Clinton Turns Back on Burkle, $20M

Ex-prez will cut ties to Ron Burkle's company, ruler of Dubai

(NEWSER) - Hoping to insulate his wife’s presidential campaign from potential conflicts of interest, Bill Clinton is negotiating to untangle himself from a business relationship with billionaire Ron Burkle that includes a potentially sensitive link to Dubai, the Wall Street Journal reports. In the process, Clinton could earn a $20 million payout. More»

(NEWSER) - Hillary Clinton and John Cornyn shared some spirited words today after the inauguration, Politico reports. Cornyn is blocking a Senate vote today on Clinton’s confirmation as secretary of state over concerns about the transparency of Bill Clinton’s foundation. While the conversation seemed animated, a rep for Cornyn said it “appeared to be warm and cordial.” More»

Usher rips his pants, Bono sings opera, the usual

(NEWSER) - In perhaps a case of history repeating itself, a blonde bombshell serenaded a notoriously libidinous Democratic president last night: But this time it was Lady Gaga sending up Bill Clinton, so things wouldn't have been complete without some extra raunch and an F-bomb. Appearing at last night's "A Decade of Difference" concert in salute of the William J. Clinton Foundation, Gaga told the crowd, "Tonight I thought we'd all get caught up in a little Bill romance," later telling the former prez, "I love you and your hot wife," before demanding that "Billary" "sit back down where you belong in the Oval Office with those high heels on." Finally: "If someone had told me so many years ago that I'd be doing that right in front of you ... I would have given a good American f**k you." Other highlights from the star-studded show, as per the Hollywood Reporter and E! Online: More»

Pair lead separate lives focusing on same issues

(NEWSER) - Bill and Hillary Clinton live largely separate professional lives but still end up dealing with many of the same leaders and issues. The secretary of state, keen to avoid any accusations, downplays her husband's influence, but Team Clinton sometimes still works together. The couple's combined energies have paid off on projects like aid for Haiti and Third World development, the Washington Post reports. More»

(NEWSER) - The same sprawling network of business and political contacts that caused trouble with Hillary Clinton's confirmation as secretary of state helped her husband secure the release of Euna Lee and Laura Ling, the Washington Post reports. Private donors paid for Bill Clinton's trip to North Korea, and the former president handpicked the team that came with him, which included his former chief of staff. More»