Hillary Clinton Book-Signing Event at Chappaqua Library Draws Admirers, Protesters
Chappaqua, NY — It wasn't your typical book signing. Normally, crowds don't arrive before 9 a.m. for a planned 3 p.m. start time. Rarely will you see Secret Service circulating among library personnel as they prepare the book shelves. But this is former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton we're talking about.
Although Clinton is one of their own, Chappaqua locals understood this wasn't going to be your average Sunday. A flood of visitors came from far and wide to hear the former U.S. senator and first lady speak about her new memoir, "Hard Choices"; some traveling from the boroughs of New York, others coming from New Jersey, Massachusetts and even as far as Mexico. Besides the opportunity to get an autographed copy of Clinton's book, they all came for the chance to meet and shake the hand of the woman that could be our next president.
There were only 1,200 copies of the book available for the crowds to buy with a two-copy maximum. Wrist bands were distributed with every purchase to identify those allowed to enter the library.
Supporters donning "Ready for Hillary" stickers and carrying posters lined one side of the street, while on the other side a few anti-Hillary protesters held up "Remember Benghazi" picket signs.
Hillary arrived early, donning a jade pantsuit that has become her signature look. She waved and thanked everyone for the support and started it off by exclaiming, "Let's go sign some books!"
She graciously made small talk and shook hands as library coordinators kept the line moving.
Clay Haddock, 12, accompanied by his mom Beth, made an impression by wearing a soccer shirt that garnered a comment from Hillary. "She asked me who I was rooting for, and I said Germany! I also told her I liked Messi," he said.
Media was present but not allowed to ask questions; only photographs were taken.