Hello, Mr. President
May 7, 2008
I’ve met a good chunk of politicians in my life. Some are vain (Orrin Hatch, R-Utah), others are smarmy (Trent Lott, R-Miss. and Tom Delay, R-Texas), some are ridiculously short (Tom Daschle, D-Neb.) and a few have one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel (Strom Thurmond, R-SC). There are the Kennedys (Ted, D-Mass. and Patrick, D-RI), the dead wringer for my grandfather (Charles Schumer, D-NY), and a windbag or two (Joe Biden, D-Del.). I interviewed Pres. Clinton a handful of times over the years, attended Pres. Reagan’s funeral and tonight… well, tonight was both a 12-second thrill and a disappointment.
I was under the impression I’d be attending a reading with former President Jimmy Carter. Sadly turned out to be an autograph session for his newest book (A Remarkable Mother) which included a serious stare-down with some out of shape Secret Service agents. As usual, they were a little intense and quick to shuffle the crowd through the line. Therefore my brief conversation with Jimmy went like this:
Jimmy Carter: Thanks for coming.
Pammy Girl: I appreciate your time, Mr. President.
Jimmy Carter: You bet. Thanks for coming.
Pammy Girl: Have a nice evening.
He has the brightest blue eyes which stand in stark contrast to his white hair. A little anti-climatic but still a well-spent evening. OK, evening is a strong word… a memorable 12 seconds.
Entry Filed under: Uncategorized. Tags: Jimmy Carter.
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1.
Billy | May 8, 2008 at 6:46 am
Ah, I don’t really see eye to eye with Jimmy but he does seem like a really pleasant person. He reminds me of a senile uncle that can’t remember or even retain your name.
Uncle Jimmy: Hey Timmy.
me: It’s Billy
Uncle Jimmy: What did you say Bobby?
me: My name is Billy.
Uncle Jimmy: Ok Johnny
me: It’s Billy
Uncle Jimmy: huh?
me: Never mind. you’re right, it’s Johnny
Uncle Jimmy: Get me a High-ball would you Brian?
2.
bluesuit12 | May 8, 2008 at 7:42 am
At least it was something different and sounds a lot better than what I did lastnight…went tanning, watched American Idol, and Sex and the City (yes, this past week I’ve started watching it for the first time ever and now I think I’m getting hooked but need to really start at the beginining so I understand more).
3.
Lynne | May 8, 2008 at 12:30 pm
I saw Jimmy Carter speak at UCA a long time ago - I thought he was charismatic and a good speaker.
4.
travelrat | May 8, 2008 at 12:41 pm
Rather reminds me of a conversation I had with former Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath, when I saw him in Beach’s book shop in Salisbury.
He said: You’ve forgotten your umbrella!
I said: It isn’t mine, Sir, but thank you!
But, Jimmy Carter once stopped into a local pub for a brew when he came over on a fishing trip to the Test Valley. He was intrigued by the name of the beer, and requested a pack of beer mats with its name on it to give to his friends.
The beer is called ‘Boondoggle’!
5.
The Last Spartan | May 8, 2008 at 6:56 pm
Pammy, I am a firm believer that when you meet a real statesman, the politics don’t matter. The fact that you had two seconds in his consciousness is a great experience that you’ll always remember.
Tell us that Bubba didn’t hit on you….(wink).
6.
Matt | May 8, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Sorry, but that book sounds like a perfect example of one that would never be published if one were not once the president, eh? Maybe I’m wrong. Have you read it?
7.
Allison | May 9, 2008 at 12:52 am
I’ve never met anybody famous, and I’m certain that I would say something very stupid if I did….like “Are you wearing tinted contacts?”
8.
Sarah | May 9, 2008 at 5:13 am
I’m with Allison, I don’t think I would have been able to string together enough words to thank him or even say hi. Famous people make me nervous.
9.
Pammy Girl | May 9, 2008 at 7:23 am
Billy: That’s pretty much how every conversation went with Strom Thurmond before he died. Also how most conversations go with my kooky landlord. He thinks my name is ‘Stephanie’… I see how he could get that mixed up with PAM because they’re incredibly similar.
Bluesuit: You’re just now watching SATC? Good for you! Movie comes out in a few weeks.
Lynne: I vaguely remember this. Why didn’t I go?
Travel Rat: Maybe he got the beer because it reminds him of the slang term used for people who live in the middle of nowhere: Boon Docks. At least your PM was a polite gent, always looking out for the common man (or trying to get a vote).
Spartan: No, Clinton didn’t hit on me, but Trent Lott and I ran into each other in the Capitol Building one time where he had a conversation with my breasts. He’s disgusting on so many levels.
Matt: I’m pretty sure being famous in any manner gives you license to write your memoirs. I haven’t read Carter’s book yet but it’s probably better than the book “written” by American Idol winner Fantasia (she admitted to being illiterate, so I’m thinking everything inside is written in crayon).
Allison: I saw one of my favorite actors a few years ago and said, “You’re tasty.” Are you kidding me? All that education out with window once hormones kicked in.
Sarah: I was driving on the Santa Monica Blvd. yesterday and saw an orange viper. I decided to pull up next to it to find out what kind of a person drives a car like that. It was Jon Bonjovi and I didn’t have my camera so I just stared at him until he felt my gaze, gave me a nod and a nervous smile, and gunned it. Proof that you don’t have do say anything to be an idiot around famous folk.
10.
travelrat | May 9, 2008 at 9:38 pm
>>(or trying to get a vote).<<
I don’t think so … he was retired by then.
I can’t say I agreed with his politics while he was in office, but he lived locally, and everyone who met him said he was always polite and courteous.
11.
Sportsattitude | May 11, 2008 at 7:56 am
I would think regardless of one’s political views, all could agree Carter was - and still is - a class act. Conducts himself with dignity and respect for all folks, even those who disagree with his views.
12.
lowdogg | May 12, 2008 at 12:55 pm
I don’t think I can call him a class act. He’s defied the traditional decorum that ex-presidents show for sitting presidents.
I do think we can all say he is pleasant and folksy.
Sorry that was all it was. I was looking forward to hearing about it.