2008 Woodie Awards
It's Spears, it's Penn, it's Bill Clinton
Issue date: 1/23/08 Section: Opinion
It could've been Britney Spears who showed up at the Redwood Acres Fairgrounds last Wednesday. If not Britney, maybe Daniel Radcliffe, "Branglina", or the Beatles. Take your pick.
Humboldt County residents received Bill Clinton like William Shatner at a Star Trek convention. The crowd stood in giddy clusters in a line that stretched 1000-deep. Many of them had books to sign - and many had more than one. They talked animatedly about the man who was coming to town and they relished the moment they would see him.
Of course others looked forward to grilling a former leader about a potential future leader. For eight years, Bill Clinton directed the most powerful country in the world. Sure, he didn't put out a hit song and he might be able to dance - but he doesn't do it on T.V. His ability to act is debatable - but some might say that all politicians are great actors.
Regardless, Bill Clinton's appearance in Eureka marked a rare event in Humboldt County. People who are recognizable don't come to town very often. People who are recognizable usually pass us by in the trek from Portland to San Francisco.
So it's understandable that when someone like Bill Clinton comes to town, there will be a turnout. In fact, it should be expected, counted on, and definitely planned for. He is a former president. A century from now, junior high school students will have to memorize the presidents. The 42nd will be Bill Clinton. He isn't a celebrity. He's certifiable living history.
Some people who went to see him understood that. They saw his importance, and they had serious requests for Mr. Clinton. They wanted their kids out of Iraq. They wanted a promise that social security will be secure in the future. They wanted better health care. They wanted equal rights for all. They had serious questions and they wanted them answered.
Instead, they walked into a fiasco. Was that a former president, or just another celebrity? Bill Clinton or Bill Murray? Teenagers and their mothers squealed for him. Men shook Clinton's hand vigorously, reminiscent of sealing a big deal. Everyone seemed to have a camera but there was a noticeable lack of "Hillary 2008" signs. Dolls and books were held out in front of guests. The President smiled, stuck his pen to them and flicked. On to the next autograph.
It seems the president enjoyed his celebrity appearance. It's too bad no serious questions were asked. And no serious answers were given.
Humboldt County residents received Bill Clinton like William Shatner at a Star Trek convention. The crowd stood in giddy clusters in a line that stretched 1000-deep. Many of them had books to sign - and many had more than one. They talked animatedly about the man who was coming to town and they relished the moment they would see him.
Of course others looked forward to grilling a former leader about a potential future leader. For eight years, Bill Clinton directed the most powerful country in the world. Sure, he didn't put out a hit song and he might be able to dance - but he doesn't do it on T.V. His ability to act is debatable - but some might say that all politicians are great actors.
Regardless, Bill Clinton's appearance in Eureka marked a rare event in Humboldt County. People who are recognizable don't come to town very often. People who are recognizable usually pass us by in the trek from Portland to San Francisco.
So it's understandable that when someone like Bill Clinton comes to town, there will be a turnout. In fact, it should be expected, counted on, and definitely planned for. He is a former president. A century from now, junior high school students will have to memorize the presidents. The 42nd will be Bill Clinton. He isn't a celebrity. He's certifiable living history.
Some people who went to see him understood that. They saw his importance, and they had serious requests for Mr. Clinton. They wanted their kids out of Iraq. They wanted a promise that social security will be secure in the future. They wanted better health care. They wanted equal rights for all. They had serious questions and they wanted them answered.
Instead, they walked into a fiasco. Was that a former president, or just another celebrity? Bill Clinton or Bill Murray? Teenagers and their mothers squealed for him. Men shook Clinton's hand vigorously, reminiscent of sealing a big deal. Everyone seemed to have a camera but there was a noticeable lack of "Hillary 2008" signs. Dolls and books were held out in front of guests. The President smiled, stuck his pen to them and flicked. On to the next autograph.
It seems the president enjoyed his celebrity appearance. It's too bad no serious questions were asked. And no serious answers were given.
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