Have you ever met a presidential candidate? (A place to share your story)

[wnylib]

15. Twice I have sort of "met" a presidential candidate.

The first time, was so fleeting that I can't say that we actually met. The second time was a Senatorial campaign before the candidate later ran for president.

When I was in high school in Erie, PA, VP Hubert Humphrey came to town to visit with the Democratic mayor. His motorcade from the airport into the city was scheduled to go past our school around 2:00 pm. The principal let school out early so we could watch. Humphrey's car slowed down to shake hands with students and I was right next to the car. I remember that his hand felt cold and moist.

The second time was when Hillary Clinton held a Dem Party rally outdoors in my western NY city during her first run for NY Senator, while she was still First Lady. After she spoke to the crowd, people lined up along the rope that separated spectators from the FLOTUS and her SS contingent to shake hands with her. She shook every single person's hand who was present.

I was able to speak very briefly with her as she shook my hand. She was personable and energized, very warm and friendly.

A family story about Abraham Lincoln. My great-great grandmother was 7 years old when her parents took her from their rural village to Erie to purchase some items. It was a big deal to go to "the city." While there, Lincoln's train made a brief stop on its way through Erie during his campaign for the 1864 election. My great-great grandmother was able to see him, wave, and get a return wave. It was probably a general wave in her direction, but she believed that it was meant for her.