I shook President Clinton's hand in Pittsburgh today (book signing)

[chookie]

The man who immediately proceeded me in line I had found out to be a Kosovar. He said the opportunity to meet President Clinton meant a great deal to him, because if it had not been for the American intervention there, he would not be alive today. He told Bill Clinton this when he met him. President Clinton was deeply moved and took his hand in both of his hands. He told him that there is still much to do there and that he was deeply troubled by it, and continues to do everything he can for the region. It was a privilege for me to have been there and witnessed this....

I had a "Regime Change in 2004" button on and he said, Hey, I like your button.

I told him that in all dark days that have passed since the end of his presidency, the thing that keeps me optimistic is that he is still a young man and that he is still so willing to give of himself to our country. He took my hand and thanked me.

I had a great time in line for 4.5 hours. I met absolutely marvelous people. Our conversations started out very grave and serious, but after having been in line together all that time, by the time we were imminently in the presence of the Great Man, we were all laughing and acting silly, because we were all so excited by the prospect of meeting a man that we have such love and respect for.

The event at Barnes and Noble was extremely well-organized. The security and the Secret Service were totally cool -- extremely professional and thorough, but never unpleasant.

A friend of mine, a photographer, gets to photograph President Clinton at the dinner he is speaking at this evening. I begged her to let me carry her lenses for her, but she said it was not possible. What a lucky lucky lucky dog!!! I hate her.

[livetohike]

1. Thanks for the report chookie

what a nice experience :-) .

[Jo March]

2. Thank you for posting that!

I wish that I could have been there to meet the Big Dog! He is still truly a great leader.

[Richardo]

3. You rock, chookie - thanks for the report

:yourock: ...and from my home town, too! :D:thumbsup:

[Stew225]

4. Way to go Chookie! Some day you'll look back on

this with proud memories. I shook hands with Pres. Kennedy in the sixties and it's something that I cherish to this day.

[Catherine Vincent]

5. Wish he could make it to Houston for his book signing.

I'd be willing to bring my sleeping bag to be first in line for the big dog!

[tigereye]

6. we went, but the line was too long

and I didn't think my kid could stand for all those hours. Glad you got to meet him, it was kind of exciting just to see all the people out there.

[Ninga]

7. Great report!

What time was he scheduled to appear? Did he appear on time? What number were you? And did people camp out over night?

Thanks, he is going to be here in Cleveland tomorrow and I am trying to figure out what time I need to get in line for a 11 AM book signing.

[chookie]

9. He was exactly on time!!

Anyone who knows Bill knows that he is often late -- at least at campaign rallies. The event began precisely on time.

I arrived at 10AM for an event scheduled at 2; I was #162.

There were several dozen people (I just found out in local media) who arrived before dawn.

He signed books for 1000 people.

I was surprised at how generous he was with each person he met. If you have something to say, he will hear you out.

I met a lady there who teased him that he had goofed up: she had written asking him for a 8x10 photo, and was sent a 5x7. He laughed and called a staff member over to get her address. She said, oh, I'll never get it!!, and I said -- honey, you got to remember that this is BILL! He'll get that photo to you.

Good luck, tomorrow, my dear!

[PDX Bara]

11. Book Signing

You wouldn't be the first to take your sleeping bag to be first in line to see Mr. Clinton if you get the chance to do so. I went to the book signing in June in Berkeley CA (location was just 3 blocks from where I live) at 6:00 a.m. for a noon signing. From what I understood at the time, people had been there since the night before. He looked slim, trim and absolutely wonderful and from what I saw, he shook every hand and autographed eash book with his left hand (an advantage to being a lefty and there were assistants on each side). I talked fast enough to thank him for eight years of peace and prosperity and got a really nice smile and a "Thank you."

[DebJ]

8. I am soooooo jealous I can't stand it! Anyone have the URL

that lists where Clinton is going next? I missed my chance to see him in Washington, DC, which would have only been a three hour drive.
But I regret this so much I'm willing to go even farther.

OMG! I've just gotta shake his hand!

[chookie]

13. Here's what I found out for you

http://www.randomhouse.com/knopf/clinton/events.html

But -- THIS SUCKS!! -- it is not up to date. Cockadoodle-doo, Random House -- update yer damn website!

Here's their email address:
[e-mail]

Perhaps if you request it, they will sent you the schedule.

Hope it helps.

BTW -- it's worth it. To be in the presence of a great man is a very energizing experience. President Clinton is so generous and personable, as well.

[DebJ]

15. thanks!

[in_cog_ni_to]

10. I'm soooooo jealous!

I've never had the pleasure of meeting my all time favorite President. :cry: From your post, he sounds just as wonderful in person as he comes across on TV. <sigh> I'm gonna have to see when he's in Chicago and make a trip up there.

Thanks so much for the post. I LOVE Bill Clinton. His brain oozes intelligence and he's so doggone charming! :hi:

[chookie]

14. It's my second time having this honor

I had the privilege of meeting him in a receiving line and shaking his hand and that of Al Gore back in 1992, when he visited Gainesville during the campaign. The whole story is pretty hilarious and touching; I posted it at DU to celebrate 1000 posts. Luckily, nothing like that happened today (anyone who's heard the story will know what I am talking about)

I was very struck at how charismatic he was. Not too many people have "it", and he's got lots of "it." He has a way of engaging each one he meets personally. When you look into his eyes, you see that great intellect looking right back at you.

[Toucano]

12. Welcome to my enemies list!

Jusk teasing!

Although I am jealous, I am happy for you. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[leetrisck]

16. Met him several years ago in a little town,Jasper,AR

and when he shakes your hand, it's as if you are the only person that matters.

[Pepperbelly]

17. When he left Arkansas in '93, he stopped by my Mom's house in Little Rock

He and Hillary would often stop by when he was Governor when she was outside working in her yard or on her flowers or garden. On one occasion, they even helped her pull weeds. That day, as he was leaving, he was saying bye to his neighbors in the hood and took a few minutes even to play catch with my son.

I was at work.

:(