President Clinton

We got to see President Clinton twice today - first in Manhattan, Kansas, as part of the Landon Lecture Series, then tonight in Topeka as part of Washington Days, the annual get together for the democrats in Kansas

I guess I can sum it up by saying he's just as inspiring as you would expect. This is the first time I've seen him in person and it was worth the effort and the money, although - of course - I wanted more. Don't I always?

One of the things I've always loved about Clinton is that he's smart - oh so smart. And I think that's why so many women find him sexy, too. Smart is always sexy.

I did not take notes at his speeches today. I wanted to just enjoy the experience, without thinking about that. But his Landon lecture will be broadcast on C-Span. He spoke there about the five questions he thinks we should all ask.

Of course, our beloved Governor was with him all day. Apparently they have known each other for a long time. I don't know if she has any national political aspirations, but if you ever get a chance to vote for Kathleen Sebelius, do - she is really a good, common sense democrat who is also loved by republicans. Witness she's been elected more than once in a republican state.

In Topeka Clinton geared his talk more to Kansas but there was some overlap, including talk about healthcare. A statistic that stayed with me is that we now insure 4 percent fewer people now than when he left office, but it's costing us 32% more. The cost is in administration - namely insurance companies trying to not pay, or at least delay payment, and the ensuing tug of war.

Another overlap area was economic. He said for the middle class to survive, every 5-8 years there has to be an influx of new, good paying jobs. He said in his administration it was the tech jobs that served that purpose. He believes that the opportunity exists now for jobs related to different forms of energy.

He was hopeful, as he always is. I just adore the man and nothing would make me happier than the next president having a little pillow talk with Bill Clinton.

I also took the opportunity tonight to buy some Hillary for President buttons.

I want to say a big thank you to Greg for the photos. It's so darned handy to travel with your own photographer!

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