Hillary Clinton stops at Watchung Booksellers to Meet Adoring Fans and Sign Books

Hillary Clinton made an early stop on her book tour at Watchung Booksellers in in Montclair, NJ this past Tuesday, Sept. 26th.

Hilary Clinton visits Watchung Booksellers September 26, 2017. Image
Hilary Clinton visits Watchung Booksellers September 26, 2017. Image: Adam Anik/Montclair Dispatch

It was an unusual Tuesday in Montclair. Roads were blocked, security was tight, and the sidewalks were packed with people. People all headed to the same destination: Watchung Booksellers, the bookstore that on a normal weekday would be relatively quiet. This Tuesday, however, brought Hillary Clinton to town. Today, the sidewalk was packed with a thousand people who had managed to secure tickets for the book signing tour of her new book “What Happened“, and even more hopefuls on the other side of the street who hadn’t gotten a ticket in time but we’re hoping to just catch a glimpse of the former Secretary of State.

Thousands wait to get a glimpse of Hilary Clinton at Watchung Plaza, September 26, 2017. Image: Adam Anik/Montclair Dispatch
Thousands wait to get a glimpse of Hilary Clinton at Watchung Plaza, September 26, 2017. Image: Adam Anik/Montclair Dispatch

Those first in line said they had arrived more than six hours in advance, and many were sitting on picnic blankets or lawn chairs. Chattering excitedly, the ticket-holders discussed what they wanted to say to Secretary Clinton, during an exchange that would last but a few seconds. One mother instructed her two young daughters, “Just say thank you”.

Hilary Clinton Signs books for fans at Watchung Booksellers September 26, 2017. Image: Adam Anik/Montclair Dispatch
Hilary Clinton Signs books for fans at Watchung Booksellers September 26, 2017. Image: Adam Anik/Montclair Dispatch

And then, around twenty minutes ahead of schedule, Hillary Clinton arrived. After a quick smile and wave, she sat down and greeted the first woman in line: 89-year-old Betty Hall from Titusville.

Each person got a smile, a few words exchanged, a signed book, and a “Thank you so much for coming here”. Montclair showed that it is a town that definitely loves Ms. Clinton. Just being able to meet her brought several people to tears.

Clinton Protester, Watchung Plaza, Montclair, NJ September 26, 2017. Image: Adam Anik/Montclair Dispatch
Clinton Protester, Watchung Plaza, Montclair, NJ September 26, 2017. Image: Adam Anik/Montclair Dispatch

Yes, there was an opposition movement. One man, who attended dressed in a prison uniform, had traveled into town to make a point. And to Montclair’s credit, he was for the most part ignored. There was no ruckus, no large dispute between the protestor and those who had come to support Secretary Clinton. In the end, the voice of the one protester was but a whisper, muffled by the voices of thousand other people chanting, “Hillary”. Montclair proved itself loyal to the former candidate for President and, unlike so many places in America, willing to tolerate someone who had a different point of view.

Editors Note: This article is the very first article ever published by Ms. Grace Melville, a Montclair High School Junior, and member of the High School’s Civics and Government Institute. We are very proud of Ms. Melville and are honored to post her first article.

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