Inside Clinton's Elton John Fundraiser: Singer Amazed By "Misogynistic Attitudes" Of Some In USA

NEW YORK — Experience is central to Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton's presidential bid, and Wednesday night she tapped one of pop music's most venerable rockers to help fill her campaign coffers with $2.5 million. Elton John, who has sold records and filled arenas for four decades, played a benefit concert for Clinton at Radio City Music Hall.

"I've always been a Hillary supporter," John, 61, said before launching into his 1970 breakthrough hits, "Your Song" and "Border Song." "There is no one more qualified to lead America."

The English singer, composer and pianist added: "I'm amazed by the misogynistic attitudes of some of the people in this country. And I say to hell with them .... I love you Hillary, I'll be there for you."

The cheapest tickets, $125 and $250, sold out quickly, campaign aides said. The other seats were filled by fans paying as much as $2,300, the limit for an individual's contribution to a federal candidate.

Preceding John on stage were Clinton, her husband, former President Clinton, and their daughter, Chelsea.

Hillary Clinton struck a defiant, underdog note in describing her battle against Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois.

"What I want you to know is I'm still standing, and I believe this country is worth fighting for," the New York senator said, playing off the title of one of John's hits. "So we're taking our campaign to Pennsylvania and all the states that haven't voted." Pennsylvania votes April 22.

The Clintons have hobnobbed with Hollywood and music industry figures for years. In 1998, John performed at a White House State Dinner the couple hosted for then-British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Last October, Clinton celebrated her 60th birthday with a fundraiser at New York's Beacon Theater that featured actor Billy Crystal and musicians Elvis Costello and the Wallflowers. It netted more than $1.5 million for her presidential effort.

Comments

[iPolitics]

Lying and cheating doesn't have a gender Elton. That's why Hillary is losing. Corruption.

[Grannysue]

Anyone who supports Billary needs to see their doctor, first of all she says she is against CAFTA, and Bill is for it. Well Bill took over 800,00.00 from the Columbian government. Hello, they are married, they have joint bank accounts, file joint taxes, she loaned her Campaign 5 million now hum let me think, they have joint bank accounts and she takes money out of them, therefore she's supporting the Columbian government all the while telling everyone how she's against CAFTA????
He took money from Dubia, hundreds of thousands of dollars from Dubai, remember when Dubai was going to take over the ports? Billary was so outraged, all the while Bill was depositing money into their joint bank account? I don't know maybe it's just me, but it seems some people need a sledge hammer between the eyes before they say Oh, my God, she's such a liar. And Bill's out begging for dollars from the crowd watching Elton John? No wonder this country is on the verge of disaster.

[SmootyBooty]

Yes we are on the brink. No it is not the Clinton's fault. I blame: Reagan, Meese, Greenspan, Ayn Rand, Milton Friedman, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, and most of all, Gerald Ford for setting the precedent whereby presidents let each other off the hook...

[txlonghorn04]

Wow!!! only in American can some freak show, from another country come over here make his millions and insult us and still be popular

[SmootyBooty]

No. Not only in America.
Phillistine...

[presto]

Freak show?

[whizkid]

People always told me he was great live but I always missed him.
Sure had to beat Dave Matthews.

[SmootyBooty]

If you saw Elton between 1971 and 1976 you saw some good music live...

[williamg]

Is there anyone under 45 who would rather see Elton John over Dave Matthews?

[SmootyBooty]

Dave Matthews has written NO songs that I can whistle...

[ecotopian]

This just barely under 45 would love to see Dave in concert. Elton? I still like the stuff I heard when I was a kid in the 70's, but I would go to a concert if you paid me and gave me tickets.

[AurigaRa]

I always base my political choices on who ELTON JOHN supports - right!
Stick with raising money for AIDS, buddy.

[presto]

Auriga - it would probably save you some grief if you just let him raise money for anyone he wants to.