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Clinton's Regina visit draws gushing crowds

Last Updated: Tuesday, September 8, 2009 | 8:08 PM CT

CBC News

Will Maider said he felt an energy when he met Bill Clinton in person. (CBC) A visit to Regina by former U.S. president Bill Clinton drew praise from people who paid up to $995 to hear his motivational-style speech.

"I just admire and respect him," one of the several hundred people on their way into the speaking engagement told CBC News just prior to the presentation, which was closed to media.

"Everyone's drawn to see him. He's very charismatic," another offered.

The priciest tickets included a brief photo session with Clinton.

Will Maider had one of those tickets, which was given to him by a friend.

"I got to shake the president's hand," Maider excitedly told CBC News. Maider said he felt comfortable during the meeting, but sensed a special energy from Clinton.

"He came off as a person I wouldn't have minded spending some time with," Maider said.

Another person who had a picture taken with Clinton was Melanie Bannman.

Bill Clinton, seen in this file photo from a previous visit to Regina, charged up to $995 for people to hear his current speech. (CBC) "He thanked me for coming. We got our picture taken. And then we scurried off," Bannman recounted to CBC News. "It was really cool. A little intimidating, and I'm really glad that I got to do it."

Bannman said she was a bit nervous during the meeting, but found Clinton to be warm and engaging.

"What am I going to do with that photo? I dunno. Show as many people as I possibly can. Facebook it," Bannman said.

'His global brand is probably stronger now than when he was running the country.'—Entrepreneur W. Brett Wilson on Bill Clinton

Clinton's arrival and departure were tightly managed so that no media were able to take any pictures of the former president.

Saskatchewan-born entrepreneur W. Brett Wilson, one of the stars of the successful CBC reality program Dragon's Den, also spoke at the engagement.

Wilson noted that Clinton has become a successful marketer of his own name.

"He hasn't just taken his platform and retired," Wilson told CBC News. "He's actually stepped up his game. His global brand is probably stronger now than when he was running the country."

While no news media were allowed to cover Clinton's speech, it was billed as a talk about his efforts during his presidency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Bush in Saskatoon

Saskatchewan residents will also get an opportunity to meet another former president. George W. Bush, who followed Clinton in the White House, is scheduled for a speaking engagement in Saskatoon on Oct. 21.

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Video

Geoff Leo reports: Clinton's Regina visit draws gushing crowds (Runs: 1:54): Play: Real Media »; Play: QuickTime »

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