Former President Bill Clinton is expected to be paid an astounding $200,000 for a speech he’ll deliver tonight in Los Angeles – apparently the highest-ever lecture fee in the United States.
The Clinton lecture, sponsored by Los Angeles’ University of Judaism, which is featuring Clinton as one of four speakers in a lecture series, was originally scheduled for the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium.
When all the tickets for the 2,500-seat auditorium instantly sold out, the venue was switched to the Universal Amphitheater, which seats about 6,600 – and it sold out as well.
Patrons were asked to pay $180 for all four lectures in the series – the others are being given by former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and Democratic strategist James Carville.
It is believed the university could make more than $500,000 from the series.
Clinton’s fee appears to raise the bar on the celebrity-speaker circuit.
Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, for example, is believed to be accepting around $100,000 a speech.
“If Clinton’s worth $200,000, then Rudy, Man of the Year and all, is worth more,” commented one booking representative.
“People are looking to authority figures in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks.
“The world is absolutely Rudy’s stage, and I expect him to dominate the rubber-chicken circuit this year.”
The expert credited Clinton’s post-White House success as part nostalgia and part curiosity.
“Some people look back and only remember the good things about the Clinton administration,” he said.
“Others want to see the guy up close, so they can decide for themselves whether he was a great man or a villain. Either way, he’s an engaging and warm speaker.
“I think that’s the one advantage he may have over Rudy in the battle for top dollar – Giuliani can come across as a little bit stitched up.”
Donald Trump, who has been a star on the lecture circuit for years, is booked for a speech at the Learning Annex next month.
The event sold out the moment it was announced, and 600 people have signed up. Organizers are looking for a larger venue.