If you could have an hour with Barack Obama, with the proviso it was all off the record (I did)....

[DFW]

You'd probably do what I'm doing right now--gnash my teeth, shut up, and post a few photos!

[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. My dear DFW!

These are wonderful! You lucky dog, you...

Shaking hands with President Obama...it doesn't get any better than that.

Oh, to have been a fly on the wall...

Thanks for sharing them!

[kestrel91316]

2. OMG, how did you manage THAT???

[DFW]

13. DNC/Democrats Abroad connections, mostly

I got the invite only a few days before. It was very limited, and I think someone else probably canceled at the last minute. I was on vacation with my wife in the States, and only after getting her blessing did I say OK. Obviously, I wanted to do it, but I didn't drag my wife all the way to the USA just to have her vegetate alone on the outer tip of Cape Cod without me. But she made plans with an American girlfriend to take an all-day hike and said it was OK with her if I went down to Washington for the day. I went online and searched frantically for flights to DC via Boston. Boston to Washington wasn't the problem, but the planes from Provincetown to Boston only have seven seats, and weekend flights fill up quickly. I found one though, and emailed back to DC that I was in.

[LiberalLoner]

3. Wow! Thank you for sharing these!

Was he as wonderful and warm and charismatic in person as he appears to be from TV and photos?

[DFW]

8. Hmmm, I think I'm allowed to answer that one.

Yes, he was!! And he was a focused as could be on an impossibly wide range of issues, domestic and world.

[progressivebydesign]

4. Did you really? Oh so jealous!!! :) more details please! n/t

[DFW]

18. Details are the one thing we promised NOT to talk about, but:

We touched upon (partial list) the budget deficit, taxes, the Hispanic community, the upcoming campaign, foreign policy, world hotspots, and a LOT about health care and insurance reform.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

48. You're so lucky! Did you discuss voter suppression at all?

[DFW]

53. Absolutely!

No details, but the subject was in no way ignored.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

55. That makes me feel so much better! Congratulations on meeting our President!! :)

[Scuba]

80. Good to hear. Congrats on your meeting.

[ailsagirl]

87. I'm very glad because I think that's our only obstacle

That, and "adjusting" the precinct totals. I well remember in 2004 when the exit polls were trending for Kerry and, suddenly, they flipped. I want none of that. (Perhaps I'm being unrealistic but I am hopeful that even if the numbers are tampered with, that the votes for Obama will be overwhelming and it won't matter.)

I lived in Tubingen, Germany for a year-- it's beautiful there and the people are so kind.

noch einen schönen Tag

[DFW]

100. There are other obstacles

Barack Obama's "proud of their ignorance" remark of a few years ago applies to many American voters.

Huge numbers of otherwise rational people get their news from Fox and National Hate Radio, and actually believe what they hear. The billion dollar Republican media advertising (including the huge freebie of Fox) is a huge threat--not an insurmountable one, but not one to ignore either. So many Republicans voters ARE proud of their ignorance.

[ailsagirl]

112. I hope that all those obstacles are not insurmountable

The President is extremely popular. He's got the women's vote. He's got the Latino vote. When he appears at rallies, the crowds go wild. When Nitt appears anywhere, his audience looks like so many dummies (as in mannequins) with expressionless faces and dutiful applause. Not much excitement from what I can see.

I hate to think we have 80+ days to get through. It's nerve-wracking, for sure. I have to do all I can and keep the faith. So much is riding on this election.

Thanks for your thoughts.

mary

[DFW]

125. One thing that burns me up

If the election were held today, this discussion would be over, and he could have McConnell over to say, "OK, your number one goal has failed. Are you ready to get to work, or do you think you're gonna drag this grudge fight out another four years?"

[progressivebydesign]

67. Thanks. Love the photos.. you look like a kind man - I'm sure the Prez enjoyed meeting u! n/t

[DFW]

71. I'm from the South

Most people where I come from don't think I'm kind, just insane!

[bleever]

5. Okay, just blink once if you were disappointed, and twice if you weren't.

Morse code will work too.

(Congrats!)

[DFW]

10. I WAS disappointed.

I would have preferred TWO hours!

[bleever]

28. !

