I had the amazing opportunity (along with Chris & Simon) to meet Senator Barack Obama.
If you don't follow national politics, or live outside the country, or are wondering who in the heck this man is - he is a candidate for President of the United States (right now he is running in a primary election against a field of other Democratic candidates including Senator Hillary Clinton and Senator John Edwards.) The winner of the primary election will face the Republican candidate in the general election next November (2008).
We had been planning to attend Senator Obama's appearance at the Portland Convention Center ever since we heard he was coming. Yesterday, as Simon and I were driving up to Portland, Chris found out that we would have the chance to attend a pre-event gathering with a possibility of meeting the Senator. Beyond excited was how I felt.
I have been following Senator Obama since he announced his candidacy: I listened to his book (Audacity of Hope), watched the debates, listened to his podcasts, read articles about him + his stance on issues, etc. The bottom line: he inspires me.
And the coolest thing? I got to tell him that in person.
When we arrived at the Convention Center we were able to go to a small room where about 40 or so people were waiting to have the chance to meet the Senator. He entered through a back door (we happened to be standing near that door - Simon was hanging out in his stroller watching a video), said hello to the group and then proceeded to walk around the room and chat with each person who wanted to shake his hand, give him a hug, and take a photo. I hugged him of course.
He was gracious. He laughed and smiled sincerely. He joked with Chris and a couple of the other young legislators. He is good at connecting one on one. And he is good in a crowd.
After being in the small room we went out to the hall where over 4000 people were there to listen to him speak about why he is running, what he hopes to accomplish, what is important to him. "This country was not built on the philosophy that you are on your own," he said. "It was built on the philosophy that we're all in this together."
Hoping to have the opportunity to hear the other candidates "live" as well before the primary. I love being able to put the real-life human element into the equation in addition to all the policy issues.
