Question:

Off the top of your head, can you name anything the Clinton Global Iniative has done?   (The AIDS initiative does not count.)

It/he has received a lot of money from foreign governments and wealthy individuals. But for what? The mission is to

"strengthen the capacity of people throughout the world to meet the challenges of global interdependence."

Which is extremely vague. If I didn't know any better, I'd say the CGI was a way for governments to shovel money to Bill on the mistaken impression that he still matters in American politics. Bill certainly isn't going to say no to wads of cash and it helps stroke his ego, but if the Clinton Foundation didn't exist, would it make any difference?

If you read what they're about, much is "business-oriented". It's got a Tom Friedmanish odor:

In 2007, the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) focused on expanding its successful model to engage new audiences in tackling global problems with practical, innovative solutions.

Almost as if it was headed by a moderate Republican, which is basically what Bill Clinton was, and remains today.


posted by Quiddity at 11/18/2008 08:53:00 AM