[csziggy]

51. Don't be greedy!

I'm so jealous of your opportunity.

Do the rest of us DUers gain charisma from you having met President Obama?

[DFW]

54. Of course

I have no charisma of my own, so it must have passed on to the rest of you.

[BlueJazz]

6. Very Cool DFW. You represent us well.

[Denninmi]

7. That is beyond awesome.

I can't add another word.

[Martin Eden]

9. In what capacity did you gain audience with the president?

Sorry that I don't already know you better

[DFW]

11. This was a small gathering of Democrats abroad.

I was invited by e-mail, and the DNC was involved (full disclosure: Andy Tobias and Howard Dean are personal friends).

[ljm2002]

12. Very cool, great pics, and...

...I'm dying of envy!

Not really dying of envy but there is more than a twinge, that's for sure.

Glad you were able to do that!

[DFW]

16. I'll tell you one of the things that most encouraged me

He was calm and totally aware--not just on issues where he thought we were making progress, but also on issues where he foresaw rough going. This was not a session of platitudes, but of give and take. He listened as much as he talked.

[Tx4obama]

14. How wonderful. I am very happy you had the opportunity for that experience :) n/t

[DFW]

17. Thanks! Me too!

I've met him a couple of times before, but briefly, and before he was Mr. President.

[Tx4obama]

19. I had a ticket for one of the 2008 Obama rallies here in Houston

but I was ill that day & couldn't go

[DFW]

23. Bummer!! n/t

[graywarrior]

15. Spectacular!

[steve2470]

20. This is really wonderful for you and thank you so much for the pics !

Are you allowed to say if he put you at ease quickly ? I know I would have been pretty nervous.

[DFW]

22. I was at ease, yes

But don't forget, we had met before.

I don't know if he really remembered me, but I was asked to send a brief bio and a photo on ahead a few days before. He must have studied them, too, because he greeted me by name the second he walked into the room (I was the first one next to the door).

[renate]

129. that. is. AMAZING!

What a wonderful personal touch! OMG, to be greeted by name by the POTUS... that must have felt awesome!

[mzmolly]

21. Amazing!

[RobertEarl]

24. Far out, man!

You did mention us here at DU, right? Of course you did, you don't have to go into details....

So what does he think of us typsters?

[DFW]

26. Well, please don't deactivate me

But, no, I didn't get to DU. He is aware of the blogosphere, but I would have felt awkward trying to plug one single blog when he wanted to discuss health care reform in the context of a global economy. If I had had TWO hours maybe......

[Major Hogwash]

25. Wow.

Those are great pictures.

[DFW]

27. They had their own photog there

I had brought my little Sony digital camera, but was not allowed to take it out of the case. No cellphones were permitted either, so no one could secretly record what was said (talk about thorough!).

That is why I had to wait to post about this. I didn't get the photos from Washington until yesterday in the mail.

[annabanana]

29. You don't have to say a thing. It's enough to know a DUer with your sensibilities

was in the room with him. I know you represented us well.

[DFW]

58. I made every effort

Not just as a DUer, of course, but as a true believer in our principles.

[ailsagirl]

30. WOW!!

I'm so jealous!! And so very impressed.

Thanks for posting!!!

[handmade34]

31. oh!!!!

so wonderful for you... so cool! I met Michelle Obama (not alone and only for a few minutes) and I was blown away... thank you for posting

[DFW]

72. I only met her briefly at the Denver convention in 2008

But I was no less blown away by her than you were

[ailsagirl]

32. KICK

[TuxedoKat]

33. Wow! Lucky you!

Thanks for sharing your photos and experience!

[awoke_in_2003]

34. I would casually say...

"I hear you brew beer" and hope like hell he would give me one or twelve

[Elmer S. E. Dump]

131. I'm ashamed that I could see myself saying that too.

I'd love to see the labels and bottle caps with the presidential seal!

[Lone_Star_Dem]

35. I've always found your posts eloquent and insightful. Now I know why...

You are in with those who move and shake our political world. I knew you were too bright to be faking it.

Beyond that, I'm so jealous I'm green from my head to my toes.

Could we maybe play a guessing game as to how the discussion went? Some Internet charades, perhaps?

