My first attempt at a diary -
I feel compelled to share what I witnessed with all those who are jaded and cynical about our politicians. I too have felt like this- wondering what are these people who are begging for our vote truly like when the cameras are not rolling, when the crowds are not gathered, when the necessity of being "on" is not needed. I have been lucky enough to see the human side of one of our candidates –
This past March Barack Obama held a town hall meeting in Austin, Texas - His speech was eloquent, his words powerful, and his demeanor competent. After the speech he held a question and answer period where people asked some difficult questions and some that addressed issues I hadn’t thought of. It was a good group.
After it was over people wanting to shake his hand, take their picture or just have a moment of his time, bombarded Barack. He made himself available to everyone there. But, you know, that’s politics and that’s part of the playbook, kiss the babies, smile for pictures, appeal to the voters. It was after the crowds had moved back and were leaving that I saw what kind of man, this person who is running for President truly is.
Barack was talking to a small group when he walked over to a child who was standing alone. He spoke to the child for a moment and then took his hand and walked onto the podium. He motioned at the microphone and then said loudly, "Can someone please turn the mike on?" The few that were still there (maybe 150 or so) turned to see what Mr. Obama had to say. It was simply, "Ralph and Amy, I have your son with me. He seems to be lost. Ralph and Amy." The parents gratefully came running up to the podium and took their son into their arms, with hugs of relief only parents can give.
What struck me in that very moment, in this small gesture, was that I was seeing into the heart of the man who could be (will be) President. This man, Barack Obama, is a man who lives the words he speaks. It had never crossed his mind that he had a multitude of people who he could call on to take care of the missing child. There was never a thought to simply ignore the child and continue on his way because it was not his problem. It didn’t even make a great photo op, as the cameras had already been packed up. This was simply a human being who cared about another human being and wanted to help.
I believe actions speak louder than words, it is nice to finally see, a politician whose actions match his words.