The opportunity to accompany Bill Clinton on trips across the globe on behalf of his philanthropic foundation has for years been considered both a reward for past donations and an inducement for future giving, say sources familiar with the foundation's finance operation. This trip, they say, was an especially coveted invite -- one that was extended to wealthy Clinton supporters.
The foundation, which provided the list of donors on the trip upon POLITICO's request, said the group represents both longtime supporters as well as those who are just getting involved, and provides an opportunity to see the projects they are specifically funding.
Along this year for the annual foundation trip abroad is Jay Jacobs and his wife, Mindy, longtime Clinton fundraisers and foundation supporters. Jacobs, who has donated between $500,000 and $1 million to the foundation, is also a "Hillstarter," a "Ready for Hillary" donor, and is planning to be a major fundraiser for Clinton campaign, as he was in 2008. Last month, Jacobs, the CEO of a chain of summer camps, brought Clinton in to give a paid speech at the American Camp Association, where he also lead a q-and-a session with her on the stage.
The Clinton's and a 'children's camp' Q&A session? Chilling optics that, very chilling.