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Number of presidents seen in person (from many feet away): Two.
Previous count, prior to 5:15 tonight: One.
I don't think I can describe how completely and utterly strange it is to be standing on the corner of State and Monroe in downtown Chicago, waiting for my bus, and to see a giant crowd gathered about half a block away, and secret service cars blocking the entire street while a white-haired man emerges from the Palmer House to a great big spontaneous cheer from the surrounding people. And there, in the middle of State Street, stands Bill Clinton, and while people cheer and wave he gets in his secret service SUV and they drive off. I didn't think I lived in a place where there was spontaneous cheering anywhere, for anything, let alone in the middle of State Street during rush hour, for a politicianwho isn't Barack Obama. At first I saw the flashing lights and thought someone had been hit by a bus (and then, briefly after the cheering, wondered if someone really evil had been hit by a bus).
Also, a note to Bill Clinton: I couldn't see you while you were driving away. I know now that you were sitting on the other side of the SUV, but that's why I looked so hesitant and confused while I was waving at you. I wasn't sure at the moment which SUV I was supposed to be waving at. I hope that doesn't hurt your feelings.
Previous count, prior to 5:15 tonight: One.
I don't think I can describe how completely and utterly strange it is to be standing on the corner of State and Monroe in downtown Chicago, waiting for my bus, and to see a giant crowd gathered about half a block away, and secret service cars blocking the entire street while a white-haired man emerges from the Palmer House to a great big spontaneous cheer from the surrounding people. And there, in the middle of State Street, stands Bill Clinton, and while people cheer and wave he gets in his secret service SUV and they drive off. I didn't think I lived in a place where there was spontaneous cheering anywhere, for anything, let alone in the middle of State Street during rush hour, for a politician
Also, a note to Bill Clinton: I couldn't see you while you were driving away. I know now that you were sitting on the other side of the SUV, but that's why I looked so hesitant and confused while I was waving at you. I wasn't sure at the moment which SUV I was supposed to be waving at. I hope that doesn't hurt your feelings.
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