The following tale is based on a speech by former President Gerald Ford on being Vice President of the United States.
In 1922, a general alarm fire broke out in the ballroom atop the Willard Hotel in Washington, and firefighters evacuated guests - including then Vice President Calvin Coolidge.
As the time passed, Coolidge grew tired of waiting in the street and decided to return to his hotel room.
As he headed for the stairs, a fireman demanded identification.
"I am the Vice President," Coolidge said.
The fireman asked: "Vice President of what?"
"Vice President of the United States," Coolidge said.
"Then get back here," the fireman said. "I thought you were Vice President of the hotel."
Coolidge, of course, went on the become president of the United States, earning a little more respect.
In 1922, a general alarm fire broke out in the ballroom atop the Willard Hotel in Washington, and firefighters evacuated guests - including then Vice President Calvin Coolidge.
As the time passed, Coolidge grew tired of waiting in the street and decided to return to his hotel room.
As he headed for the stairs, a fireman demanded identification.
"I am the Vice President," Coolidge said.
The fireman asked: "Vice President of what?"
"Vice President of the United States," Coolidge said.
"Then get back here," the fireman said. "I thought you were Vice President of the hotel."
Coolidge, of course, went on the become president of the United States, earning a little more respect.
