"My name is Jim, Mr. President. It is an honor to meet you." We stood close, arms around each others waists, and smiled for the official photographer. There was a flash of light.
"Thank you for your support and your hard work" he said.
"It is my pleasure, sir." And, then it was over. It couldn't have taken more than 30 seconds. I had just met President Obama. He is the person I have been working hard to get re-elected. Countless phone calls, letters to the editor, weekly OFA team meetings, 1-on-1 meetings, conversations with friends, and efforts to recruit volunteers. I finally got to meet the man. And, it was over in a flash. I wish I could sit and talk with him over a beer or two.
This was the realization of a dream. I am thrilled to death. I read in a news story last week that he might stop in Iowa City today. I sent the news clip to my regional OFA coordinator. He knew. By the weekend, it was confirmed. Matt, my regional guy, called me and said "I have a ticket for you to meet the President next week. What's your social security number?"
That's when it really struck me. Something special was in the works for me. Join me below the squiggle for some photos and commentary about today's visit.
Matt called again yesterday to tell me I needed to meet him at 11 AM at the Press Door. I had helped two years ago at a similar Presidential visit. That time, I assisted persons with disabilities as they entered that same door. It had an elevator nearby. I drove to a parking garage near the campus of the University of Iowa and walked to the building. As I neared the building and the door, I saw press vehicles all over.
Matt was going to be outside the door to meet me and some others in the Meet and Greet group. I was a little early. I looked around to see rows of photographic equipment and cases lined up on the sidewalk. A canine officer had just finished letting the dog give them all a thorough smell test. Small groups of press were allowed to enter and go through the metal detectors and security check. There were officers and secret service all over the place.
Once all of our group arrived, Matt checked our names off his list. A White House staffer brought us to the security door and we went through our clearance. We went up stairs just outside the venue and stopped. He said that we should use the restrooms now. Later would be much harder to arrange. We had about three hours before we could use them again. As I waited, I turned and got this shot of the flag just above the stage. The UI band was playing some rousing songs. People were already filling the standing room only venue. My group was headed for a room behind the stage that was set up for our meeting with the President.
By now it was about 11:30. The speech was at 1:00. The President was already here participating in a forum with students and staff on the subject of student loans and aid. This was to be the topic of his speech. I had heard parts of it on the Rachel Maddow show that he delivered in NC and CO. I expected to hear those parts again.
Our group consisted of nearly 25 people who were to meet the President and have their picture taken. Some were volunteers like me. Some were county Democratic party officials. There were two state representatives. There were three children. Just before 1:00 PM, we were asked by the staffer to get in a row around the room. We were told to put our cameras in our pockets and not to take pictures. The official photo would be mailed to each of us. I was disappointed to not have a picture immediately. Oh well.
The President came into the room. We all applauded for him. He went directly to the prepared blue curtain with the two flags. The first person in our group stepped up. He asked for their name. They turned for the camera. He said thanks and the next person came up. This was an assembly line. When we were finished, we were directed out the door and around the corner to a space to the side of the stage where we waited for the President to come out.
A few minutes later he was introduced by a student leader. The President came by us on his way to the podium as the crowd cheered loudly.
He delivered his speech of about 40 min. I did hear a lot of the same things from the Maddow show and was amused. Most of the crowd had not. They were quite enthusiastic. Sometimes he was telling about personal stories of the cost of education. The crowd empathized with those.
The crowd was comprised mostly of college students. But, scattered around were also many parents who had brought a son or daughter. I was struck by this pair a few feet from me. The boy was paying close attention the whole time. Also among the crowd were many like me and older. I am 65. We were as enthusiastic as anyone in the crowd.
The President ended his speech on a high note. The crowd was cheering while the band played. He headed down to the front of the stage to do some hand shaking along the barrier. He was headed back in our direction. As he neared, I got a couple of final pictures of him greeting the supporters. Of course, the agents were sharp eyed and watching carefully. Did I mention before how they were all over the place?
This was a banner day for me. I hope you enjoyed seeing some of the behind the scenes views of this presidential visit. It was exciting to be there. And, it re-affirms my commitment to get Barack Obama re-elected this fall. I hope you will also do your part in what ever ways you feel you can. The alternative to his re-election is not something I want to consider.