Mickey Kaus notes that the New York Post Stern's trouble with Ron Burkle are yielding an unanticipated bonanza. The New York Observer has released some stuff about Burkle's connections with Bubba which I'm sure he'd rather we not know:
Meanwhile, the New York Observer uploads the Burkle File. Lots of potential investigative leads here! We especially want to know more about that business partnership with Bill Clinton:
Mr. Burkle hired Mr. Clinton in April 2002 as "senior adviser" to two Yucaipa investment funds which specialize in developing low—income—area businesses.
Could be highly relevant to the 2008 campaign, no? ... P.S.: Is Bill (not to mention Hillary) happy that Burkle staged this high—profile stunt that will attract press scrutiny to all the ex—President's business dealings? It would be interesting to know, for example, if ex—President Clinton, perhaps, was involved in Yucaipa's Dubai related transactions?
In October, 2005, Yucaipa, working with the Dubai Investment Group—owned by the Dubai government—made a $828 million bid for Refco, the firm that caused Ms. Clinton a headache when she was accused of having a conflict of interest when she invested in cattle—futures in 1979. Mr. Clinton was cleared of any wrongdoing, but the firm was fined.
Did Burkle let his quest for "privacy" triumph over his buddy's political interest? That would be so selfish! ....
Clarice Feldman 4 14 06
Thomas Lifson adds:
Another rock that can be overturned in the press focus is Burkle's relationship with CalPERS, the state employee pension fund in California. California Assemblyman Ray Haines (an outstanding man) has traced some of the very troubling circumstances around investment of CalPERS funds, including a three quarter of a billion chunk to Burkle's Yucaipa. The cross ties among liberal Democrats, CalPERS and Burkle are redolent of conflict.
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