Hillary Clinton Goes to Costco, Runs Into Sonia Sotomayor

By Betsy Klein June 14, 2014

(Credit: Betsy Klein/ABC News)

ARLINGTON, Va. - The busiest Costco in America got a little busier this morning when Hillary Clinton stopped by to sign copies of her book, "Hard Choices," outside Washington, D.C.

In a makeshift "room" within the superstore created by pallets of bulk paper towels and water bottles, more than 1,300 people came to the land of the free and the home of the bulk to get a glimpse of Clinton, who signed a Costco-sized stack of books and shook hands for over three hours.

But everyone was surprised when Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor unexpectedly stopped by to say hello during her shopping trip.

"I don't believe this. I'm so glad to see you," Clinton told Sotomayor, who was casually dressed for her shopping trip. The two hugged and Sotomayor praised Clinton's book.

"Wow, I loved yours, too," Clinton said.

Civil rights activist and Georgia Rep. John Lewis also stopped by to greet Clinton.

"Thank you dear," Clinton told the Congressman. "Did you get a book?"

Lewis told reporters he thinks Clinton "should" run in 2016.

Attendees were required to have Costco memberships to meet Clinton and receive a signed book. Costco staff said that the store sold 164 memberships, at $55 each, for the event.

A diverse crowd of men and women, young and old, many clad in "Ready for Hillary" stickers and pins, lined up outside the warehouse for the sixth stop on Clinton's book tour.

The first in line, Fatema Dariani, told ABC News she got in line at 7 p.m. on Friday to see Clinton. Dariani wore a pantsuit for the occasion.

Fifth in line, Frank Colasonti Jr. drove from Detroit to see Clinton.

"I admire her. She's a strong and accomplished leader, and I hope she'll be president," he said.

One enterprising attendee, Bryan Mendiola, handed Clinton his girlfriend's resume.

As the former secretary of state signed copies of "Hard Choices," dozens of people, including former campaign volunteers, told her they hoped she would run in 2016.

"Bless your heart," Clinton responded.

The book tour blitz includes stops in Canada, Massachusetts, Seattle, Los Angeles, Austin, Kansas City, and San Francisco over the coming weeks.