© Lucy Nicholson / Reuters
At the conclusion of Hillary Clinton's nomination acceptance speech on the final night of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, the tradition lived on. Untold numbers of balloons drifted to the floor, where ecstatic Democrats volleyed the symbols of joy in celebration of the historic moment. Thousands were clearly overjoyed, but former President Bill Clinton was rhapsodic.
Video, photos, and GIFs of the 42nd commander-in-chief quickly made the rounds online, but one clip stood out above all. Somewhere in the backstage area, along with Hillary, Huma Abedin, and other staffers and supporters, Bill Clinton carried off his prized balloon - a blue one covered in stars. A little girl in a matching patriotic dress took notice and, assuming that Bill was handing it to her, attempted to take the balloon. The 69-year-old man from Hope, Arkansas yanked it back immediately, leaving the girl with a look of, "Well then."
The internet bowled over in laughter at the sight. How Bill Clinton loves balloons! Some even speculated on what he must have said to the child, from "it's mine, all mine" to "No little girl, it's MY balloon!" while others simply blamed the young 'un for daring to touch Bill's balloon.
However, Bill Clinton had a good reason for his lack of generosity, an aide has been telling news outlets. The former president was saving the inflated sphere for his granddaughter, Charlotte Clinton Mezvinsky, who will turn two years old this September.
Comment: That doesn't excuse being a jerk.
Tamara Keith of NPR, citing a Clinton aide, tweeted, "the former president gave the big balloon to Granddaughter Charlotte this morning." NBC News soon reported the same thing.
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