Those are wonderful pictures. I'm sure they're destined for a place of honor on your wall. Enjoy them. I know I would!

[DFW]

52. You humble me

I get dissed on occasion for some of my posts. Your sentiment is not universally shared, so thanks!

The photos will indeed occupy a place of honor on my wall. They will be in good company. I have photos that go back a generation or two, including one made out to my grandfather, inscribed, "To (my grandfather's name) from his friend, Franklin Roosevelt." I also have one from March, 1963, that my father arranged for me to get on my eleventh birthday. Pierre Salinger lived close to us, and so my father secretly had Salinger get John F. Kennedy to inscribe a photo of himself to me, saying, "To (my name), with best wishes, John Kennedy." One of my coolest birthday presents ever.

I took some notes. Ask me again after the (re-) election!

[Nostradammit]

78. You are one of my favorite DUers ever, DFW

Thanks for posting these - it is comforting to believe we actually have a decent person in the Oval Office. I don't always understand his decisions but he does strike me as a decent person. Thanks for reinforcing that belief.

[DFW]

119. He IS a decent person. You're absolutely right.

I never met W, but we graduated from the same high school. I hated it there (they keep promising me it's different now). If the majority of my classmates were any indication, W is NOT a decent person. Maybe he never had a chance. He, his dad, and Romney all came from wealth and privilege. Obama and Clinton came from humble, difficult backgrounds. They know what it means to be out there in the real world. Romney and the Bushes never will.

[valerief]

36. You look great. You don't look the least bit like an airport.

What a great opportunity.

[DFW]

49. After 3 weeks of Cape Cod restaurants

I looked and felt like an airport!

Time to get back to eating sensibly until Thanksgiving!

[Whisp]

37. can you scan your right palm hand and post it.

The hand that shook. I would like a print out.

I'm series!



congrats

[DFW]

59. LOL!!

No, and don't even start about a DNA sample.........

[Whisp]

61. you can put a mitt on so I can't

unsharp mask in p shop and get your fingerprints.

[avebury]

38. Did you get a chance to meet Michelle Obama (or Bo)?

I have to admit that if I had the chance to meet President and it had to be off the records I would be asking if there was any chance that I could meet Bo. LOL!

[DFW]

41. I met Michelle at the Denver Convention in 2008

It was on the last night, so although there were a few other DUers there, I flew out early the next morning, and didn't get a chance to ask them if they had met her, too.

This meeting took place on July27th, and I think Michelle was either in London or on her way there.

[handmade34]

73. avebury: I remarked upthread

that I had met Michelle Obama... it was this past spring at the White House and... and... Bo was with her... I gotta tell you that I patted him and he was so incredibly soft and cuddly... I really wanted to get down on my hands and knees and just bury my face in his fur but I tried to remain composed; not easy

[TBF]

39. Way to represent! nt

[dsteve01]

40. Replying to your post

means that I'm one conversation away from Obama.

Wow!

But yeah, did you notice anything else? I mean, we hear all these generic stories from generic reporters, but none of the cool small stuff. Like, you know . . . Stuff?

Good for you!

[DFW]

44. Hard to figure out what you mean there

There's ALWAYS small stuff. Just before time was up, the woman next to me asked if he would autograph some paper she had. He did. I said, "Hey, if you're going to do that, would you autograph one for me, too?" He did, and turned to the woman next to me and said, "see what you started?" The third photo is him signing my little piece of paper.

[dsteve01]

65. Cool cool!

Good enough!

[hootinholler]

42. Hmmm, his replies were off the record...

But are the viewpoints and opinions you shared with him also off the record?

I would love a synopsis.

P.S. love and respect to Helen when you next see her.

[DFW]

47. Your post is very timely

Last edited Thu Aug 16, 2012, 12:13 AM - Edit history (1)

I called Helen this afternoon, since I am off to Washington on Saturday and will see her in a few days.

I don't think it would be a violation of trust if I told you this: when on the subject of health care costs in the USA, I mentioned that I had had two 3-day hospitalizations with operations in 2011, one in Germany, and one in Dallas. The one in Germany cost about $10,000 and the one in Dallas "cost" $35,000, but "discounted" to $26,500 for the insurance company (explain me that one). I assured him the care I got in Dallas was not 3 times better than the care I got in Germany. He made a note, and I got a follow-up email from one of his staff about what I had said.

