Toronto — A lineup of fans worthy of a pop culture icon and befitting a former U.S. president was waiting for Bill Clinton at a Toronto bookstore Thursday.
Fans began queuing up along the sidewalk outside the store Wednesday afternoon, armed with the price of admission — hardcover copies of Clinton's weighty autobiography, My Life.
They faced strict rules governing their brief encounters with the former president — no presents, cameras, cellphones, or bags allowed. Nonetheless, fans were determined to meet the man who once helmed the world's most powerful nation while embroiled in one of the juiciest scandals of recent times.
Valerie Kuypers of Toronto was one of the lucky ones to be awarded a wristband allowing her an audience with Clinton.
Former U.S. president Bill Clinton gets a hug from an admirer while autographing copies of his book My Life in Toronto on Thursday. (Frank Gunn/CP)
“When I heard about it, I thought it was the chance of a lifetime,” Ms. Kuypers, who's in her 50s, said before the ex-president arrived.
“I went to Pierre Trudeau's funeral. I camped out and actually got in the cathedral.”
“It's one of those things you want to do to say ‘I was there.”'
Those who spent the night were equipped with sleeping bags, lawn chairs, books and bottled water.
But only about 1,000 fans were expected to actually make it to the front of the line and meet Mr. Clinton. By Thursday morning, about 2,000 people were in a lineup that snaked around two city blocks.
Foruz Sarahani, 27, of Toronto, was near the end of the line but planned to stick it out because “I like him.”
“The reason that I'm here is just him,” she said. “His character, his personality.”
Many people in the crowd sported buttons for Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry, and one woman was even parading along the street carrying a Kerry sign.
Inside, the signing table was laid out to Mr. Clinton's specifications — he uses felt-tipped blue pens and likes to drink Diet Coke. Secret Service agents worked in concert with RCMP and Toronto police to ensure the former president's safety.
Although it received less than glowing reviews, My Life sold 1.5 million copies in its first month of release and continues to top North American bestseller's lists. It's been reported that Clinton received $10-million (U.S.) from Knopf for his 957-page memoir.
The former president's personal appearances in support of the book — he's been on tour since June 22 — routinely draw large, enthusiastic crowds. Last month in London, 1,000 fans packed Piccadilly Circus for a chance to meet him.
