source.

Donna   December 2nd, 2008 4:31 pm ET

So, where are the millions of pesky Puma people?

JL   December 2nd, 2008 4:29 pm ET

Sounds like Paulson needs to give her some bail-out money.

david   December 2nd, 2008 4:28 pm ET

more bailouts just in a different form.

Brian from Fort Mill, SC   December 2nd, 2008 4:25 pm ET

tom:

I hope you're wrong about Hillary. If she's going to be secretary of state, then she and Obama should hash out their difference, which may be many, and then speak with one voice.

The real test is not whether Obama picked someone who agrees with him. The real test is whether the two can come up with solutions that actually work, regardless of who wins the argument.

Saad from NJ   December 2nd, 2008 4:25 pm ET

This is too funny....

S Callahan   December 2nd, 2008 4:24 pm ET

As said before, I was not thrilled with Sen. Clinton accepting SOS...and not for reasons of animosity...I just feel she could have raised the bar, and been much more influenctial, if she stayed in the Sen. role.........who knows, she still has to be confirmed......still think that role (SOS) is meant for Richardson....just my view.....

Sheryl   December 2nd, 2008 4:24 pm ET

Good lord Bill give it a rest!!!! We dont have anymore money!!!

JuanM   December 2nd, 2008 4:21 pm ET

Contribute to what? How much more of our money do these politicians want. Regardless of party, these politicians take take take from hard working Americans, don't pay their own bill, give billions of dollars to corporations and then they have the audacity to ask us for contributions. You partisan fools, both Dems and Repubs, need to wake up.

Truth Hurts   December 2nd, 2008 4:20 pm ET

Bill Y Clinton earns 425000 an hour doing rubber chicken dinner speeches and he has to go out hat in hand for his wife?

SAD

Loyal Clinton Supporter   December 2nd, 2008 4:18 pm ET

I Wish the Clintons and Obamas would stop trying to get money from the American people. The Campaign is Over

I am a Clinton Supporter but Bill earns lots, and so does Hillary.

They should pay their own way now.

Tom in S.A.   December 2nd, 2008 4:12 pm ET

Anyone supporting a millionaire is an idiot, nuff said.

toyin isijola   December 2nd, 2008 4:11 pm ET

Bill, you did not show your support for the nomination, untill you figured it would raise cash.

Get over it   December 2nd, 2008 4:10 pm ET

Still looking for money I see.

Franky   December 2nd, 2008 4:09 pm ET

Alright Bill, I'll give that loan and I won't charge you for it back, LOL!!!

I'm pretty certain that they'll get it now, especially HIllary being S.O.S.

PELOSI SUCKS   December 2nd, 2008 4:06 pm ET

um NO

Not giving her ANOTHER DIME

She is a fraud!

tom   December 2nd, 2008 4:05 pm ET

This is the first bad decision Obama has made since winning the election. Hillary is not qualified for the job (unless she lands under sniper fire?) and there are others much more qualified for this very important job. This is the first instance of Obama selling his soul to the Democratic leadership and an obvious move to bolster Hillary's resume so she can make another run for the White House and attempt to erase the memory of being publicly humiliated by her worthless husband.

I love the way our country works...NOT.

Helen   December 2nd, 2008 4:05 pm ET

I DON'T THINK SO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HILLARY WOULD NOT GET A PENNY IF I FOUND IT "HEADS" UP OR "FACE" DOWN ON THE GROUND.

SHE STAYED MUCH TOO LONG........AND I'M WATCHING BARACK CLOSELY FOR "HIS" CHANGE.

Louis   December 2nd, 2008 4:05 pm ET

Anyone who donates to the Clintons is a moron–they are worth $100 million dollars.

Truth Hurts   December 2nd, 2008 4:04 pm ET

Billy earns 425000 an hour doing rubber chicken dinner speeches and he has to go out hat in hand for his wife?

Pathetic.

Darko   December 2nd, 2008 4:04 pm ET

Sorry Bill, we're too busy 'contributing' to AIG and GM.

Griff   December 2nd, 2008 4:02 pm ET

Ambiguations.... Is more like it.

Comments have been closed for this article

subscribe RSS Icon
About The Ticker

The latest political news from CNN's Best Political Team, with campaign coverage, 24-7. Sign up for our twice daily Ticker emails. Got a news tip or feedback? For complete political coverage, bookmark CNNPolitics.com.

CNN=Politics Screensaver

CNN=Politics ScreensaverTap into the power of The Situation Room. Download this powerful new tool that keeps you posted on the latest political news from the campaign trail.
Download (4.1 MB, PC only)

twitter
@edhenrycnn: Presidents Obama and Hu dining now along with U.S. officials including Ambassador Huntsman; Secretary of State Clinton, Gen. Jones
Updated: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:49:46 -0800
@edhenrycnn: Press pool says President Obama has arrived at Diaoyutai, a "series of villas interspersed among grass, trees and a large pond"
Updated: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:43:24 -0800
@edhenrycnn: President Obama is on the move in Beijing, according to press pool. Headed to the Chinese government's official guesthouse -- the Diaoyutai
Updated: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:26:40 -0800
@edhenrycnn: CBS' Bill Plante refers to Facebook and Twitter being blocked here as the "Great Firewall of China"
Updated: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:42:59 -0800
@edhenrycnn: WH press pool says it's holding in vans while President Obama changes clothes for big dinner with Chinese President Hu
Updated: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:36:37 -0800
Categories
Powered by WordPress.com VIP