11 year old from KY sells his bike and gives money to Clinton campaign

[galaxy21]

11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign
By BRAD DAVIS

Williamson Daily News

WILLIAMSON, W.Va. (AP) -- Everyone who knows 11-year-old Dalton Hatfield sees it. There's something special about the young man. His mother Vickie says all who come in contact with the Kentucky elementary student look at him and say "He's going to be something'' when he grows up.

Apparently that goes for former presidents, too.

When Hatfield presented former President Bill Clinton with a check for $440 after Friday's rally at the Williamson Fire Station, the man who was once the leader of the free world seemed to nearly come to tears.

"You sold your bike to get this?'' Clinton asked the McAndrews, Ky. native.

The reply was "yes'' and a whole lot more.

Hatfield feels so strongly that Hillary Clinton should be the next president he not only sold his bicycle, but video games and anything else he could find that "I could make money with'' to donate to the former first lady's bid for the Democratic nomination.

"I was thinking one day how could I make money for the campaign,'' he says. "And I just went through my closet and found things I didn't need.''

"I though he was raising vacation money,'' says Vickie Hatfield, who along with Dalton's father, Bruce Hatfield, accompanied him to the event. "When I found out it was for Hillary, I told him to go for it.''

The result was a donation that for the most part left the former president, who is known as a great communicator, speechless.


It's a lovely gesture, obviously. And the parents gave their permission so they're okay with it....but, I don't know. It's a lost cause. I don't know if Hillary should still be taking money
from people on the premise that she still has a chance.

[BlooInBloo]

1. Got a link?

[galaxy21]

8. here you go

http://www.dailymail.com/News/200805110118

[BlooInBloo]

9. Thanks!

[dorktv]

2. Oh just enjoy that someone wanted to do a kind gesture for someone.

[PBS Poll-435]

3. Nice article-

Except four your editorial commentary.

[mmonk]

4. It's a wonderful story.

Don't worry about it. It's what the kid wants to do. That's great.

[MikeDJohn]

10. Not at 11 years old.

Selling an item of that value at that age is ILLEGAL!

How about a sense of "bearings" on what is a legal transaction?

[dorktv]

14. since when? Care to cite the statute?

[mmonk]

22. Well I'll pay his bail.

Surely his parents were supervising. I don't think he's trying to enter commerce or anything.

[dorktv]

27. he sold more than a bike...since when could a kid not sell something?

especially second hand or are lemonade stands now illegal?

[MonkeyFunk]

102. Huh?

What're you talking about? How is it illegal?

[GarbagemanLB]

5. He just paid for a few dozen more donuts for Mark Penn.

[Wetzelbill]

12. Hey that was uncalled for

The focus groups say that he should go for some fried chicken this week, so that's what he'll do.

[rodeodance]

88. Petty low-minded Obama fan making fun of an 11 year old. SHAME ON YOU.

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

Hillary's got a second calling - televangelist

getting richer and richer while poor gullible people fund her quixotic endeavor.

This event, where a kid sells everything to fund her poorly managed campaign - should
be the trigger that gets her to stop.

Stop damaging the democratic party,

stop alienating the black voters,

stop taking the donations of poor people.

For Pete's sake, she and Bill have taken in above $130 million in personal wealth.

[Catchawave]

100. I'm sure Obama has young supporters too ?

Would you smack them down too :shrug:

[aquart]

6. What bloody nerve. Now Hillary is evil for taking donations??????

And using a child against her?

Nothing is too low for Obama's people. You'll beat Bush before you're through.

[MikeDJohn]

13. UM check out the legal age for financial transactions before you

make Obama folks out to be the villain, OK?

[dorktv]

15. Cite the statute.

[MikeDJohn]

30. Which statute? There's dozens, in state and federal law!

Age of majority

Age of contractual obligations

Financial transactions with minors

Parental oversight of funds and assets of minors.

You take your damn pick......look it up yourself.

Google is your FRIEND............google: "minor, Financial transaction, state, federal, contract"

[dorktv]

32. the burden of proof is on you. You stated what he did was illegal.

Without citing any statutes, without any facts and apparently without even reading the OP which clearly states he sold more than just his bike.

So you should be the one citing the statute that says "this kid did something illegal."

