First-grader has whole lot of firsts

Rita Rudner's 7-year-old daughter, Molly, not only got to meet her first president, but she might be meeting the first kids.

The first-grader was introduced to President Barack Obama during his fundraising appearance Tuesday for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., at Caesars Palace.

Molly's big day almost didn't happen.

"When we got to take our picture with the president, they didn't want to allow my daughter in (the room) because she was a security risk," said Molly's mother.

She added, "She's rambunctious, but she's never been classified as a security risk."

After making it past the security ring, Molly got the VIP treatment from the president.

"He was very sweet with her," said the proud mom, "and he invited her to play in the playground at the White House."

Molly's response: "When are we going?"

Rudner, who has been headlining on the Strip since 2000 at New York-New York and currently at Harrah's, served as the emcee of the fundraiser. Caesars headliner Bette Midler, Sheryl Crow and Clint Holmes also entertained the crowd of 4,000 at The Colosseum.

After Rudner's opening line -- "Isn't it refreshing to have a president who is funny intentionally?" -- she later added, "Nancy Pelosi was going to be here, but she claims no one told her about it."

Midler, who, like the president, grew up in Hawaii, presented Obama with a ukulele for his daughters, Malia, who turns 11 on July 4, and Sasha, who turns 8 on June 7.

Obama, after staying the night in a 22,000-square-foot suite in the Forum Tower, worked out at Caesars' Qua Baths and Spa, which were closed to the public.

A big basketball fan, he saw a TV backstage after the fundraiser and watched the last four minutes of the Cleveland-Orlando NBA playoff game.

Later, he ordered a steak from Nero's, Caesars steakhouse, a spy said.

Before leaving Caesars, Obama stopped in the room service department to thank the staff and pose for photos.

CLINTON BACK AT BOOTLEGGER

Former Elvis Choir member Kelly Clinton is returning to the Bootlegger Bistro on Mondays starting June 1, this time with an open-mic cabaret show.

Clinton, who hosted celebrity karaoke on Mondays for three-plus years at the club, hopes to turn her show into a weekly showcase for established and upcoming talent.

She was 19 when she was discovered at Frank Link's showcase at the Maxim.

"There's not a lot of places where you can do this now, and there's so many talented people out there," she said.

The opening-night lineup includes Susan Anton; Domenick Allen, former lead singer of Foreigner; Clinton's husband, Holmes; and the Las Vegas Tenors. Showtime is 9 p.m.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

The casting team of ABC's popular parenting series "Supernanny" will be in Las Vegas through Friday to meet local mom and dad candidates for the premiere episode of "Super-Manny." The new show features child behaviorist Mike Ruggles. For more information, call 1-877-626-6984 or visit the Web site www.supernanny.com. ...

Reader David Frankie pointed out in an e-mail that George Shirley was the first African-American in the U.S. Army Chorus, joining in 1956. Holmes indicated in an interview this week that he believed he was the first, in the late 1960s.

SIGHTINGS

Steve Wynn, British girlfriend Andrea Hissom, Hollywood director Brett Ratner and CNN senior White House correspondent Ed Henry dining at Sinatra (Encore) on Tuesday night. ... At Moon (Palms) on Tuesday: Mike Richards, Nelly, San Diego Chargers linebacker Shaun Phillips, Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs, rapper Too Short and UFC legend Chuck Liddell. ... Actor Jamie Kennedy, at Lavo (Palazzo) on Tuesday, celebrating his 39th birthday with girlfriend Jennifer Love Hewitt. Also at Lavo: Kevin Federline and girlfriend Victoria Prince. ... Erin Brockovich, dining at Hank's Fine Steaks and Martinis at Green Valley Ranch on Tuesday.

THE PUNCH LINE

"I would hate to actually spend a real night in a museum. All those ancient fossils and dusty old bones ... if I wanted that, I'd watch '60 Minutes.'" -- Craig Ferguson

Norm Clarke can be reached at (702) 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.