Bill Clinton "still loves politics"

By Todd Hartman, Rocky Mountain News

Published August 26, 2008 at 10:51 a.m.
Updated August 26, 2008 at 10:51 a.m.

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Bill Clinton may still be the bitter man he is often portrayed to be in the wake of the tense Democratic primary campaign between his wife Hillary and Senator Barack Obama. But if so, he knows how to turn it off when necessary.

This morning, speaking before a panel of former world leaders at a National Democratic Forum, Clinton largely avoided politics to focus on how the world’s democracies can deliver results in combating climate change. During a 15-minute address at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, he also complimented Denver’s savvy approach to energy efficiency.

Still, he touched on a primary he called one that “will go down in history” because of its hard-fought nature and the massive infusion of cash from small donors.

“This was an endlessly fascinating process already, and it’s still got some twists and turns between now and November,” Clinton said.

The short talk marked Bill Clinton’s first appearance at the Democratic National Convention. He is scheduled to speak on the convention podium Wednesday night, the same night as Obama’s vice presidential selection, Joe Biden.

“I still love politics,” Clinton told the group, drawing laughs with his follow-up: “I thank you for giving me one more excuse for showing up at my party’s convention.”

Clinton also praised Denver, telling the audience of perhaps 200 to take a look at the city’s streetlights while moving about town.

“I want you to look at this – this city is one of the most energy efficient in its streetlights in the world,” Clinton said. “A very high percentage of lights are LED lights, which save about $1 million a year on (Denver’s) electric bill.”

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