Hillary's Book Party a Cash and Carry Affair

NewsMax.com ^ | 6/20/03 | Carl Limbacher and NewsMax.com Staff

[kattracks]

When your average author has a book party, it goes without saying that invited guests are given a copy of the book gratis. But then, Hillary Clinton isn't your average author.

Earlier this week one of Mrs. Clinton's millionaire friends hosted a book party for her best-selling screed "Living History" at his elaborate Maryland mansion. But instead of giving her book away, Mrs. Clinton had cash registers and credit card machines ready to ring up hundreds of new sales.

Rep. Peter King, R-NY, who was one of the rare Republicans in attendance, described the scene Thursday night to nationally syndicated radio hosts John Batchelor and Paul Alexander.

"I walked into a room that was a big as a college gymnasium," he explained. "And there was a large table with four or five women behind credit card machines with books stacked up."

As one of only two House Republicans who voted against her husband's impeachment, King said, "I thought I'd pick up maybe five copies" for free. But the Clinton-friendly GOP'er was soon disabused of the notion. "I had to take out my American Express Card, just like everybody else," he told the radio duo.

King said the line to buy Clinton's book stretched through the living room and dining room of the mansion, with a wait time of "easily a half hour." Before approaching Mrs. Clinton, guests had to write out the inscription they wanted in advance on a Post-it note.

King said the guests who assembled to buy Hillary's book made him feel "like I was in the Green Room during impeachment," with folks like Lanny Davis, Mike McCurry, Sandy Berger, Gen. Wesley Clark and a whole host of other Clintonistas on hand.

But no matter how close they were to the Clintons, each and every "guest" had to pay for the book, King said.

"This is appalling," said Batchelor. "Even a poet making only $350 for his book gives it away at a book party." Co-host Alexander, who doubles as an author, gave away hundreds of copies of his recent John McCain biography "Man of the People" at an October book party.

But the scene King described made it seem like Mrs. Clinton had converted her friend's elegant digs into a virtual Barnes & Noble for the evening, with her invited "guests" purchasing, by his estimate, about 400 copies of her tome.

The only other Republican in attendance was Rep. Jim Inhofe, who refused to fork over the $28 cover price. King explained, "He said he'd wait for the freebie."

[stylin19a]

Not sure what's worse:

Congresscritters looking for something for free, or:
charging for something that is normally free

in either case, it's business as usual.

[EggsAckley]

"Rep. Jim Inhofe, who refused to fork over the $28 cover price"

LOL! And I'll be the bar was "no host." Hillary is totally de clase`.

[rs79bm]

All of Bill and Hill's events are cash and carry affairs. My goodness, she didn't even give her staffers a free copy of this book, because they were the ones waiting in line at Barnes & Noble. Probably a cheap ratings ploy by Hillary, trying to beef up sales. In other words, the more people who actually buy the book, the better her sales will look. I wouldn't be surprised if she hasn't given away a free one yet.

[mountaineer]

Latest discount report: Hillary's epic tome is available at Sam's Club for just under $17. LOL!

[Cicero]

It's a curious spectacle. Crowds of Democrats lining up to give more money to a multimillionaire for a book she didn't even write.

[fightinJAG]

When we see Buddhist monks in lines with funny checks for the purchase of several dozen books each, then it will really be business as usual.

[jackbill]

Mrs. Clinton had cash registers and credit card machines ready to ring up hundreds of new sales.

That is just so trailer-park.

[SerpentDove]

"Let's hear it for the Rainbow Tour,
It's been an incredible success.

We weren't quite sure; we had a few doubts,
But the answer came back a qualified yes...and no...and yes...and no...and yes..................

......................No."

-The musical, "Evita"

[jackbill]

But the Clinton-friendly GOP'er was soon disabused of the notion. "I had to take out my American Express Card, just like everybody else," he told the radio duo.

I'm surprised that the Bitch takes American Express. They want something like 3% on a sale whereas Visa and MasterCard get something like 1.5%.

[Ed_in_NJ]

Everything about these people is disgusting!

[Normal4me]

I hope they had an occupational license, insurance, workers comp, etc...and they filed sales tax on the purchases!

[Geezerette]

I have to ask a "dumb" question:

Will she and/or the host of this "party" have to divide up the proceeds they collected, like a percentage to the publisher, a percentage for tax (state, sales, etc.) and the lion's share to Hellary? Just how does that work, selling books out of a private home?

Sorta/kinda like a Tupperware Party?

g

[basil]

I'd be interesting in knowing what prompted the two pubbies to attend this trailer park affair. I can see King Rino showing up--but Inhofe?

[weegee]

Mrs. Bill Clinton takes UnAmerican Express cards.

[Geezerette]

I was thinking along the same lines as you.

g

[Normal4me]

Lol...we were typing at the same time. This is a good question though. Sounds like a "Home Business" to me. If the little girl has to get permits to sell lemonade on the street, then make them play by the same rules!

[hattend]

As one of only two House Republicans who voted against her husband's impeachment, King said, "I thought I'd pick up maybe five copies" for free. But the Clinton-friendly GOP'er was soon disabused of the notion. "I had to take out my American Express Card, just like everybody else," he told the radio duo.

Once a RINO always a RINO. You didn't have to do anything. Why didn't you just turn away without buying a single book? Afraid she and Bill might have you killed?

[weegee]

No one who is trying to funnel money to Hillary Clinton will be paying anything less than full retail. Maybe they'll even be buying some sort of "limited edition" slipcovered version for more money.

[Dog]

You have really hit on something here.

With each copy sold at these events.....she must collect state sales taxes for each copy sold right??