[PBS Poll-435]

39. We Must Conduct a Sting @ Chuckee Cheese's Pizza Parlor

I have heard through certain people, who wish to remain anonymous, that this child is going to take a paper-wrapped item, (that he did not purchase,) and give it to someone outside of his family.

There are SEVERAL state & federal statutes that MUST prohibit this type of behavior, right?

:rofl:

[dorktv]

44. *laughs*

[dansolo]

63. How about Hillary's own website

By checking this box, I confirm that the following statements are true and accurate:

1. This contribution is made from my own funds, and not those of another.
2. This contribution is not made from the general treasury funds of a corporation, labor organization or national bank.
3. I am not a Federal government contractor.
4. I am not a foreign national who lacks permanent resident status in the United States.
5. I am at least 18 years of age.
6. This contribution is made on a personal credit or debit card for which I have the legal obligation to pay, and is made neither on a corporate or business entity card nor on the card of another.

Donations cannot be made by anyone younger than 18 years old.

[dorktv]

65. oh no, I was not asking for a cite regarding the kid donating but the fact

that apparently it is illegal for a kid to sell their own used items.

[AZ Criminal JD]

68. None of those apply here.

Are you going to shut down lemonade stands next?

[Gore1FL]

57. I am for Obama and find this to be a promising gesture

I am guessing it can be listed under his parents' name.

[galaxy21]

18. Of course not....I think it depends on what premise she's taking donations

Huckabee was very open that he didn't have a chance and needed a miracle, Paul was always realistic about his chances....the people that gave money knew it was likely a lost cause but did it out of protest/passion.

But Hillary still seems to be under the impression she's got a good chance of winning. Do most of the people that support her still think that? Isn't that misleading?

Like I said, it was a lovely gesture, but does an 11 year old have all the information? Do his parents?

[dorktv]

24. I am sure if he is that politically aware he would know that she is probably not going to

win but he wanted to donate anyway.

[Exilednight]

55. Does it bother you that taking a campaign donation from someone under the age of 16 is illegal? n/t

[The Doctor.]

87. It's not really that big of a deal... the parents could broker it.

Being an 11 year-old, he can't make informed decisions, so it's likely he's been influenced. I think it's a little sad to part a kid from his bike to pay an irresponsible debt, but hey... it's not like she was stealing candy from a baby. :P

[greguganus]

67. He's kinda young to be selling his soul to the devil. n/t

[The Doctor.]

85. Yes, all "Obama's people" are calling her evil over this.

For fuck's sake, a handful of people object and you just have to get out the biggest brush in the universe, dontcha'?

1) How many said she was 'evil'?

2) How many again?

Jesus Christ aquart, does it really take so little for you to reinforce your warped perceptions?

[DarienComp]

7. Sweet kid.

Someone should buy him a bike.

[Pirate Smile]

20. I hope someone does. I love the fact that he cares so much.

[NashVegas]

49. I'm Sure Someone Will

[boppers]

11. Cute.

Sad that he's too young to understand the math, but heartening to see folks getting involved at such a young age.

[Wetzelbill]

16. Nice to see some passion at that age

Always good to believe in something, and Hillary is a great woman.

[IDemo]

17. kudos to the youngster for believing strongly enough to do something like this

Hopefully the Clintons will do the right thing and return the donation after this is over, or purchase him a new bike.

[MindMatter]

80. There's the correct answer.

That bike is worth, what? About 3 words in a Bill Clinton $200,000 speech. The Clintons don't need to be taking bicycles from children.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/06/14/bill.clinton.speeches/index.html

[Jamastiene]

97. They are not taking it. The kid is offering it.

Big difference.

[woolldog]

19. does he know the Clintons' are multi-millionaires?

[MikeDJohn]

33. $400 to him equals millions!

People under 12 have no concept of money.

[Renew Deal]

21. I hope Bill didn't accept it.

It would have been cool in January or February.

[breakaleg]

25. I agree. This poor kid is out a bike so his money can pay off her debt.

[Junkdrawer]

23. Different spin on this AP version...

An eastern Kentucky boy isn't ready to give on Hillary Clinton's bid for the White House.