Other than the subjects I mentioned in an earlier reply I'm not going to elaborate. It's not that I'm trying to be ultra-cool or mysterious, but Republicans DO troll sites like ours, and I don't want to inadvertently give them inspiration for Rolls-Ryan's next Koch-funded TV hate ad.

[unc70]

57. Good work. And glad to here about Helen, too.

We've had a number of good discussions over the years. So glad you were able to provide you perspectives.

Always glad for an update regarding Helen. Please convey our collective regards.

[DFW]

62. I will do that!

At 92 (I can't believe it, but she really is 92 now), she is seriously slowing down, and she doesn't hear as well as she did, but we never miss getting together when I'm in DC, and this time will be no different. Sometimes I used to try to bring some other friends to dinner with Helen, but I think from here on in, it will just be family.

Two years ago, we had a foursome with Helen, my brother, me and Howard Dean. Before that, we WERE scheduled to have dinner with Gabby Giffords, who is also a friend from several years back. Gabby had to cancel out at the last minute for a late floor vote in the House, and we had tentatively rescheduled for Jan. 14, 2011.

You never know what you've got til it's gone, right?

[unc70]

74. So right.

We are reaching that point in life where it really comes home how precious each person and each day really is. My own mom made it to 92, but my father died 45 years ago. It's good Helen has friends like you and your brother, and that you have friends like Helen and now the President.

Thanks again for posting.

[prairierose]

70. I was about to ask if you called Helen while you were there....

please give her our love and good thoughts when you do see her.

And about going to the WH to meet the Prez....waaaay kewl.

[hootinholler]

104. I was typing the reply before reading the thread ;)

How rude of me.

I still don't understand the ground he gave early in the insurance fight. I hope that fight is not over, we need health care not care insurance. I'm afraid that it might take an amendment to accomplish it.

I agree with your last.

[DFW]

111. Health care for all American citizens is still a goal

One way or another. I doubt we'll get a constitutional amendment, but maybe one won't be necessary, though how do you get by Mitch McConnell? He doesn't care in the slightest who dies and who doesn't. He is the anti-Grayson.

[hootinholler]

122. You get by him with an election?

I know

But really the average american needs to be told to vote for someone who will actually do reasonable things and reach for compromise. I'm sure his speech writers can make the case more eloquently but you get the gist.

[DFW]

123. I'm sure he drives his speechwriters nuts

I think he revises and edits himself right up until the last minute.

[joshcryer]

43. In that last picture is that him signing the SS and Medicare cuts?

[Raine1967]

45. This is the VERY VERY best!

I hope SKinner and Earl make these the pic of the moment!

[DFW]

64. I did give Skinner a heads-up

But he and EarlG have their own fish to fry. They run this place. I just pop in from time to time.

[nvme]

46. You LUCKY dog.

I have dying to meet him since I saw him back in August 2007 when he was speaking in dade county auditorium. I really enjoyed his oratory. I imagine him to be a very smart individual. His need to create a consensus can be infuriating especially when he cedes ground to the opposition. I just feel the Ben Nelson's and Liebermans are scumbags that cost us the 2010 elections. they force too much comprimise on ACA and our party paid the price because of them. NO the COUNTRY paid the price for their self-serving bs. Lieberman should have been thrown to the street after 2000

[jerseyjack]

50. I have no desire to meet him. He wasted the potential of his presidency.

Yes, I will vote for him because of the alternative. Contribute? Not one thin dime.

[DFW]

56. I won't seek to change the way you feel

Let's just say that if you have no desire to meet him, we both got what we desired.

DC is not the France of Louis XIV. Presidents don't get their way, and it is always easier to destroy than to rebuild. I don't think even he realized, in the beginning, to what extent that is true in Washington, but I promise you he knows it only too well now.

[pnwmom]

75. You must be one of those who think Presidents have dictatorial powers

and that he once had a 60 vote majority in the Senate. He never did, because Joe Lieberman was an Independent when we had the most Democratic Senators. But don't let the facts stand in your way.

