Monday, 6/30/97 President promotes political awareness at Saxophone Club meeting POLITICS: Clinton speaks about the importance of getting youth involved
By Michelle Navarro Daily Bruin Contributor He's young, he knows how to spell potato and he has his own CD of saxophone tunes out in stores. No, it's not Branford Marsalis - but the President of the United States, William Jefferson Clinton. With familiar ease, attired in a blue shirt and yellow tie, Clinton strolled out on the stage of Billboard Live! last Monday night. Greeting the audience, he spoke to members of the Saxophone Club during a fund-raiser for the Democratic National Committee . The evening began with the casual mingling of the crowd - an assembly of several buzzing conversations and plastic cups of white wine and margaritas with lemon slices. The club was dimly lit, with the exception of the spotlights aimed at the stage. Amidst a backdrop of stars and stripes hung a sign that read "Democratic National Committee." To the left of the stage sat a full, gleaming drum set, a couple of guitars and several saxophones in anticipation of the President's arrival, who was expected to play but didn't. Men dressed in suits, wearing pins signifying their level of importance and various ear communication devices, lurked throughout the club. Lively jazz music played from the large speakers scattered around the club, until one of two masters of ceremonies - comedian Paul Rodriguez - stepped up to the lectern on center stage. "I am your ethnic humorist for the evening," Rodriguez cracked, as he opened crumpled pieces of notebook paper. "This is a fund-raiser. I have a quarter," he offered, producing laughs from the audience. Clad in a black leather jacket, Rodriguez joked about such topics as the saxophone, calling it "one of the ugliest instruments ever made, (that) looks like something under a sink," and about "aliens" - both illegal and interstellar. He emphasized the gravity of Clinton's musical background and explained how it was significant to his position. "It's important for a president to be musical," Rodriguez said, "because it shows he has an appreciation for the arts." Rodriguez then went on to introduce someone whom he called "far more hilarious than myself," Lieutenant Governor Gray Davis. Davis emerged from the folds of the curtains and walked over to the podium. He greeted the audience and addressed the Saxophone Club, dubbing it "a shining example of what the Democratic National Committee is trying to do." The Saxophone Club, an organization that started in 1992, was established in an attempt to get young Democrats involved in politics. Davis discussed Clinton's successes pertaining to the country's youth, especially in the area of education and the cost of getting one. He stressed that making education affordable would consequently permit more students to attend college and ultimately improve the conditions of the country. "All that stuff is not likely unless you go to college," Davis said. Davis also hinted at the possibility of a promotion in his position - to governor of California. "I promise to be a working partner, not a sparring partner," Davis said. Chelsea Clinton's decision to attend Stanford in the fall was touched on as well. Davis said he was "happy to have a reason to bring the president to California, time and time again." Almost an hour after Davis spoke, the man of the moment arrived. Rodriguez re-entered the scene, accompanied by fellow master of ceremonies, actor Kevin Spacey, to stall for five minutes and introduce President Clinton. "Ladies and gentlemen, the man you've been waiting for," announced the hosts, as Clinton ambled out on stage, slapping hands with Spacey while making his way to the microphone. With smiles, relaxed gestures and that slow, Southern drawl, the president addressed the Saxophone Club, as well as the state of California, saying that he was proud of the fact that the Golden State supported him in both elections. Clinton listed his achievements over the past five years, in areas such as crime, employment, health care and education. He said he envisioned a time "when every kid is 10 years old," parents can say to them, "you will be able to go to college." "We need to give the chance for people to fulfill their God-given abilities," Clinton said. As the night progressed, Clinton brought up the issue of race. He noted that Hawaii is the only state with no racial majority, and added that California would soon join Hawaii in that rank. The president asked the attentive crowd, "Can we shed all the historic baggage? Can we get rid of those psychological impulses (to separate ourselves)?" He pleaded with them to transcend the differences among each other, and to realize that "what we share is more important." Clinton closed with a speech about remaining united. He said he was "sick of political strategies that divide when we need to be united." "When someone is cynical, say, 'Compare how we are today to how it was then.'" Clinton descended from the stage to the strains of "Closer to Free" - the theme song of the TV show "Party of Five." Guarded by five men, he shook hands with people in the crowd. Pushing and shoving, everyone tried desperately to make their way to the front. A sea of hands rose high, and engulfed the president as he went down the line, through two additional songs - General Public's "I'll Take You There," and Natalie Merchant's "Wonder." A round of applause followed Clinton on his way backstage, leaving the saxophone untouched. Outside, the president's motorcade whisked passed cheering crowds and police cars, and the miniature flags on the limousine flapped wildly in the wind. PATRICK LAM/Daily Bruin Bill Clinton speaks to members of the Saxophone Club in a meeting at Billboard Live in Hollywood. Behind him stand Paul Rodriguez (left) and Kevin Spacey. Previous Daily Bruin Story Clinton honors unity after quake disaster, January 18, 95