Dalton Hatfield of McAndrews, Ky. donated $440 to Clinton's campaign last week, money the 11-year-old raised by selling his bicycle, video games and anything else he could find.

Hatfield said he went through his closet looking for things he didn't need and decided to sell them in hopes of bolstering Clinton's campaign.

Hatfield presented the check to former president Bill Clinton, who reciprocated by giving the youngster an autographed picture and promised to call his wife to share the news.

Hatfield says he'd consider politics one day, but has his sights set on law school first.


http://www.14wfie.com/Global/story.asp?S=8306800

The OP version made it sound like the kid sold everything he had for Clinton. This version is more of a "Garage Sale for Clinton" version.

[FrenchieCat]

29. Lucky Blue Collar Hard working Kid, there! $440.00 sounds like enough

gas tax breaks for like 3 years!

Wonder how this made the news?

[Junkdrawer]

34. Bill Clinton accepted the check personally...

This kind of "event" gives credence to the idea that Hillary's staying in to raise money to cover her debts...

[HousePainter]

26. $440 worth of secondhand stuff ?

Sounds like a poor working class kid whose folks really need that gas tax holiday.

[PBS Poll-435]

28. Ugggghhhh

How are conditions under the bridge?

:puke:

[renate]

31. it's obviously something the kid wanted to do

I think it's incredibly sweet. And I don't think refusing the check would have been the right thing to do... it would have crushed Dalton, after he gave up so much to be able to give Hillary the check, for Bill to say "Thanks, but no thanks."

A kid with a sense of purpose like that, who cares so deeply about a political cause at the tender age of 11, is destined for great things. I hope he brings that dedication to a life of public service--the world would become a better place. (Of course, I say that because he was raising money for a Democrat... if he'd given it to McCain I'd be depressed that the Republicans had pulled the wool over an earnest but misguided kid's eyes.)

:applause:

[Jamastiene]

98. Spot on!

[crankychatter]

35. it could have happened in any state, so apologies to kentucky when I say...

something is awry with the gene pool

[Shine]

36. As the mother of an 11 yr old, I'm impressed with his generosity

:applause:

[OhioBlue]

37. It is a nice story.

1. For an 11 year old to do something so unselfish is touching. He wasn't bound to the material things and was willing to sell them for a cause that he saw as important.

2. If it was just an extra bike and old video games that he didn't play anymore - it is still a cool gesture and I'm glad this kid is on the Dem's side b/c I think he already has some political skills. Former President Bill Clinton knows this kid's name.

[MrSlayer]

38. Learning to lose early builds character.

It's nice that the kid wants to be involved.

[Tatiana]

40. It's so inspriring to see kids taking an interest in the political campaigns. n/t

[elocs]

41. As an Obama supporter--congratulations to this kid for having the courage of his convictions.

Should Hillary accept? Of course. Sure she needs the money, but by accepting she is also giving Dalton the gift of being generous, for making a sacrifice for his passion. To anybody who wants to quibble about a kid selling something to give to a cause in which he believes: get a life.

[NewHampshireDem]

43. Very well said, beginning to end.

:toast:

[elocs]

47. I learned this many years ago when I delivered flowers on a Mother's Day.

I delivered some artificial tulips that were lit up to a little old lady and she was so happy that she went to get me a dollar for a tip. I certainly did not need that dollar from that old mother for whom a dollar meant something, but I took it because I saw it as a gift to her--the opportunity to be generous from her need.

[NewHampshireDem]

48. Thank you for sharing that. :) n/t

[Terri S]

42. Bless his heart

Making that kind of personal sacrifice for something you believe in is pretty special as far as I'm concerned. I do hope he gets a shiny new bike courtesy of the Clintons.

[Avalon6]

45. I thought minors were not allowed to donate to political campaigns

Isn't there always a disclaimer that you have to be 18 years or older?

[NewHampshireDem]

46. No, it isn't illegal.

Should it be? That's another question. Many people use it as a way to get around the donation limits.

[Exilednight]

50. Ummmm, yes it is illegal. Contributions from Minors (revised 2000):

Commission recommends Congress establish a minimum age of 16 for making contributions, or otherwise provide guidelines ensuring that parents are not making contributions in the name of another.

