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July 29, 2004
Hillary Has Left the Building
After leaving the "free speech zone" at the Fleet Center, I walked over to Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market. A busy place year-round, the market was packed with tourists, delegates and media, particularly MSNBC staff who'd set up a broadcast center for Hardball broadcasts. Faneuil Hall itself was barricaded by a metal fence that went around the entire perimeter, with occasional openings to allow intrepid tourists inside the historic building, the interior of which appeared to be deserted due to either the lack of air conditioning or the rather intimidating police presence. Someone had stuck signs on the barricade saying "Faneuil Hall Welcomes the DNC: Shops Are Open," but the numerous police leaning against the signs didn't feel particularly welcoming.
I walked clockwise around Faneuil Hall, weaving through the crowd and police. On the front entrance of the building I spotted a phalanx of photographers that had camped out just in front of the barricade, cameras in position. Meanwhile, I heard a policeman say into his radio, "Okay, she's coming down."
Intrigued, I took out my camera and waited for no more than 10 seconds. Soon, a Secret Service agent descended a staircase and exited the door. Behind him, Sen. Hillary Clinton appeared, apparently leaving a healthcare policy forum on the second floor of the building.
Hillary exits Faneuil Hall
Suddenly, a crowd of tourists surged forward, jamming their video cameras into the backs of the professional media that had gathered up front. Hillary waved to the crowd and shook hands with several people. More Secret Service agents appeared, escorting her through the crowd to a black SUV. Before entering the SUV, she paused to shake hands with more well-wishers, even posing in a picture with one of them.
Through the Looking Glass: Hillary inside her SUV
Once inside the SUV, the police cleared away the tourists so she could depart, and within a matter of seconds she was on her way.... -andy
Posted by acarvin at July 29, 2004 2:40 PM
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