Whether you vote democrat or republican, you must admit that being able to meet a presidential contender in the final stages of the race for the White House is cool. Even cooler for me personally, was meeting a candidate I wasn't sure about, and leaving the experience with all the confidence in the world that he would be a strong and amazing leader for our country.Molly, my 8-year old, is in pigtails in the back - sitting on my shoulders. Her older sister is standing in front of her, grinning ear to ear.
I had the wonderful opportunity a few days ago - because my sister works for his campaign - to meet Senator Obama in a small setting with 80 other folks in NH. Better yet, the venue afforded frank and candid interaction with this group of adults and children. Immediately, I was at ease and realized why he is where he is - and was go grateful that we've got him working for us all.
Because the meeting was not televised, he was able to answer a handful of questions with total candor - and full explanation about his plans for addressing the issues. He'd thought the issues through and had timelines, budget figures and other details to share for Iraq withdrawal, global warming and education; my personal three biggies. Several of the details he offered hadn't yet surfaced in televised speeches, at least that I'm aware of, I suspect largely because Americans have demonstrated (as with criticism that Kerry was speaking down to the country when he shared specifics) that Americans' widespread A.D.D. makes detailed explanations a liability.
Because the meeting was not televised, he was able to answer a handful of questions with total candor - and full explanation about his plans for addressing the issues. He'd thought the issues through and had timelines, budget figures and other details to share for Iraq withdrawal, global warming and education; my personal three biggies. Several of the details he offered hadn't yet surfaced in televised speeches, at least that I'm aware of, I suspect largely because Americans have demonstrated (as with criticism that Kerry was speaking down to the country when he shared specifics) that Americans' widespread A.D.D. makes detailed explanations a liability.
Throughout the hour, Obama was "grounded" and paternal. He stopped mid sentence to give a sneezing preschooler a tissue, and commented about how patient my 3-year old was being on my lap (we'd been waiting for a few hours before he arrived, and he was quite apologetic). When a choked up mother of two soldiers asked about limiting tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, he paused so that she could compose herself and then offered "the good news" and several plans.
Senator Obama is, in fact, highly intelligent and energetic - characteristics the U.S. desperately needs to regain respect internationally and effectively address the complicated economic and social issues we face today and tomorrow. He's also approachable, gracious, humble, and pretty humorous. What a once-in-a -lifetime experience for me and my children . . .
Senator Obama is, in fact, highly intelligent and energetic - characteristics the U.S. desperately needs to regain respect internationally and effectively address the complicated economic and social issues we face today and tomorrow. He's also approachable, gracious, humble, and pretty humorous. What a once-in-a -lifetime experience for me and my children . . .
No comments:
Post a Comment