Democratic National Committee Gala

Democratic leaders and supporters gathered at a fundraising dinner at the Washington Convention Center which raised $12.5 million. The audience of almost 3,000 heard from entertainers, including comedian Robin Williams, both Democratic chairmen, Don Fowler and Senator Chris Dodd, Mrs. Tipper Gore and Mrs. Hillary Clinton, and Vice President Al Gore. President Bill Clinton concluded the event with a speech on various campaign issues. In his remarks, he emphasized the ideological differences between the Democratic and Republican parties on several issues, including the budget, education, the environment, and the role of government in citizens' lives. He challenged the audience to fight for Democratic principles: “You think about it, talk about it, stand up for it, work for it--don’t be overconfident, and we will win!” The audience interrupted his speech several times to applaud and balloons were released at the end of the event. close