Playing golf with the President

This is a true story.

It was a dark and stormy night.
Really.
I’ve waited years to be able to write that line.

Back in the late 90’s when I was working for Mayor Jeremy Harris, Bill Clinton flew into town.

Thumbs up HawaiiMyself and a camera crew from the city’s Municipal TV came to get a some video for the “Thumbs Up” campaign.

Probably no one remembers it.
It really was a crappy idea that bombed.

But anyway, we joined up with Mayor Harris and President Clinton on the green after the Secret Service gave us a cavity search.

The idea was to give them a countdown and they were supposed to both give a big thumbs up and say, “Thumbs Up Hawaii!”

The whole thing was destined to be public service announcement.

We kept doing take after because the two of them couldn’t get into sync.
Then there were the fits of giggles.

A great time was being had by all and it was priceless video – but useless for the Thumbs Up campaign.

Suddenly the Governor slides up next to them to get in the shot.

Magic happened, pigs started flying and hell froze over as all three got it perfectly.

The only good take out of dozens and the Governor muscled into it.

The Mayor was not pleased.
He didn’t like the Governor.

They now shared the PSA forever.

By now it’s getting dark and President Clinton wants to play more golf.

So off he goes with the Mayor, a few others and dozens of Secret Service guys.

We tagged along for a bit but it’s getting too dark for any TV camera.

So, we pull up a seat on the fairway and watch these guys hitting the ball from the tee in the dark.

There are no lights on this golf course and it’s now pitch black.
Can’t see your hand in front of your face.

The Secret Service is spread out waiting to hear the ball go by and then one runs to where it lands and holds up a cigarette lighter so everyone can see where to go.

When they get there, another agent stands next to the flag and holds up his cigarette lighter to show them where to aim.

golf-ballThis goes on for quite a few holes.

Sadly, no pictures seem to exist of this wonderful day.

So, here’s a picture of a golf ball instead.
You’ll have to imagine the rest.

But it happened and very few knew about it.

Everyone had a grand time except the Mayor.

He was grumpy about the Governor sneaking into his TV thing.

2 thoughts on “Playing golf with the President

  1. the Governor should’ve been identified by name. Believe it or not all of us can’t remember [or care] who was Governor when Bill Clinton was president!

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