Congressman Reflects on Last Moments with JFK, 60 Years On

TL/DR –

The article shares anecdotes from Roger Williams’ personal encounters with various U.S. presidents, from Gerald Ford to Joe Biden. Williams has also interacted with political figures in Texas, including both George H.W. Bush and his son George W. Bush, and even survived a politically motivated shooting in 2017. Finally, the article notes that Williams claims to have shaken the hand of every president since Harry Truman, a feat he believes is rare among individuals.

Williams’ Encounters with US Presidents

Williams stated that the only job he would prefer over the US presidency is being baseball commissioner. He also hinted at playing baseball with Aaron, saying it’s an entirely different tale.

In a charity golf tournament in Sun Valley, Idaho, organized by baseball Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew, Williams teed off with former President Gerald Ford. According to Williams, Ford’s golf swing was quite off.

During a shirtless jog on the TCU campus, Williams unexpectedly shook hands with President Jimmy Carter at the school chapel. He also met Ronald Reagan during a 1976 campaign stop in Fort Worth, where Williams’ father gifted Reagan a jackalope taxidermy.

Through Texas political circles, Williams formed acquaintances with both George H.W. Bush and his son George W. Bush. He spent leisure time with the Bush family at their Kennebunkport, Maine summer compound and had the privilege to board Air Force One with W.

Williams met President Bill Clinton at a small business event in downtown Fort Worth, years after inheriting his father’s auto dealership. Currently, Williams heads the House Small Business Committee.

After his election to Congress, Williams met President Barack Obama in a 2013 meeting with House Republicans. He has various photos with President Donald Trump and has met President Joe Biden during the 2021 Congressional Baseball Game.

As the GOP team manager, Williams survived a politically motivated shooting in 2017 when a gunman targeted Republican lawmakers during a baseball practice in Alexandria, Virginia.

“Having shaken hands with every president since Harry Truman,” Williams said, “it’s rare to find many people who can say the same.”

Note: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated Rep. Roger Williams’ age. He is 74, not 73.

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