This was actually passed in 2000.

http://www.fec.gov/press/LegRecSup32.htm

[dorktv]

53. Others could learn from you. Thank you for the cite.

[NewHampshireDem]

62. Jury isn't out yet n/t

[dorktv]

64. Hey, at least you provided one citation, still waiting for the one regarding

this kid breaking the law by selling his own property.

[NewHampshireDem]

70. Yeah, that was rather silly n/t

[greguganus]

71. Bill pointing crooked finger in court: "I did not take money from that kid..." n/t

[Junkdrawer]

58. According to this, "minor" donations are a commonly used legal loophole...

Many of our fair Republic's more monied citizens feel unduly constrained by federal election laws that cap individual donations to a particular candidate at $4,600 ($2,300 for primaries and $2,300 for general elections, specifically), as such regulations can really put a damper on influence-peddling, and other, similarly fun-filled aspects of being rich and participating in American political life.

The would-be benefactor need not fret, though, as loopholes abound. You could, for instance, launder money through your children by having them write your favorite candidate a big ol' check. And by all accounts, that's exactly what you're doing. Well, maybe not you. But, you know, other people. And they're doing it quite a bit; as The Washington Post pointed out recently, contributions "from" students have nearly quadrupuled since the 2000 election, with some of the "students" in question being as young as two years old.

While the Huffington Post points to recent contributions from the children of one prominent banking family to the Giuliani campaign, this phenomenon had been going on for some time. The earliest instance we've found thus far of a pre-teen blowing "his" lunch money on a campaign would be Andrew David Sparrow Wyly's 1987 contribution to George H.W. Bush's successful presidential bid. Wyly, the son of notorious billionaire Bush-backer Sam Wyly, passed on engaging in typical billionaire boy activities in order to support the elder Bush, perhaps inspired by the statesman's staunch opposition to broccoli, which most informed voters know to be yucky and stupid.

....


http://www.politicalbase.com/profile/Augustus/blog/&blogId=422

[NewHampshireDem]

60. Still trying to track down a difinitive answer ...

Sources I've found seem to state that the USSC struck that down as part of BRAC in 2003:

http://www.fec.gov/law/litigation_CCA_M.shtml

Use your browsers FIND feature and search for "minors".

FWIW, Obama's site asks if you are 16; Edwards's site says this: "If a minor, I am voluntarily making this contribution, which consists of my own funds; my contribution is not controlled by another individual and is not made from a gift given to me to make this contribution."

I also found a couple of stories from this past fall on HuffPo about minors (under 16) making donations:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alycia-dolan/whos-kidding-whoteenag_b_69299.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2007/10/23/kid-nation-hundreds-of-_n_69530.html

[my3boyz]

51. Another Hillary supporter article

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/10/AR2008051002440.html?sid=ST2008051002646

[Evergreen Emerald]

I loved that story. Thanks

Perseverance.

[Catchawave]

79. Thanks, nice article

:hi:

[Fox Mulder]

52. Poor kid wasted his money.

[peoli]

61. Penn wipes his ass with $440 toilet paper.

[greguganus]

72. Less painful that wiping it on a bike. lol n/t

[emilyg]

54. Very sweet.

[Gore1FL]

56. That is freaking awesome

And I am hoping someone will return the kindness and get him a kick-ass bike.

[Raine]

59. It's nice that someone that young is interested

that much in politics but I hope Hillary will return his money to him and YES, I would also want Obama to return it too.

[Name removed]

66. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[rodeodance]

94. You are one sick Obama poster!!

[Name removed]

69. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[dorktv]

73. Your hate filled post shows how little you know about manners.

President Clinton accepted the check politely and probably will donate actual money to a worthy cause other than his wife's campaign since it appears not to be legal for the campaign to accept money.

Or probably quietly gave the money back to the parents after the kid was gone.

He was not going to tell the kid "oh no, we are not taking your money that you worked so hard to gather for the Senator." It would have been mean and rude.

[greguganus]

75. Picture the kid walking home and Bill's limo drives by and splashes mud on him. n/t

[Fox Mulder]

76. Agreed.

[Catchawave]

74. Nice story, thanks for sharing ....

:hi:

[SmokingJacket]

77. Hm, I think he should have kept his bike.

Honestly, a kid needs a bike. A candidate doesn't need the extra $50. Especially since the kid is still just emulating his parents. I might feel different if his parents were republicans and this was his way of rebelling, but they are obviously Clinton supporters.

