Hillary Clinton faithful camp out overnight for Seattle book signing
Jun 18, 2014, 4:30 PM | Updated: Jun 19, 2014, 6:47 am
Fans of Hillary Rodham Clinton waited in line for hours to meet her at a book signing at Seattle's University Bookstore. (Riley Elliott/MyNorthwest.com)
(Riley Elliott/MyNorthwest.com)
Seattle’s University Bookstore expected a large crowd for former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s book signing. But managers never expected fans to begin lining up well before midnight.
Around 700 people were waiting outside when manager Pam Kady arrived Wednesday morning, many camping in tents overnight all around the building and streets.
“I’ve never seen a line at 7:45 a.m. going up and down 15th Street,” Kady said. “I think people are having a great time waiting in line and sharing a common love for this woman.”
Attendance was limited and fans were required to get wrist bands, available on a first-come, first served basis, prompting the early arrivals. Clinton was expected to sign upwards of 1,200 copies of her new book, “Hard Choices.”
Christine Virgillo-Emery of Port Orchard said today is very important for her to support Clinton’s work in politics and humanitarian efforts.
“I got to meet President Clinton when he did his book signing and when I found out about her book tour, I knew she would be a fantastic person to meet,” said Virgillo-Emery.
For many, the day-long wait became a social affair as fans lounged in camp chairs, talking politics and issues throughout the three-story book store.
“I am here today to visit Hillary for a few seconds and let her know I support her decision to run for president again,” said Robert Taylor. “I’m ready to start working in her campaign if she decides to go forward. Everyone today is here to rally and show their support for her new book and future.”
“Hard Choices” sold more than 100,000 copies during its opening week, its publisher told The Associated Press on Wednesday. The book will debut at the top of the New York Times bestseller list next week.
“I appreciate her for sharing her experiences in a book,” Dr. Wanda Grabett said. “She has an enormous amount of information to offer her fans. I plan on reading her book and using its content to help teach my business and HR courses at Walden University Online.”
Following Clinton’s Seattle stop, her book tour continues this week in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Reporting by Riley Elliott/MyNorthwest.com
