(Photos below by Phil Ejercito, click to view larger)

The Stock Pavilion has a rich history of hosting presidents. Theodore Roosevelt, Harry Truman, and William Howard Taft have all appeared at the nearly 100-year old building.

Add Bill Clinton to the list.

Calling the position of president “America's most fortunate hired hand,” Clinton was in town yesterday to promote his wife Hillary's campaign. While Hillary has yet to make an appearance in the dairy state, she sent the hired guns to campaign for her, including California Congresswoman Hilda Solis and Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk.

Mr. Clinton says the next president will face “a significant amount of challenges around the world.” Clinton praised the group of democratic candidates in this years field. “I just love this election, because I don't have to be against anybody.” However, citing Hillary's experience and and intelligence, Mr. Clinton said “I would be here for her today if we had never been married.”

One criticism of the Clinton campaign is that the country requires “fresh blood;” that two families should not control the country for three decades. Mr. Clinton addressed this concern, citing Hillary's past success and experience. “Better than excitement is the empowerment of the American people, better than speeches is solutions.”

Other issues Mr. Clinton addressed for his wives campaign:

Iraq. Comparing it to a house guest that won't leave, Clinton says there will be no compromise in Iraq if they think the United States will be there forever. The war costs $120 billion a year, and is “breaking the American military,” says Clinton. It is important to establish a government there, and not abandon the country or our troops.

Education, “costs going up way faster than inflation.” Pell Grants keep up with inflation. Raise tuition tax credit. Americore and public service to pay back loans. Direct loans to students from the government.

Jobs/Economy. The Clinton campaign stressed the concept of “green-collar” jobs – businesses that are created by the demand for environmentally-conscious solutions. Mr. Clinton said Hillary's plan would “create more jobs than the eight years when I was president.”

If Elected... According to Mr. Clinton, if Hillary is elected her message to the world will be “America is back.” The America Clinton refers to is the one that worked with the world and uses military as a last resort. Hillary will define her presidency as successful if the American people better off when she's done, children and grandchildren have a brighter future, and the wold comes together rather then being torn apart.

Jason Dean

Contributing Writer/Editor

Jason Dean is a freelance writer and web designer in Madison. His writing has been published or linked to by various sources, including Isthmus, The Capital Times, 77 Square, Slashdot, and CNN. A native of Wisconsin, he lived in Milwaukee for eight years before moving to Madison to pursue a master's degree in journalism at the UW. More of his ramblings can be found on his blog,  Twitter feed or his Facebook fan page.