I wouldn't let my kid do this. I'd tell him, Grow up and learn about politics first, kiddo.

[lojasmo]

78. Haha. All those 'hardworking whites' are going to vote for her too.

Phucking phools.

[Downtown Hound]

81. Touching story

Too bad he wasted it, but it's inspiring all the same.

[writes3000]

82. It's a nice story. Anyone who says otherwise is missing the point...

This kid worked hard to contribute and he got his chance to give - directly to President Clinton.

Now, he's gotten some notice and appreciation for all of his effort.

Really nice story.

[chill_wind]

83. Echhhh.

Feel sorry for the child, who is about to be disappointed. And his parents must likely realize that.
Think of all the gas-tax that would have off-set for months to come. Oh wait-- that was LAST week's primaries.

Give it back, Hillary. Ugh.

[quiet.american]

84. Well -- at least he didn't give it to McCain, so kudos to the kid. nt

[CoffeeCat]

86. I find this so sweet and touching....

...that an 11-year old would go to the trouble of selling his things--to help a political candidate.

The fact that this young person is plugged into politics, is a really neat thing. And how astute he is...
wanting a woman in the White House and going the extra mile to ensure that it happens.

This kid told Clinton that he sold things that he didn't want. What 11-year old doesn't want his bike,
video games and "anything else he could find"? I bet he sold stuff that he really liked.

All the more reason to be impressed and encouraged by this story.

What an amazing, gracious, young man who is light years ahead of most people on this planet!

[Occam Bandage]

89. This is why 11-year-olds are not allowed to sign contracts.

[saltpoint]

90. Just my take, but I think Bill Clinton was genuinely moved by this.

I don't think his emotional reaction was artificial. I think it went straight through his bones and into his blood and rushed his brain, that an 11-year old sold his bike to give money to Hillary for her campaign.

I also don't think it matters which Democrat you support in the primary or which party you belong to. There's something about people sacrificing from the heart that ought to stop you in your tracks.

I think his candidate is going to win the West Virginia and the Kentucky primaries.

I hope maybe the local Democratic Party group in his county can throw together and replace that bike. Let's get all the Democrats we can -- even the ones in 5th grade -- back on the bikeways of America. In elections henceforth, we'd like to have their votes as well.

[rodeodance]

91. **OBAMA FANS MAKING FUN OF 11 YEARS OLD!! BIG SHOTS AREN'T YOU!!***

[Colobo]

92. Poor kid. Hopefully Obama will invite him to the White House to meet with him.

His candidate won't be the nominee, but Obama will, and it would be a nice gesture.

[Erin Elizabeth]

93. Aw, that's sweet. And good for him

for being politically involved and aware at such a young age. Future voter!

[AZBlue]

95. That's heartbreaking.

I admire his dedication and his political awareness at such a young age. But poor thing, he's wasting his money. Hopefully his parents will focus on the act itself, not the outcome.

[KaptBunnyPants]

96. Poor kid.

It does seem a little wrong to take money from kids for a cause that has no reasonable hope for success.

[shaniqua6392]

99. What a sweet kid!!

It is great when kids are paying attention enough that they are willing to sacrifice something that they love to promote a candidate. It sounds like he will be a good activist when he grows up. Thanks for the article.

[mikekohr]

101. From an Obama Supporter: If more young people were as involved and passionate about the political

process as this young man, we as a nation would not find ourselves in the mess we are in now. Here's hoping this campaign will inspire our young people to get involved and stay engaged.

mike kohr

[libbygurl]

103. Nice post, till you ended it on a subtle snark. Couldn't you just post the

story without making it into another anti-Hill attack?

Good grief, you people amaze me with your pretzel contortions (no matter how subtle) to imply something negative about Hillary!

[Milo_Bloom]

104. How pathetic.

With all the disaster in the world, The Clinton's couldn't think of a better cause this kid could sell his belongings for.

Bravo to the kid for being involved, but it is sad that Clinton's would stoop to still accept money right now just to dig their way out of the debt they created.