Clinton cancels Ohio visit

by Amanda Iacone
THE POST

COLUMBUS - Trouble in the Middle East stopped President Bill Clinton from joining Ohio Democrats' "Celebration 2000" at the Aladdin Shriners' Temple Saturday.

Clinton was scheduled to appear as the keynote speaker for the rally and fundraiser, but was forced to stay in Washington D.C. for the weekend, he said in a phone speech to the audience.

Disappointed Ohio Democrats mingled and shopped for buttons and tee shirts outside the auditorium before the rally began.

During his short speech, Clinton discussed some of the issues for the upcoming presidential race, such as tax plans proposed by Vice President Al Gore and Texas Governor George W. Bush.

He also said United States citizens have better lives now than they did when he took office in 1992.

"We're better off, we're moving in a better direction, let's keep it going," he said. "It's always about tomorrow."

Although Clinton did not attend, many other Ohio leaders made an appearance.

Other speakers included Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman, Supreme Court Justice Alice Robie Resnick and House Minority Leader Jack Ford.

Returning to Columbus after his "88 in 8" tour, U.S. Senate candidate Ted Celeste reviewed the success of his tour with a slide show and music.

David Leland, chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party, spoke briefly before introducing Joe Andrew, the Democratic National Convention chairman.

Leland said Ohio will decide who wins the presidency on election day.

"We have the gift to decide the future of this state and this nation," he said.

Filling in for Clinton, Andrew served as the event's keynote speaker. His speech focused on what makes a Democrat a Democrat - not the issues but standing up for all people defines a Democrat.

"If you welcome everyone into your home, that makes you a democrat," Andrew said.

Crowd members held up navy blue signs that read "Gore-Lieberman 2000" and white poster-board donkeys during Andrew's speech, which brought an end to the rally.

More than 1,000 people attended "Celebration 2000," which raised more than $375,000 for the Democratic Party, according to an Ohio Democratic news release.

Audience members expressed disappointment about Clinton's absence, including three Eastgate Elementary students who came with their principal to see Clinton.

Principal Barbara Blake said Clinton visited the school.

Despite his absence, audience members said they were glad to hear Clinton speak.

"I admire the fact Clinton took the time to speak to us," said Toby Fallsgraff, an Ohio University freshman and member of College Democrats who traveled to Columbus to volunteer at the rally.