2008 Clinton Global Initiative -- Overheard (Day One)

For those who haven't been following this year's CGI meeting via live webcast, here's a taste of what you've missed...

"Tobacco is the only product you can buy that if you follow the directions, it will kill you...."
-- New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg, quoting Lance Armstrong

"Education is not a public-sector job; it's not a private-sector job. It's everybody's responsibility...."
-- Her Majesty Rania Al-Abdullah, Queen of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

"In my view, the 20th century view of business -- in Milton Friedman's phrase, 'The purpose of business is to maximize profits' -- is outdated and irrelevant in the 21st century...."
-- E. Neville Isdell, Chair, Coca-Cola Companies

"Don't appeal to the conscience of America; appeal to the greatness of America. Then you'll get the job done...."
-- U2 lead singer and anti-poverty advocate Bono, quoting billionaire investor and philanthropist Warren Buffett

"We all have a lot at stake in the idea of America...."
-- Bono

"Clean coal is like a healthy cigarette. It does not exist...."
-- former Vice President Al Gore

"What we need is a whole re-imagining of the American enterprise to address the three most important challenges of the 21st century: extreme climate, extreme ideology, and extreme poverty...."
-- Bono

"There is an absolute refusal [in the District of Columbia] to hold ourselves accountable for results...."
-- Michelle Rhee, Chancellor, District of Columbia Public Schools

"The consensus for free trade is collapsing around the globe because there are too many losers in developed countries...."
-- former President Bill Clinton

"I think probably every foundation would be better off if they adopted a narrower focus and worked in that area in a deeper way over a longer period of time...."
-- Bill Gates, Co-Chair, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

-- Mitch Nauffts