[ailsagirl]

86. Good response

[yodermon]

60. did you put in a plug for DU???

Ok u don't have to answer

[DFW]

63. See post #26 n/t

[importDavid]

66. I got to shake Barack's hand back in 2008

Barack Obama had a speaking engagement at the Music Hall in downtown Kansas City on January 29th, 2008.

I took the afternoon off work, got my ticket and waited inside... the place was packed... so packed in fact that I didn't get inside.

A lot of the overflow crowd left disappointed but about a hundred waited on the Barney-Allis plaza across the street for the possible opportunity for him to come and briefly talk to us when he was done inside.

Two hours passed and true to form he came out, talked to us and being in the front row got to see him face-to-face and shake his hand.

I will never forget that night...

It had extra emotional meaning to me since my mother had passed away six days earlier - I would have loved to tell her.

Miss ya mom.

[ailsagirl]

68. Lucky you

And I'm sorry about your Mom.

[DFW]

69. I lost both my parents way too early, too

I know what you mean.

[pnwmom]

76. How fun! Good for you! n/t

[Hissyspit]

77. Hey, DFW

[DFW]

79. Hey there Hissyspit!

Are you going to do a repeat performance at Charlotte this year? It's way too late for me, I have to be back overseas before the end of this month. For you, it's practically in your back yard this time!

[Hissyspit]

94. It is in my backyard.

Last edited Thu Aug 16, 2012, 08:40 PM - Edit history (1)

But I never heard back about credentials. I could volunteer and get creds, but I have really tight teaching schedule, so...

[DFW]

98. Yeah, I hear you on that

I got a dozen invitations to attend, but I'd have to run back to North America and then back to Europe again. My body clock would be somewhere in Bhutan. Like you, I do still have my day job.

[progressoid]

81. Too cool.

Way to go DFW!

[no_hypocrisy]

82. Did you invite him to join DU?

[GreenPartyVoter]

91. yes! That is the real question. And was the invitation also extended to Mrs. Obama?

[DFW]

106. Will you excommunicate me if I admit I didn't?

I did tell Howard about DU long ago, and Alan Grayson has joined, as we all know. Helen has known about it for years, too, but when you have a very limited time with a sitting president, that's not the first thing that comes to mind.

Let's ALL hope Obama is too busy for the next 4 years to play on DU, because if he has time for that, it probably means that Willard is sitting where Obama ought to be, doing whatever co-presidents Adelson and Koch tell him to, and this country will not be such a nice place if that happens.

[GreenPartyVoter]

108. Naw. It's ok! You can just tell them next time. :^)

[DFW]

109. OK, thanks!

I'll be running back up to Washington on Saturday for a few days before heading back overseas next week. If they invite me again before I leave, I'll make sure to badger him about it, OK?

[GreenPartyVoter]

110. Sounds good! :^)

[CoffeeCat]

83. I talked with Obama on the phone...

...during the 08 Presidential campaign. I was one of many people he called as part of his campaigning. I had the privilege of speaking with him for about 15 minutes. I thought he was very generous with his time. He was incredibly personable, kind and knowledgeable on the phone. He asked me what my issues were and we had a nice discussion. I can imagine what an hour in person was like!

Funny detail--while we were talking his phone died and he had to call me back!

I'm sure the hour flew. You must look back and think, "Did that really happen?" Wow, what an epic experience that you will never forget! You can't give us details, and I'm sure it's difficult not to share. I would be calling the others who shared this experience---just to process all of my excitement.

Great pictures!! I hope you heard some interesting things from him--and I also hope that you also got to say what you wanted and ask questions that were important to you.

[Sheepshank]

84. I am envious too. But in a good way

.......is there such a thing? lol

I live in Utah and frankly the uphill climb in being even noticed by Obama, on a personal level seems so unattainable.

What grand memories you are creating with someone so influencial and important!

[HopeHoops]

85. I'd take him down to one of my favorite watering holes and buy him a few beers.

One in particular has over 40 craft beers on tap!!! He might like that.

[Progressive dog]

88. I'm envious too. nt

[Ikonoklast]

89. I am now officially jealous.

How great is that!

Four More Years.

