Have You Met The President Or Vice President?

Regardless of political beliefs or affiliation, it's always an honor to get to meet or talk to the President of the United States. 

Sarasota has been a popular spot for presidents, vice presidents, First Ladies and of course, those looking to become president one day.

There's a good chance, if you live in Sarasota, you've had the chance to see or shake hands with a former or current president or vice president. 

In recent history, Sarasota residents had the chance to meet Bill Clinton in 2009, President Barack Obama, before he was president during a campaign stop in 2008, Dick Cheney in 2006, George W. Bush in 2000 and 2001, Al Gore in 2000 and 1996, Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter all visited in 1976,  and Carter returned to sign books in 2003, according to Sarasota Herald-Tribune archives. Plus George H.W. Bush visited Bradenton in 1991. And even Dan Quayle when he was running for president in 1992, stopped in Sarasota.

Depending how the election turns out, Sarasota may be able to add Gov. Mitt Romney to that growing list.

Then there's retirees who have called Sarasota home like Jim Everett, 64.

Everett grew up in Kansas City, and won't ever forget the hand he shook as a little boy. 

"I met Harry Truman when I was a little boy," Everett told Patch while he waited in line to get tickets to see Biden. "In Kansas City I was walking out of the store with my grandfather … and Harry Truman was there, and my grandfather immediately recognized him and introduced himself and introduced me, and I was just a little boy back in the '50s."

Have you ever met a president or vice president of the United States? What was the encounter like? Tell us in the comments