NEW YORK (CNN) – One of America's pre-eminent political power couples made a rare joint appearance Friday, when Bill and Hillary Clinton took the stage at the former president's Clinton Global Initiative conference.
"I want to begin by expressing my extreme indebtedness to the Clinton Global Initiative, to all of you who participated, for giving me the first chance I have had in a week to see Hillary," Bill Clinton told the audience of social activists and business leaders at the closing session of CGI, a week-long conference designed to find solutions to global problems through public and private partnerships.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was at the session to unveil a new State Department initiative on food security.
As he introduced her, the former president was effusive in his praise for his wife, saying that her approach to food security - helping farmers around the world grow their own food to earn income and alleviate poverty - was much smarter than the decades-long policy of simply giving humanitarian aid and food to countries.
"It was a wrong-headed policy. It persisted through Democratic and Republican policies alike, including mine. We were all wrong and she is determined to reverse it," Bill Clinton said, adding that while he was busy engaging in politics, Hillary had "become her own NGO."
"Most of what I know about what I do today, I learned from her and she has become the best public servant our family has produced," he added. "I am very proud of her and honored that she came here."
Secretary Clinton, who received a standing ovation, had equally kind words for her husband.
"It won't surprise you to hear that I am very proud of my husband and I think what he has invented and brought to life here is extraordinary," she said, adding that the new State Department food initiative, in part, was an idea she developed by seeing the kinds of partnerships the Clinton Global Initiative produced.
The Clintons posed for a photo-op with State Department officials and executives from General Mills and other organizations, who pledged at the conference to start a program to help farmers around the world.
And then, for fans of the former first couple, a rare treat. As she
walked off the stage, Hillary's proud husband drew some more cheers when he gave his wife a kiss.
Bill Clinton continued to read off the million-dollar commitments he received at the conference for additional social programs. And Hillary Clinton left to meet with 15 ministers from the Caribbean.
From CNN Politics
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The only best President we've had since the forties is President Clinton. He needs along with Hillary to seperate himself and herself from the likes of Obamas.
God Bless the Clinton Family for doing so much for the Country.
Bush and Cheney Family will Burn in Hell for the unjustified war of Iraq and death of 4300 US Troops.
Now, Bill and Hillary Clinton are mature in politics and they are really giving back to the world community. They are now beautiful people.
Wow!
OK Bill, now you can GO AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!
He's starting to hog the cameras like Obama -- GET A JOB, Billy. NOW – GO AWAY!!!!!!
This is comical, the Clinton's surpass beyond any normal line of decency in what they will do to maintain their elitist stature in politics. Are these truly the kind of people you would wish to represent you? If you were to understand the Clinton's you would understand that this is simple political posturing by Bubba to support Hillary's 2012 run for the Whitehouse.
Of course I am only questioning the Democrats that are capable of independent thought and that may be able to read and write.
Hillary Clinton is one of the best minds we have in this country and if we could only use her in more of our dealings with our problems and the world we would be much better off.
She is a tireless worker and has great ideas and the stamina to get them done and can stand the heat from those who would bring her down just because she is Hillary Clinton. Those who hate are her hate America. They are so jealous of her success and ability to think and act to better this country and the world they want to bring her down to their low level.
Who cares.
Looking at the pic above, I'd say it's time for Hillary to put away the pants suits and buy a few Mu mu'sat Wal-mart.
I'm sick and tired of hearing ANYTHING about Bill the "draft-dodger" and the know-it-all wife who was involved in all the corruption involving wal-mart and the state of Arkansas. They are both hypocrites and despots who have never experienced the life of a regular middle-class America. They have sold us out to their own ideals of what this country is all about. They should be dealt with like that couple of crooks who ran Romania.
Nice to see Hilary kiss something besides Vladamir Putin's backside
She would be the Prersident of US were she not a woman,
Its always a pleasure to see Bill & Hillary together.
Jill Dougherty's comment about the "rare display of public affection" just shows that she needed to do more research before writing. The Clintons have on NUMEROUS occasions shown affection toward eachother.
Just another piece trying to stir up more rude obnoxious comments.
It certainly would have been nice to have more information about the new initiative rather than tabloid fodder!
I do think they love each other very much – it's just too bad that Bill Clinton seems to be addicted to crisis and philandering.
I hope that now that he's had serious health problems, is a little older (and hopefully wiser) and has his Global Initiative to focus on, he can continue to stay out of Hillary's way as she performs her duties for our country.
Keep up the good work, Madam Secretary!
I wouldn't call that "sharing a kiss" – looks to me like Hillary, once again, gave him her cheek. I think he hasn't seen much affection from her since....well, the 90's – and who can blame her? BUT, the CGI is doing great things world wide and Hillary is an outstanding SoS. I have only respect for Bill & Hillary Clinton, they are both true American heroes. I only wish she had been successful in her bid for President, she's a fighter and would not give up or given in so easily on health care reform.
After all these years, he finally realizes what a WONDERFUL woman he has...She has stood by him; there is something to be said about LOYALTY.
I agree with you Mr. Clinton, your wife is a CLASS ACT.
This is something that I really don't even want to think about. One ass kissing another one. Geesh, what is this world coming to?
I really a proud of the Clintons
So nice to see a married couple kiss........ for the cameras.
Bill Clinton and Barack Obama... Clearly 2 of the best presidents this country has ever seen. Reagan and the Shrub.. clearly 2 of the worst.
NOBODY has done more for this country than Bill and Hillary Clinton. And they raised a beautiful, bright well-adjusted daughter in Chelsea.
Hillay in 2016!!!
I am happy to see a couple whose marriage has been torn by infidelity and scandal accept the grace of forgiveness and reconciliation, in order to rebuild their relationship into one that is strong and mutually supportive. I believe that the Clintons have emerged from their own personal hell to build a life together of genuine respect and love. I have never been a strong supporter of either of them, but I have come to admire their fortitude and willingness to take the risk of rebuilding trust in one another.
I have always loved and admired the Clintons.......and yes, they are humans like all of us and have done their share of mistakes but they have overcome everything with God's help. So happy to see them doing what they do best....helping others as public servants and recognized by the world for what they do!
Hillary is the best, even Bill admits it.!!!! They're both bright, capable people. Who cares what the Repubs think anyway.!! Who are they to throw stones.? Newt was bashing Bill while he was out womanizing himself. Bloated, lousy hipocrite!!! You go Bill and Hill!!!!
Looking at the pic above, I'd say it's time for Hillary to put away the pants suits and buy a few Mu mu'sat Wal-mart.
LOL!! So true!!