A Cartoonist at the Inauguration: A Brush with Presidential history
The 1993 Presidential Inauguration in Washington D.C. presented a unique set of challenges – adn opportunities. Imagine arriving at the parade route only to find…no chairs. You were faced with a choice: brave the icy wind while standing,or seek refuge and watch the historic event unfold on television within the overseas Press Club.
It was a whirlwind of activity, a moment etched in time. That evening, the energy continued at a grand gala held in a Capitol Hill armory, brimming with formally dressed guests from across New York State. The room buzzed with conversation, music, and the excitement of a new governance.
We enjoyed the festivities – the food, the dancing, and the anticipation of meeting the President and first Lady. Eventually, the line began to move, inching us closer to the new leaders of the nation.
As I finally stood before President Clinton, amidst the roaring crowd, I seized the moment. “Congratulations President Clinton! Mort Gerberg here! Have you hung up my cartoon yet?” I shouted, hoping to be heard above the din.
The noise was overwhelming, and the Secret Service was subtly, but firmly, guiding the line forward. Unfortunately, I couldn’t discern a response. It was a fleeting encounter, a rapid exchange in a sea of faces.
However,the story doesn’t end there. A few months later, a surprising note arrived from President Clinton himself. it wasn’t a direct answer to my question, but rather an invitation – a playful nudge to continue the correspondence, albeit in a slightly more formal manner.
This experience underscored a captivating truth about the intersection of art, politics, and a cartoonist’s persistence. You might find yourself in unexpected situations, even at the highest levels of government, simply by pursuing your passion and not being afraid to ask the question.
It’s a reminder that even a seemingly small gesture – a cartoon,a shouted question – can resonate and lead to unexpected connections. Ultimately, it’s about seizing the moment and embracing the unique opportunities life presents.
