The massive cues, the devoted fans, the wrist bands, the security … no, not ACL, the Bill Clinton signing at Bookpeople on Friday.
It was, in many ways, the typical hyper-security, “empty your pockets and spread ’em” presidential book signing. However, since the first hopeful signee got there at 4am, and there were over 100 by 7.30 am, it was perfect grazing territory for political pundits to stalk the lines, hoping to get some signatures/debates/support for whatever cause they were promoting.
Former State Rep Glen Maxey was working the line, convincing people to remember to register to vote (oh, and by the way, did he mention that he’s running for Travis County Tax Assessor-Collector?) Then the South Austin Democrats were promoting their Yeller Dawg Awards Event next month. Then, as if to provide some unwanted balance, local self-proclaimed Clinton expert Robert Morrow, running his “anyone but Hillary” campaign. He did this by handing out fliers accusing the affable white-haired gentleman signing books upstairs and his wife of rape, murder and cat stealing. And, of course, some of Alex Jones’ acolytes.
The biggest kudos and gratitude was actually reserved for the vendors selling water and breakfast burritos.
This article appears in September 14 • 2007.
