My eyes were buggin' out of my head, glued to the computer screen as I concentrated on correctly typing the Spanish names of the entertainment performing at the upcoming Latin music festival into a press release.
My boss walked up to my cube and asked me to take an ad over to the Chicago Tribune. I gathered the ad materials and headed out for the long walk.
Just as I was leaving the office my intern coordinator frantically stopped me and said, "You've been selected to work a hot dog luncheon! Since you wore a tie and a dress shirt - we need you!"
Visions of wearing a hairnet and preparing hot dogs for the homeless at a soup kitchen immediately consumed my mind. My boss agreed to let them use my services for the afternoon and I was sent on my way to spend the day handing out processed meat.
Our Executive Director was at the front of the office rounding up interns to drive us - which made me realize this was a much bigger event than I originally thought - probably not going to see homeless guests at this one.
After we got situated in the car and started to drive down the street, he told us that the President of the United States would be at the press conference. Wait, this is a press conference? What about the hot dogs?
He firmly said three times in the conversation to the event, "You are working, not attending!"
Summer of 1999 heat wave bought a huge ComEd power failure and parts of the city had outages for a couple days. This press conference/hot dog event was a celebration for the people who helped neighbors during the crazy heat wave.
Bill Clinton is going to be at the same event I'm working at, HOLY COW, best internship EVER!
KEEP IN MIND
The infamous Monica blow job was all the talk this summer as he was recently caught in a big lie to the American people. I never understood why it was such a big deal...if Hillary was cool with it, I don't care!
THE HOT DOG EVENT
Secret service men surrounded the entrance as we entered the "old school" park district indoor gymnasium serving as the venue.
My very important job was to act as a human door stop at the entrance of the building. I was told that once the President walked in I was to firmly close the door and the secret service would handle securing the entrance. I greeted all of the guests and when the President arrived I closed the door as instructed.
They used the Presidential music when he entered the room - so totally awesome! My heart was beating quickly - super excited for my opportunity to see the President. Mayor Daley walked to the front of the podium with the President right behind.
Daley briefly addresses the crowd - he thanked all Chicago citizens who help their neighbors get through the power outages and helped them deal with the brutal heat.
He then, very dramatically, introduced the President who is greeted with thunderous applause. The room was made up of some guests and MANY members of the media. Every news station and prominent reporter was in the room to cover the event.
The President spoke for a good five minutes and you could have heard a pin drop. He's one of the most charismatic and articulate men I've had the opportunity see speak. He quickly grabbed my attention, demanded my respect and made me feel good when he concluded his speech. I was mesmerized by his public speaking prowess.
When he was done, the music started to play and I assumed he would be carted off to his next meeting. But to my surprise he walked out to the crowd and shook hands with every person in the room. He hugged people, got his picture taken and smiled from ear to ear.
I was with my fellow intern who had a disposable camera. I asked if should would take a picture of my with the President and she told me she didn't have enough pictures left on her camera for everyone to get their picture with him. I was so pissed at her - but what can you do! She got her picture taken with him and brought it to the office the next day to brag. Never liked her after that!
SAY WHAT? I MET THE PRESIDENT!
I met President Bill Clinton, I firmly shook his hand and was in complete awe of the man! This is something I will never forget! Just another example of an awesome "Chicago Moment" in 1999.
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