He's not the president anymore, just a guy who golfs, writes books and does charitable work, and supports his wife's lofty political ambitions. But Bill Clinton, who always had rock star charisma, still can draw a crowd.
Fans of the former president lined up before dawn Thursday for a brief -- very brief -- encounter with the former president at a Coral Gables bookstore.
They got a handshake, an autograph and a heartfelt: ''Bless you,'' or ''Thanks so much for coming,'' or ``So glad to see you.''
Dressed casually in a baby-blue shirt, tan slacks and flashy 1930s-style two-toned shoes, Clinton arrived at Books & Books on Aragon Avenue about 8:15 a.m. ready to work.
Clinton expertly kept the crowd -- and the merchandise -- moving.
He quickly launched an assembly line-style book signing as fans formed a single queue. Everybody underwent frisking by Coral Gables police officers with a metal wand before filing into the store.
Those who waited for a copy of Giving included young and old, men and women, retirees and college students.
There was 8-year-old Dylan Silver from Cooper City who was playing hooky from school. He brought Clinton a note for him to sign to explain his absence to his teacher.
There was a 90-year-old Pompano Beach woman who asked the former president to dance. ''He didn't, but he told me he really does enjoy dancing; I believe him,'' said Sarah Watermolen, who braved the long line with her daughter, Linda Bird.
EXCITED
And baseball fanatic Pedro Cruz, 42, of Miami Springs. He was on top of the world. The Metromover repairman talked Clinton into signing a never-used Major League baseball manufactured in 1999 - when Clinton was still president.
''I had the ball in my pocket and asked him if he would sign it; he said yes!'' an excited Cruz said.
Women of all ages giggled after meeting Clinton, who in some circles remains as popular today as when he occupied the White House.
Dolores Benedict, 49, of Miami, was spending her birthday with the former president.
''I'm a big fan and my husband brought me a voucher for the book. I've told him: `Honey, after you, it's Bill,''' said a beaming Benedict as she walked away with her autographed book and a happy birthday wish from Clinton.
Retiree Albert Duval, 67, a registered Republican from Aventura wanted to talk money with Clinton.
''I came to tell him that during his administration, my 401-K plan doubled and that was not happening now,'' Duval said.
Others were diehard fans. ''He is the greatest president who ever lived,'' gushed John Dudley, 42, of Miami Beach, who waited for an hour for a handshake. Afterward, he was thrilled: ``Worth every minute.''
University of Miami law student Brooke Padgett, 22, has always loved Clinton.''I've been a fan of Bill's since I voted for him in my second-grade presidential election,'' she said.
The well-known also came to see Clinton. Miami-Dade School District Superintendent Rudy Crew walked out of the bookstore with his signed copy of Giving. ''I hope a lot of people read this book and make the world a little better,'' he said.
By 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Clinton had signed around 1,000 books, said store spokeswoman Cristina Nosti. The book sells for $24.95.
Giving details Clinton's philanthropic work since the end of his presidency. It also features a collection of inspirational stories about others who have made a difference by giving.
''My hope is that the people and stories in this book will lift spirits, touch hearts, and demonstrate that citizen activism and service can be a powerful agent of change in the world,'' Clinton writes.
A portion of the book's proceeds will be donated to charities and nonprofits.
The Coral Gables store, where Clinton's 2004 book signing for My Life turned into a madhouse, was his second stop on a national book-signing tour. Clinton is fitting in some fundraising events for his wife.
Wednesday night, Clinton dined with the senator's supporters at the Roasted Pepper restaurant in Pembroke Pines.
After the book signing Thursday, Clinton gave the media the slip and walked to nearby JohnMartin's Irish Pub on Miracle Mile.
HEALTHY LUNCH
What did he order for lunch? A bison burger, french fries, iced tea and coffee, said Martin Lynch, one of the owners of the popular Irish pub.
''That's our healthy burger; no fat,'' Lynch said.
Afterward, Clinton walked around the restaurant greeting patrons. He also posed for pictures with the staff.
''We're gonna frame the photo and put it up on the wall,'' Lynch said.
