Clinton's book-signing draws a crowd in Gables

[Judi Lynn]

Posted on Fri, Jul. 23, 2004



NOT INTERESTED: A baby, too young to care about the hoopla, naps in line. MARICE COHN BAND / HERALD STAFF





A FRIEND OF BILL: Former President Bill Clinton laughs with Bessie Buschel, 90, during a signing for his book 'My Life' in Coral Gables Thursday. After Buschel commented that Clinton was the president with the highest IQ, she added that she knew who the president with the lowest IQ was - George W. Bush. MARICE COHN BAND / HERALD STAFF


SIGN HERE, MR. PRESIDENT: An excited Deanne Newton, of Pembroke Pines, gazes at Clinton, who came outside and signed books for many who couldn't squeeze into the crowded bookstore. JARED LAZARUS / HERALD STAFF

Clinton's book-signing draws a crowd in Gables

More than 2,000 people braved the heat and long lines for the chance to have former President Bill Clinton sign their copies of his autobiography, My Life.

BY TERE FIGUERAS

[e-mail]


Hours of waiting on a sun-baked sidewalk didn't wilt the spirits of many Clintonites who failed to make it inside a Coral Gables bookstore for a chance at a presidential signature -- but their patience paid off in the end.

Shortly after handlers announced the end of the four-hour book signing, former President Bill Clinton emerged from behind the wrought-iron gate at Books & Books, eliciting a wave of chanting and cheers befitting a rock star.

Grabbing outstretched hands and scribbling his autograph in copies of his bestselling memoir, My Life, the 42nd president made a methodical pass around the border of the crowd -- his Secret Service protection hovering close by.

''I'm disappointed and sad, but not regretful,'' said Shelly Sweeney, a professor of English who waited in line with her mother for more than three hours with book and ticket in hand, one of 2,000 issued for the sold-out event.
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(Great article)

[PROGRESSIVE1]

1. It's like waiting to speak to God.

[Jade Fox]

2. Great pictures!

Its amazing to see how much people love him. Having lived in South FL, I
can attest as to just how hot it is for these people standing in line.

[spooky3]

4. That was exactly my reaction--they really love him.

[Jade Fox]

3. Kick for these wonderful pictures....