Clinton and Bush to clash for cash in Canada

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By Joseph Curl

The well-worn cliche is "time heals all wounds," but in politics, the saying often ought to be "money heals all wounds."

On Friday, former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, who spent years railing against each other, will appear together in Toronto for what is being billed a "conversation."

No one will say how much each will take home, but estimates run as high as $150,000 apiece for the two-hour appearance. Just to be one of the 6,000 people inside the city's convention center costs $250, with VIP tickets at $625 and the sold-out "emerald" section seating going for $2,500 (buyers in those front rows also get a photo with the two presidents).

The event will be only the second appearance by Mr. Bush since leaving office; his first was also in Canada, in Calgary. Mr. Clinton, meanwhile, is an old hand on the speaking tour: He did, after all, haul in $31 million in speaking fees between 2001 and 2005.

Friday's event is being put on by the Power Within, which produces "full-day inspirational, motivational and entertaining events with the power to ignite your spirit!" its Web site says exuberantly. The Toronto-based company is affiliated with self-help guru Tony Robbins, "the nation's foremost authority on the psychology of peak performance," the site says.

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