Washington Whispers
'I Love You, Man'--This Time in Person
Bill Clinton misses his peeps. After spending two years getting his post-presidential operation up and running, another two on his book My Life, and the last recovering from heart surgery while teaming with former President Bush for disaster relief, Bubba is shifting his focus to rebuilding ties to his old staff. "He's really wanted to start doing it more for a long time," says spokesman Jay Carson. "He wants to stay in touch." Friends say that the 42nd president still makes his famous late-night calls to buddies, loves to E-mail, and is a prolific letter writer but is eager for face time. So he's asked aides to lay on a series of reunions around the country, the first of which occurred earlier this month in New York City where 175 Clintonistas rubbed elbows with their ex-boss at the Papillon bistro, owned by a Clinton friend. Los Angeles is next, in April, we hear.
One NYC reuniongoer was surprised at how friendly Clinton was and how needy he wasn't. "I was sure it was going to turn out to be a fundraiser, and I'd get hit up for money," he says, "but nobody did." In fact, Clinton didn't speak much; he just mingled and showed off his buff new look. Still, despite denials from Clinton's office, his old gang thinks the effort is designed to energize his former troops and raise money for a presidential bid by Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton. "It makes sense for Hillary," says one ally. "They don't do anything by accident."
Opening Wallets for Candidate Frist
The media--and some in the White House--love Sens. George Allen and John McCain for the 2008 presidential race. But don't count out Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist. President Bush's donors aren't. Insiders say that W's contributors, called Rangers and Pioneers, are interested in Frist and his war on taxes. And we hear that Frist has won a commitment from Virginian Jeffrey McWaters, the Amerigroup CEO, who raised a whopping $23.5 million for losing Virginia gubernatorial candidate Jerry Kilgore.
Gingrich Swinging for the 2008 Fence
More proof that former House Speaker Newt Gingrichmight be running for president: Tipsters say he wowed top-dollar Jewish donors at an off-the-record lunch during last week's American Israel Public Affairs Committee policy conference. "Newt was a huge hit--HUGE," E-mailed an insider. But Newtie, who talked strong on Iran and security issues, wasn't the only star. Hillary rival Mark Warner, the former Virginia guv, was the most popular guy at the cocktail party because of his moderate politics and support of Israel.
Partying as if Ben Franklin Were Alive
The 300th birthday of Revolutionary diplomat, plain thinker, inventor, and ladies' man Ben Franklin--born Jan. 17, 1706--is getting center-stage attention at the White House. Next week, the White House plans to host a period social dinner for guests of the first family. As part of the Franklin theme, food that was popular back then will be served. And the guest list will include those who hold positions Franklin held back in the day.
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