Bill and Hillary Clinton at Microsoft - what an inspiration

Bill Clinton is an inspiring speaker that makes you feel good about America and the world as he talks of the power each and every person has to make a difference. His passion for giving and civic duty is infectious and the crowd at the Microsoft Conference Center this morning was alternately awed and animated by his pro-giving speech that was the perfect wrap up to the Microsoft Giving Campaign. We have raised just over $72 million dollars so far this year, with close to 61% of our employees participating.

Clinton focused on the virtues of volunteering time, money, ideas, skills and “things” to worthy causes and steered fairly clear of politics, except for a couple of amusing references to his potential role as a Presidential spouse. He talked a lot about his book, Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World. Clinton believes that that stopping global warming depends on demonstrating that it makes economic sense, which he believes wholeheartedly. He talked of climate change as a great economic opportunity. "We will not get a global agreement on climate change unless you can prove this is not a burden," he said. "This is the greatest opportunity we have had in our lifetimes."

What a time I’m having with the lineup of MS Political Action Committee (MSPAC) speakers this election year! It was a wonderful treat to join Hillary Rodham Clinton at the beginning of the Microsoft Women’s Leadership and Development Conference on 10/18. She is a powerful speaker and woman and I surprised at how incredibly likeable and real she is.

The MSPAC allows employees and shareholders pool their resources and make a collective contribution to various federal and state elected officials that support issues and policies important to Microsoft employees, shareholders and industry. It is the only way for employees of a single corporation to make this joint contribution. It’s also an awesome opportunity for networking and a chance to see political leaders on our own campus. Up next: Mike Huckabee.

MSPAC supports both Republic and Democratic federal and state elected officials that support issues and policies important to Microsoft employees. Our efforts fall in three categories: promoting a knowledge economy, enhancing Internet safety, and advancing organizational best-practices that serve these ends. You can see all of the candidates supported by the MSPAC over the last election cycle at the Federal Election Commission's website.

Former President Bill Clinton with Microsoft Corporation CEO Steve Ballmer. (AP Photo/Marcus R. Donner)