It Started On Twitter

It started on Twitter with Kristen Cusato.

It started on Twitter with Kristen Cusato.

Kristen Cusato @kristencusato
So…I get the whole Monica thing. #billclinton

I love Kristen. She is talented, gorgeous and obviously witty. Her Tweet came after Bill Clinton’s speech at the Democratic National Convention.

I replied,

Geoff Fox @geofffox
@kristencusato Is the most charismatic person I ever met. Ever!

I guess that’s a big deal.

Kristen Cusato @kristencusato
@geofffox you met him? #wow

I’m sure I’ve told this story before. I, along with every other broadcast weatherperson, was invited to the Clinton White House for a dog-and-pony show about global warming. Al Gore gave his famous PowerPoint presentation. I think it was his first time presenting it.

I spent the day hanging with Craig Allen, Al Roker, and Irv Gikofsy (aka Mr. G.).

It was a long time ago. Al Roker had the first digital camera I’d ever seen.

If you ever get invited to the White House you should know this, the pastries served with coffee are killer! For hoarders the bathroom I used had paper towels beautifully embossed with four color printing. Take a few.

I went pre-9/11 and security was very thorough. I can only imagine now.

We saw the presentation, had the aforementioned pastries, followed by a presidential reception.

We stood single file quietly waiting our turn to shake hands with President Clinton and Vice President Gore. As we approached the president a female Marine officer took a card we’d filled out earlier. She handed the cards to another officer who turned and faced the president.

“Mr. President, Craig Allen”

Craig took a step forward and shook the president’s hand.

“Mr. President, Al Roker”

Al walked up. The president began the conversation. He’d seen Al doing the weather from the White House lawn earlier on Today. How cool is that to have the president as a viewer? I would have soiled my pants.

I was next. I walked forward and looked up. He was the most powerful man on the planet. He oozed that. He is also the most charismatic person I’ve ever met. I understand why Kristen swooned.

Whatever he and I said to each other is lost in time. Trust me, my words were short and inconsequential. His too.

There was one more in our group, Irv.

“Mr. President, Mr. G.”

Really? No full Gikofsky in the White House?

If you get invited to the White House, go.

5 thoughts on “It Started On Twitter”

  1. Yeah. My law school group got a VIP tour. Prez was on the road. Like many things, the Oval looked small in person. But you can’t believe you are standing there where JFK sat. The other rooms are something else. Pre 9/11…

  2. Great story! Four years ago during the Obama campaign Bill was in NE Phila.I was having lunch in a small sports bar on the corner of Frankford & Cottman.all of a sudden guys in suits w/ headpieces and phones filled the place in a split second.Bill came in and used the men’s room,waived to us as we cheered,stopped at Rita’s next store for water ice and was gone.I was blown away to say the least.

  3. I agree with Candy..a great story. After all, you have that talent as well as many stories to tell. Always a pleasure… Feel better.

  4. I met the Big Dog at a fundraiser in Danbury during the 2000 election. I stood in line for a handshake, and told him I was an RN. He took my hand in both of his, looked me right in the eye and said, “My mama was a nurse. The nation owes you a debt of gratitude for what you do. May God bless you and your colleagues.” It was as if I was the only person in the room. People say JFK had “it” and I have to say his charisma took my breath away.

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