Bill Clinton's Whirlwind Sarasota Visit

Rock star politician President Bill Clinton rolled into Sarasota, Fla., September 30 to launch the 30th anniversary of the Ringling College Library Association's 2010 Town Hall Season. His lecture to more than 1,700 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall touched on global economics, health care, world poverty, and making a difference in the world and although he is no longer leader of the free world people still listen.

President Bill Clinton: World Intertwined with Good and Bad
Much of President Clinton's lecture focused on goals of the William J. Clinton Foundation which is to empower people from around the world to reach global independence. Specifically, Clinton discussed interdependence and how everything in the world is connected with good and bad aspects with the three biggest ones being:

The "profoundly unequal global economy lifted people out of poverty but the population is growing too fast" to make an impact;

Richer countries having a small percentage of wealthy people and pointed out that as of September 15, 2008 with inflation calculated in, "two-thirds of Americans have a lower salary than the day I left office" (January 20, 2001);

Education is unequal. According to Clinton, between post World War II and 2001, the United States was recognized as having the "best education in the world...today ranked 10th."

The Softer Side of President Bill Clinton
Ms. Olivia Thomas, Town Hall 2010 Chair, interviewed President Clinton following his lecture with a set of pre-screened questions, admitting they were not tough.

President Bill Clinton on Family
Clinton did not refer to Hillary Clinton as "Hillary" but as "my wife" and "Secretary of State." When asked what brings him joy, he replied, "Weekend walks with the Secretary of State brings me joy," and spending "every minute with my daughter [Chelsea]." Reading, watching old movies, playing golf, spending time with friends, and listening and playing music are other enjoyments in President Clinton's life.

President Bill Clinton's Defining Moment to Enter Public Service
When asked if there was a defining moment encouraging him to enter public service, Clinton replied, "Yes, but it's not shaking hands with John F. Kennedy Jr. when I was 16."

Clinton considered studying medicine, music, history, or journalism in college but looked in the mirror and told himself he would be a good doctor but could "never win a Noble Prize" and although he knew he could "be a real good saxophonist" would have to work the clubs and chose politics because he "loved it and believed in it and followed my heart."

President Bill Clinton's Sarasota Connection
"With series of town halls this summer and this being a Republican town, halfway scared to show up," Clinton told the audience upon taking the stage. He then proceeded to thank Sarasota residents David and Myrna Band.

"Thank you for the gift of your children's friendships and thank you for what you have done as citizens and people, including being my friends. I thank you very much," President Clinton told Mr. and Mrs. Band before continuing with his hour-long lecture. The Bands are the parents of Doug Band, Clinton's personal assistant for the past 15 years, and Dr. Roger Band, his traveling physician. The Band family's relationship with President Clinton is being credited with bringing him to Sarasota.

President Bill Clinton's Whirlwind Sarasota Visit
President Clinton arrived to the Longboat Key Club & Resort shortly after 1 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 30 with an island golf tee-time after 11 a.m. Chick-fil-A was the impromptu lunch and between hitting the links and his 7:45 p.m. talk, a private fund-raising dinner for the William J. Clinton Foundation was held. Following his talk, Clinton and his entourage dined at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse before departing to Haiti. The 42nd President told the audience, "You live in a beautiful place. Most people in the world don't get to see a sunset like I did tonight."

Ringling College Library Association 2010 Town Hall Season
The 2010 Town Hall season line up is: CNN's Fareed Zakaria (January 11); Peggy Noonan, journalist with the Wall Street Journal (January 25); former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (February 8); former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf (March 10); and Dr. Phillipe de Montebello (March 31).

Ticket information is available on the Ringling College Library Association Web site or call (941) 925-1343.