Pasadena, California: September 18, 2007. It was like the night before the famed Rose Parade. Hundreds of people lined up the curbside at Vromans Bookstore at 695 E. Colorado Boulevard in my home town of Pasadena (Population 160,000). Some brought blankets and heat packs to brave the change of the cooler weather overnight to wait for Bill.
Yes, Bill Clinton is back. Not at the White House. Bill was at Vromans Bookstore, eager to sign approximately 1200 copies of his new book "Giving: How Each of Us Can Change The World." Yes it was a curbside cozy bookstore, but this was the one and only California book signing event for old Bill. Hundreds of people from all over showed up early and slept on the sidewalk, waiting for Mr. Ex President to show up at 2 pm September 18.
Mind you, reviewing the rules of the signing event, I thought it will be at the White House. RULES: Only one copy of the book per person, no guests allowed. No Photography (well, Press Media is exempt)of any kind. No Cameras, video recorders, or CELLPHONES allowed in the store. No pens, other books, and gifts past Security Checkpoint(how about campaign contribution?). No request for name or date, just plain book signing. Period. Total number of books to be signed is solely at the President's discretion
People bought the voucher (pictured) from the bookstore in person ahead of time (September 2) for the event (some made its way into Craigslist for $50.00 and at Ebay for $129.99) and each voucher holder was given a tamper free wrist band on event day and stayed in line first come first served. The voucher though had a Disclaimer: "The voucher guarantees that you will receive one (1) copy of his new book, GIVING, on the event along with a very good chance of having it signed by the President." A very good chance did not specify it was a guarantee. One person was offering to get the signed book without the hassle. The next day he posted an ad at the popular website Cragslist.com stating "I will pay you if you obtain the signed book, the key is to get their early and make sure you meet Bill and get a signed book. If he leaves early or does not get to you because you were late, then no money!!" He did not disclosed how much he was willing to pay....
The President arrived promply with security escorts, emerging jovial from a black Towncar trailed by black Suburbans. He was in a neatly pressed suit. He was whisked into the store where staff and security directed the wrist banded folks one by one for the signing. He left shortly after 4 pm. The signing went by so fast with an estimated 1500 plus people who showed up. If you missed it, that was it. The only book signing event for his new book in California. However, catch Bill at his website at www.clintonfoundation.org/giving.
(article by Jay Fermin ppp-usa)