By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – Former president Bill Clinton returned to Buffalo Wednesday to watch a little hockey with his Republican pal Tom Golisano. But first, Clinton talked politics with area Democrats.
It's been three years since Clinton's last visit to Buffalo. And even though his speech at the Convention Center was an add on to his original agenda, Democrats were happy to have him. Clinton wasted no time detailing why he believes Democrats have a better vision for the country than Republicans. And he often made his point with a little humor thrown in.
"They're all in a tither after discovering the deficit they created. They worked hard on this deficit. They gave me five tax cuts. They went into Afghanistan and Iraq," Clinton said. "They just kept on spending money and cutting taxes. They found it (the deficit) this year. For the first time in five years, they said 'Oh my God, we've got a deficit.'"
He says the challenges facing America are not for the faint-hearted. He says Democrats are up to the task. He gave many examples -- at least 15 times during his 30 minute speech -- of one Democrat in particular, his wife, Senator Hillary Clinton.
"I've been really proud of her," Clinton said. "I knew she'd be a good senator. But she's been better than I'd thought she'd be."
But Clinton also underscored the importance of working across party lines. He says he did it during his administration. And he's proud to be doing it now, with the first President Bush.
"People ask me all the time if I'm doing something weird by working with former President Bush," Clinton said. "We've raised money for the tsunami areas and for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. I'm proud to do that. I like President Bush."
He reaffirmed that bi-partisan spirit later. Clinton went to the Sabres game with his friend, new Republican and possible gubernatorial candidate Tom Golisano. Golisano says that's because he helped Clinton with his global initiative.
"Isn't it great how people from two different parties can get together and work on something without everyone conjuring up all kinds of strange bedfellows talk?" Golisano asked during a news conference with reporters.
And Clinton may well be back for hockey, or politics. He said Wednesday he likes Buffalo, because the people here are loyal. Clinton said, "You can't live here and stay here if you're 'wuss.'"