Ashford University hosted President Bill Clinton and about 300 area voters, as he spoke on behalf of his wife Hillary Clinton and her campaign for president.

Former Iowa first lady Christie Vilsack, co-chairman for the Hillary Clinton campaign, introduced President Clinton, as he took the stage to a standing ovation.

“We have a field of intelligent, articulate people who love this country and have tried to come to grips with the challenges we face and for that I’m grateful,” Clinton said.

He also told the audience he was glad to be in Clinton, humorously calling it at “an appropriately named community.”

In addition to President Clinton campaigning on behalf of his wife, candidates Barack Obama and John Edwards also chose Ashford University to speak at this year.

 “It’s a tremendous honor that political leaders like President Clinton,  John Edwards and Barack Obama, have chosen to speak at our beautiful campus here in Clinton, with so many options available to them,” said Dr. Jane McAuliffe, President of Ashford University. “Ashford University strongly believes in the electoral process and helping to provide a forum for candidates of all parties to reach the American people.” She added that the University looks forward to hosting even more candidates throughout the year and beyond.