Blair Powell Senior McKesson Analyst
In many circles, the electricity was palpable as the afternoon approached, attendees continued to flood the HCI booth with interest, questions, and information sharing, but many of us were thinking about the keynote speaker for the day, George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States.
Regardless of political affinity, the opportunity to see a former U.S. President is a unique experience. After waiting in a long line, being herded into the Skyline Ballroom, and being subjected to W's favorite, country music, blasting prior to the event, the moment arrived and the man took the stage. Former President Bush was quite entertaining, self-effacing, humble, and candid, about his life, his presidency, and the about the country. His keen wit and humorous anecdotes were revealing and funny. His dialog was off the cuff, unrehearsed, and not scrolling on a nearby teleprompter. Most attendees walked away liking the man a little bit more than when they arrived.
