Aug 4, 2008 1:33 pm US/Pacific
N.Y. Mayor Throws Welcome-Home Bash For Hillary
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton speaks to supporters at the National Building Museum June 7, 2008, in Washington, DC. Clinton thanked her supporters for standing behind her in one of the longest Democratic primary seasons in history.
Mark Wilson/Getty Images
Mayor Michael Bloomberg is throwing a big barbecue Monday night to welcome Sen. Hillary Clinton home from the presidential campaign trail.
It's just a good old fashion party featuring Big Apple martinis and a lot of Clinton's friends.
The Broadway cast of "Hair" and Chevy Chase were part of the entertainment for the mayor's welcome back Hillary party. And, no, it's not Hillary Swank or Hillary Duff we're talking about.
The gardener swept the sidewalks and the Secret Service swept the rest of Gracie Mansion. We're talking about a security sweep. All in preparation for Bloomberg's big party to welcome Clinton back from her 18 months on the campaign trail.
"It's going to be a nice, light-hearted affair," Bloomberg said.
The tent was in place, brightly colored lanterns hung from the rafters and TV screens were set up so everyone could see and hear speeches by the mayor and Sen. Clinton.
"I just thought it's a nice way to welcome her back 'cause, you know, she worked her heart and soul out on the presidential campaign," Bloomberg said.
Political pundits say given New York City's fiscal woes there are obvious political advantages for Bloomberg to be cozying up to Sen. Clinton.
"New York will need some help," political consultant Hank Sheinkopf said. "We have big financial problems ahead and not? It also makes him look very magnanimous."
Bloomberg has invited 500 political big wigs to the party who will no doubt have their own "top do" list for Clinton now that she's back in town. New Yorkers have their own lists.
"I'd like Hillary Clinton to talk about congestion pricing," said Jeff Lewis of the Bronx.
"I believe she should start focusing on the MTA. The costs keep going up," said Jarrett Lewis of Midtown.
"Focus on education and transportation infrastructure. I think those two things will lead to a more sustainable future," said Brady Berg of Brooklyn.
"I think she needs to focus on tax issues. I think education particularly in New York City is very critical," said Eliame Hughes of Murray Hill.
"Probably help us get more funding from the federal government. I think that it's a tough economy … do what she can to help the New York economy," said Mary Timmons of Brooklyn.
The deep-pocketed mayor is paying for the party, but not one red cent will help Sen. Clinton pay off her campaign debt. The mayor didn't endorse Clinton or anyone else in the primary and has yet to make a campaign donation.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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