Clinton camp pushes DVDs to retire debt

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign has turned to DVDs to help retire its debt from the 2008 presidential race. 

Her campaign circulated a fundraising e-mail on Tuesday saying that donors who contribute $35 or more to retire the “last bit” of the debt will receive a DVD of the former first lady’s “historic” speech at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. 

“If you missed the first opportunity to buy a DVD of her speech, you are in luck. We have a few of our special edition 2008 National Democratic Convention DVDs left, and we wanted to share them with you,” the letter says. 

After she dropped out of the Democratic primary against then-Sen. Barack Obama about two years ago, she carried what was believed to be the largest campaign debt in history. 

“Hillary would not be where she is today without your constant support, dedication, and friendship over the years. And, because of you, we are so close to retiring her campaign debt once and for all,” the letter says.

A report at the time said she had about $9.5 million in unpaid bills to vendors as well as the $11.4 million she lent her campaign. 

Through December 2008, Clinton had more than $5.9 million in debt, but a recent filing with the Federal Election Commission shows that her campaign now has $771,000 in unpaid debts.

In May, her campaign also sent out an appeal from her husband, former President Bill Clinton, asking for contributions to retire the debt. 

Full letter:

Dear XXXXX, 

Hillary - as always - said it best. 

"You never gave in. You never gave up. And together, we made history." 

Do you remember Hillary's speech at the Democratic National Convention? It was historic, emotional, and a proud moment for all of us. 

If you missed the first opportunity to buy a DVD of her speech, you are in luck. We have a few of our special edition 2008 National Democratic Convention DVDs left, and we wanted to share them with you. 

If you contribute $35 or more today to help retire the last bit of Hillary's campaign debt, we will send you a DVD with her historic speech in Denver and the inspiring video that introduced her. That's not all - it also includes President Clinton's speech and a special message that Hillary recorded just for you. 

Click here to contribute $35 or more today and receive your commemorative DVD. 

In her speech, Hillary said, "You allowed me to become part of your lives. And you became part of mine." As we all know, campaigns are tough, but having loyal supporters like you helped make Hillary's campaign one that will never be forgotten. By making a contribution today, you could guarantee you will never forget the "determination to keep going, often in the face of enormous obstacles." 

Contribute $35 or more today, you'll receive a DVD copy of Hillary's and President Clinton's convention speeches - a unique piece of history. 

Hillary would not be where she is today without your constant support, dedication, and friendship over the years. And, because of you, we are so close to retiring her campaign debt once and for all.

Thank you again. 

Kelly

Hillary Clinton for President