The liberal Center for American Progress (CAP) this year promised corporate donors a chance to meet Hillary Rodham Clinton in return for a $250,000 donation, documents obtained by The Hill show.
The meeting never happened, though Clinton spoke at the anniversary gala at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium that was cited on the solicitation.
“None of the patrons were able to meet with Secretary Clinton but our board and trustees did meet with her at the event,” said Andrea Purse, a CAP spokeswoman.
The documents ask prospective donors to contribute to CAP’s “Progressive Party,” which was held Oct. 24 to honor the group’s 10th anniversary. Donors who gave at least $250,000 — earning “patron” status — were told they would have a chance to meet Clinton.
“Patrons will also have the opportunity to meet the special guest speaker,” the document says, referring to the former secretary of State.
Purse said Clinton’s appearance added to the excitement for the 10th anniversary party and boosted attendance.
“It was our largest party ever,” Purse said.
The think tank’s offer of access to Clinton, the leading Democratic contender for the White House in 2016, highlights how CAP has blurred the line between think tank and party appendage since opening in Washington in 2003.
Critics say CAP’s business backing should call into question the think tank’s research, and have questioned whether some initiatives were pursued at the behest of donors. CAP rejects the pay-for-play accusations.
Here is a Muckety map of CAP funders and John Podesta clients from his former lobbying firm, the Podesta Group. Here is more about John Podesta's lobbying firm and CAP via The Washington Free Beacon.
Here is another Free Beacon article titled "Center for America-Iran Progress."
Here is another article from this week titled "Center for American Progress Uses Drag Queens to Promote ObamaCare."
Here is more from Think Tank Watch on CAP's 10th anniversary celebration.
On Friday (Dec. 13), the Center for American Progress released a list of its 2013 business donors.
Center for American Progress (CAP), which has close ties to the Obama Administration, was recently ranked as the 30th best think tank in the world by the annual University of Pennsylvania think tank rankings. It was ranked as the 11th best think tank in the US. It was also ranked as the 2nd best think tank in the world in terms of best use of the Internet or social media.
