Clinton Wows BIO 2006 Crowd While Stressing Importance of “Science, Evidence and Argument”

Reported by Annette Kreuger, Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas). It is almost impossible to describe the sheer magnitude of the current BIO 2006 international biotechnology conference. Touted as the largest conference yet, and the first to be held in the Midwest, this year’s annual event is a heady mix of scientists, executives and investors. A stroll down the show floor will net you conversations in a multitude of languages, discussing everything from the benefits of locating a biotech plant in the Ukraine to the feasibility of taking a public company private, known in the industry as “going dark”. At least a dozen times each day, a stunning array of industry breakout sessions are available, in addition to the over 1,400 industry exhibitors. On Tuesday, the hot ticket at BIO was clearly former President Bill Clinton’s appearance as the featured luncheon speaker.

It was amusing as an estimated 4,000 clamored impatiently to gain entrance to hear President Clinton. More closely resembling the line for a rock concert than an industry event, the secret service was joined by the Chicago police and BIO security teams in clearing everyone for admittance. The mainstream press was outraged over being barred from attending, while trade journalists breathed a sigh of relief as they jockeyed for clearance. Decorum was replaced by anticipation and in many cases, “politics be damned” was the general feeling, for the majority of all in attendance knew they were about to hear a great orator. And Clinton did not let them or the industry down.

Centocor’s President Julie McHugh opened the event with remarks that stressed the importance of “…transcending oceans and boundaries…” in terms of coming together globally “…in the search for a cure….” Next up was BIO President & CEO Jim Greenwood, who wisely sized up the crowd said, “All I have to say is, let me welcome former Bill Clinton, 42nd President of the United States.” Clinton walked out onto the stage to thunderous applause that brought the crowd to their feet.

Looking considerably healthier than he has in recent months, the former president launched into an impassioned talk on biotechnology’s place in today’s world. But that was only after this consummate speaker warmly welcomed the crowd and admitted his relief at being able to publicly admit his private admiration of Greenwood, a former republican congressman. Acknowledging that while he was in office, he didn’t make that admiration a secret, “I had to be careful who I admitted it to as it wouldn’t have done much for Jim’s popularity.”

Clinton eagerly spoke of the “relationship between biotech and what I do around the world.” The former president told of his open support of genetic engineering, both as an elected official and in his current role in the private non-profit sector. Encouraging people not to react with emotions, he emphasized that when considering such volatile topics to consider “science, evidence and argument,” in order to make informed decisions. Choosing the term “global interdependence” as the byline for his talk, Clinton illustrated how it applies to everything from medicine to our borders. Stating that while nobody had to agree with his particular view, he implored the audience to at least develop “a simple view, a world view.”

In Clinton’s opinion, global interdependence goes far beyond economics. He broke it down into a very basic illustration of both the good and bad aspects of its existence. “It is good for most of us in terms of science. Sharing scientific and medical advances, helping farmers across the world and particularly, the Human Genome Project. We have done that. Yet, it was not a sole effort of ours. When the project was completed, a dual announcement was made both here and by Tony Blair, the Premier of the UK.” Continuing, Clinton then offered the 9-11 attacks as the most “supreme act of what is bad,” in regards to today’s global world.

After touching on a variety of issues, including addressing the immigration dilemma in a sensible, mutually beneficial way, a surprisingly moderate Clinton got to the heart of his talk and obviously his current life’s work. He semi-chided the well-fed and educated crowd to understand that enjoying those same qualities and even the chance to drink untainted water was not on the radar for approximately half of the world’s population. He explained how cooperation among countries to willingly share information could save lives, including those in the U.S. The blend of technology, science and politics was exemplified in his referencing the recent SARS virus scare of a few years ago. Clinton praised the efforts of the youth in China who had “flooded the internet” to bring the problem to the world’s attention, while at the same time that country was publicly denying the magnitude of the problem. “Their determination forced the government to admit the problem and stopped what could have been much more catastrophic.”

As Clinton wrapped up his talk by indicating that in terms of addressing global energy and health matters, the biotechnology industry as a whole was going to be a dominant factor in the ensuing decades, he then walked away from the podium. With the crowd once again on their feet and offering up another wave of applause, the former president stopped and turned, offering a sincere smile and simple wave of his own. As this ambiguous man, who is as equally reviled, as he is adored, left the stage, there was a brief moment when one expected 4,000 lighters to start flickering.

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