Yesterday I had the opportunity to meet Republican rockstar Sarah Palin at a local Books-A-MIllion book signing for America By Heart, her second foray into the publication arena.
The signing started at 11am, and I showed up a little before 10am (I had a red wristband, which guaranteed me a place in line).
After waiting outside for about an hour, the event began ahead of schedule, and they took people in increments of 100. I was number 208.
No photos were allowed inside, but I snagged what I could.
The store was closed down during the signing, and for good reason. The line inside spanned the entire right side of the store, zig-zagging through each aisle.
Around 11:56 I was finally reaching the signing area. Sarah was seated behind a wooden table, signing an assembly line of books.
Despite the strict time limitations the book store was enforcing (see the Soup Nazi), Sarah, decked out in a black suit with hair pulled back (and her trademark glasses) was taking time to have a personal conversation with each customer.When it was my turn, she shook my hand and (with a warm smile) asked for my name.
She was even more beautiful in person.
After I nervously squeaked out "Brian," and I still had doubts that I had provided the correct name.
Afterwards, she complimented my shirt (that read REAL HOPE underneath Jesus in the iconic Obama painting style.
Again, she smiled as her eyes danced with sincerity.
I told her how much she was loved and supported, etc.
But I wanted to give her something to remember, so I said the following:
"And I'd love to see you mop the floor in a debate with Obama...talk about a field dressing!"
This remark drew some laughs, especially from her.
She said she wouldn't forget that.
Mission accomplished.
As I was leaving, I was still talking with Palin as her daughter Piper handed me the signed book.
For a moment, guilt crept in about how long I had taken with her. But the feeling was quickly alleviated when I saw her taking the same amount of time with the lady behind me.
The opportunity to meet Sarah Palin was both a blessing and a privilege. I was honored to be among the handful of people in Baton Rouge to have a first hand encounter with the former Governor (and perhaps future presidential candidate).
Like I said, no cameras were allowed in, but WBRZ (our local ABC affiliate) did a story on the event, and scored some shots of Palin.
UPDATE: Here's their web video report (watch for my cameo at 1:57):
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