Clinton

Hillary Clinton Backer Casey Wasserman Says Joe Biden Candidacy for President “Good for Everybody”

Entertainment executive and sports power agent Casey Wasserman, a longtime friend of the Clintons and a Hollywood fundraiser for Hillary Clinton, says he wouldn't mind if Vice President Joe Biden entered the race for the Democratic Party nomination for president as a way for his candidate to "elevate" her game.

"I think a good process is good for everybody and if the vice president wanted to get in, that would force Hillary to engage and elevate her game and produce her best result as a candidate. I'm all for that," Wasserman said.

Wasserman, who recently has taken on the roll as chairman of Los Angeles' effort to host the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, says he remains a strong supporter of Clinton but expressed concern over the controversy surrounding her private e-mail server while secretary of state.

"I think you'd be crazy not to be concerned, but the truth is every candidate makes mistakes and I think her job is to admit to those mistakes or challenges and move forward," he said.

Wasserman's comments were broadcast Sunday morning on NBC4 "News Conference" program.

Considered one of the most powerful sports executives in the nation, the 40-year-old Wasserman says he believes Los Angeles has a strong chance to host the 2024 games.

“I wouldn't be spending two years of my life if I didn't," he said on the program. "I'm highly competitive, as the people who know me know. We are going to compete and we are going to compete to win."

He offered no guarantees to taxpayers over the potential costs of the games, saying only that the plan will be "financially prudent." The International Olympic Committee will decide in two years between LA, Rome, Paris, Budapest and Hamburg, Germany.

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"They are giving us their most valuable asset to exploit (the games), they are giving us $1.5 billion and we get the rights to sell sponsorships, tickets ... whatever we want to exploit that opportunity... we just can't come back to them for more money," he said.

Wasserman says he learned much about forging business relationships from his grandfather Lew Wasserman, whom he considered a father figure. The elder Wasserman ran Universal Studios for years and was once considered the most powerful man in Hollywood.

"He was legendary for his handshake being good to his word and I try to continue that," he said.

The UCLA graduate, who was born and raised in Los Angeles and has been active in education reform, suggested he might in the future seek public office such as mayor.

"After we get the Olympics I've always thought I'd have an opportunity to give back to the community and if there was an opportunity to run for office in the city I love, that is something I would be interested in," he said.
 

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