Experience is central to Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton's presidential bid, and last night (April 9) she tapped one of music's most venerable rockers, Elton John, to help fill her campaign coffers with $2.5 million after a benefit concert at New York's Radio City Music Hall.

"I've always been a Hillary supporter," John, 61, said before launching into his 1970 breakthrough hits, "Your Song" and "Border Song." "There is no one more qualified to lead America."

"I'm amazed by the misogynistic attitudes of some of the people in this country," he added. "And I say to hell with them .... I love you Hillary, I'll be there for you."

The cheapest tickets, $125 and $250, sold out quickly, campaign aides said. The other seats were filled by fans paying as much as $2,300, the limit for an individual's contribution to a federal candidate.

Preceding John on stage were Clinton, her husband, former President Bill Clinton, and their daughter, Chelsea.