At the last minute, I was told that Former President Bill Clinton would be speaking that the University of Mary Washington. I am a huge fan of Clinton’s post presidential accomplishments. Opportunities to hear a speech from someone with historical significance do not come to our historical town often. I decided to take my shot.
The school was buzzing. The line to get into The Great Hall of the Woodward Campus Center was every bit of 1/4 mile long winding between the buildings dedicated to higher learning.
Kids and adults alike were braving the 20 degree temperature to hear what Bill had to share with us. We were so far away from the Hall that I considered taking matters into my own hands, leaving my spot and heading towards the front of the line with a $50 bill in my hand, hoping to buy a spot from someone closer. I did not, but my thoughts wandered around the concept that on a college campus... 20 bucks probably would have gotten the job done.
As the line began to move, my hopes began to increase. Soon I could see the hall. I was getting surprisingly excited. As we got closer, I imagined how disappointed I would be if I got turned away now. And then I moved closer. And then, I was in.
Security was amazingly slim. In the area where the former President was to arrive, there was an obvious security presence with police and private security. But getting in the door there were no metal detectors, or obvious security searches.
Being inside, I was amazed at my own reaction. I am not starstruck, I don’t follow the tabloids and really don’t care if Angelina ever marries Brad. These things are not important to me. But here I was, one of the last 25 people to get into the hall, standing on my tippy-toes, straining to see over the heads of hundreds. Hoping to see just the head of the man who was about to speak.
Mr Clinton spoke... and yes, he 'stumped' for his wife's campaign.
I was struck by how he seemed to make every topic relevant to the crowd in front of him. His manner was easy, seemingly unrehearsed. But his point was clear. With the current state of American affairs this may be the most significant election in decades. The outcome affects all of us as individuals, as Americans, and as world citizens.
He spoke for an hour. All the while I was jockeying for position to get closer. Even with my zoom, and then digital zoom engaged, I was still too far away to get a picture. Mr. Clinton finished his speech to wild applause and the room began to empty.
I filed outside, and immediately moved to an unobstructed view of his departure.
But what I wanted was more than a picture. I move back to the Hall, and found President Clinton still inside and shaking hands. Would it be possible for me to get a hand shake? The small crowd was loud and heaving. People were pushing inward and then leaving, and as the left, I inched closer. People were reaching in, Bill was reaching out. Serious looking private security scrutinized everyone. In an instant, I made eye contact… thrust out my hand… and he took it. I was a sum total of 5 feet away… I nearly squashed half a dozen school girls in the process, but Bill Clinton and I shared a fully engaged handshake.
There was something powerful there. It was obvious that his confidence and personality have aided his success. As our former president, a senior statesman, accomplished philanthropist, and potential “First Husband”, he had me and everyone in the crowd mesmerized.
