09.24.07 "AND THE LAST...

...shall be first." Senator Hilary Clinton came to town yesterday. A fund raiser/town meeting style with John Grisham as host and moderator was held. To raise the big money, an exclusive reception was held for those who could contribute $2300 to meet the Senator. Wanting to see Senator Clinton, hear what she has to say, and maybe witness a part of history if she succeeds in becoming our country's first woman president, I volunteered my time with the catering company and served wine to the high-rolling liberals as they awaited the Senator in the private party room of the recently renovated Paramount theater/performance center downtown. The crowd of about 75 drank wine and lemonade and snacked on sweets waiting for the arrival of the Senator, her entourage, and the Secret Service. About an hour before the arrival we were "locked in" to ensure "tight security." We waited, poured more wine, and wondered what to expect. Would we be able to see the Senator from our position at the wine bar in the back of the room? Is she tall enough to see over the crowd of eager donors? Would we get to actually hear her speak? We waited and wondered. Suddenly the backdoor of the room opened next to the wine bar. In strode Senator Hillary Clinton with her group. Senator Clinton in the fore with a big smile on her face walked right up to my coworker at the bar, "Hello, I'm Hillary Clinton," and extended her hand. After asking how my coworker was doing the Senator asked for a lemonade and turned and gave me the same greeting while shaking my hand. After introducing herself to the caterer, Hillary then turned to the crowd of ticket holders and began the informal reception.

Everyone who had been crowding around the front entrance jockeying for position was caught off guard by this surprise entrance. So completely unexpected in this day of high security celebrity politics, Senator Clinton was warm and gracious with the friendly spirit of meeting new people at a church potluck. She looked folks in the eye and made them feel that she would really like to see them again.

Of course, in this super sophisticated and often jaded world of high stakes politics and sound bite media, one is quick to understand the powerful intent of Senator Clinton's "democratic" and inclusive action. And after eight years of government run by politicians with their eye on their investment accounts, with a presence scripted by professional writers and staffers, and a message of "fear" for the American people, this was a huge breath of fresh air. Senator Clinton left her glass of lemonade on the bar. My friend Emily took this tiny picture of it with her cell phone.