Clinton's Public Service Cools a Hot Texas Day

I honestly fell in love with Bill Clinton first when I was in junior high. I was just then getting into party politics, returning to the reality that the effective administration of the very same special education programs I needed ultimately depended upon who was in office.

My high school graduation present was a trip to Clinton’s 1997 inauguration and one of his inaugural balls via the Close-Up Foundation. Happy my local politicking helped shape an election outcome, I still thought that opportunity was as ‘close up’ as I would ever actually ever get to meet this idol.

Well, he visited Austin last week to promote his latest book and raise funds for Hillary's campaign, and I attended! No Texas heat could keep very eager crowds from stretching around the store building — or the municipal block. I can’t believe I worried about time when arriving two hours before the event was scheduled to begin. Many other people had arrived far earlier. They were passionately defending their places in line with a frenzy which I haven’t even seen at ticket event sales outlets. Some of those attendees really were camped out. They even went as far to bring their coolers and chairs!

In the line, I was meeting people from all parts of the state and all demographic groups. They drove into Austin specifically for this event. A desire to restore American domestic prosperity and international prestige united us — and deftly whisked the time by. Finally, I received my own personally-signed copy! Like his other books, Clinton did not write for vanity. People can read AND enjoy his words.

An opportunity for the author to speak is the only other event addition which could have properly showcased this man. Watching his State of the Union speeches had been pleasurable even when I disagreed with policies. But why be nit-picky? Bill Clinton motivates practically anybody on any subject.

I was left tongue-tied during our exchange, standing in front of such greatness. After having only seen him in print and on television for so long, meeting Bill Clinton in person is a truly memorable and flattering experience. Ever the charmer, Clinton took time to openly compliment the Democratic convention t-shirt I was wearing, which had been selected in honor of this unique occasion. Oh, Bill!