[DFW]

99. He would win handily if the election were held today

Last edited Sun Aug 19, 2012, 10:22 AM - Edit history (1)

For that matter, I think he'll win it handily in November, too.

Like 2000, I'm not worried about us winning the election. It's the counting we have to watch:

"Those who cast the votes decides nothing. Those who count the votes decide everything." -- Stalin
"It's all over but the counting. And we'll take care of the counting." Rep. Peter King, R-NY, election day, 2004.

[Ikonoklast]

103. You

quoted Stalin twice.

[FourScore]

90. AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!

:) :D :bounce: :hi: :crown: :loveya: :headbang: :applause: :clap: :hug: :pals: :party: :peck: :beer: :guitar: :drums: :patriot: :thumbsup: :toast: :donkey: :fistbump: :sofajump: :woohoo: :) :D :bounce: :hi: :crown: :loveya: :headbang: :applause: :clap: :hug: :pals: :party: :peck: :beer: :guitar: :drums: :patriot: :thumbsup: :toast: :donkey: :fistbump: :sofajump: :woohoo: :) :D :bounce: :hi: :crown: :loveya: :headbang: :applause: :clap: :hug: :pals: :party: :peck: :beer: :guitar: :drums: :patriot: :thumbsup: :toast: :donkey: :fistbump: :sofajump: :woohoo: :) :D :bounce: :hi: :crown: :loveya: :headbang: :applause: :clap: :hug: :pals: :party: :peck: :beer: :guitar: :drums: :patriot: :thumbsup: :toast: :donkey: :fistbump: :sofajump: :woohoo: :) :D :bounce: :hi: :crown: :loveya: :headbang: :applause: :clap: :hug: :pals: :party: :peck: :beer: :guitar: :drums: :patriot: :thumbsup: :toast: :donkey: :fistbump: :sofajump: :woohoo: :) :D :bounce: :hi: :crown: :loveya: :headbang: :applause: :clap: :hug: :pals: :party: :peck: :beer: :guitar: :drums: :patriot: :thumbsup: :toast: :donkey: :fistbump: :sofajump: :woohoo: :) :D :bounce: :hi: :crown: :loveya: :headbang: :applause: :clap: :hug: :pals: :party: :peck: :beer: :guitar: :drums: :patriot: :thumbsup: :toast: :donkey: :fistbump: :sofajump: :woohoo: :) :D :bounce: :hi: :crown: :loveya: :headbang: :applause: :clap: :hug: :pals: :party: :peck: :beer: :guitar: :drums: :patriot: :thumbsup: :toast: :donkey: :fistbump: :sofajump: :woohoo: :) :D :bounce: :hi: :crown: :loveya: :headbang: :applause: :clap: :hug: :pals: :party: :peck: :beer: :guitar: :drums: :patriot: :thumbsup: :toast: :donkey: :fistbump: :sofajump: :woohoo: :) :D :bounce: :hi: :crown: :loveya: :headbang: :applause: :clap: :hug: :pals: :party: :peck: :beer: :guitar: :drums: :patriot: :thumbsup: :toast: :donkey: :fistbump: :sofajump: :woohoo: :) :D :bounce: :hi: :crown: :loveya: :headbang: :applause: :clap: :hug: :pals: :party: :peck: :beer: :guitar: :drums: :patriot: :thumbsup: :toast: :donkey: :fistbump: :sofajump: :woohoo:

[DFW]

107. How long did it take you to put THAT together?

LOL!! I think you spent more time on that post than I spent with Obama. Kudos for the special effects, though!

[FourScore]

124. It was quite easy really.

Just picked out the celebratory smiles, then highlighted, copied and pasted the list about 8 times. Done in 30 seconds! WooHoo! They're not bouncing around anymore though. Hmmm...Glad you got to see it while it was in action!

[GreenPartyVoter]

92. How cool is that? :^)

[just1voice]

93. I'd actually discuss the future of our country

The last thing I would do is shut up.

[DFW]

96. We did discuss the future of the country--and the present.

I'm only shutting up about the details here because that was one of the conditions of the invitation--strictly for the ears of those present, and not for repetition, certainly not on an open blog. Republican trolls abound here, and the idea was to be able to sit down and talk with Obama without fear that some asshole from the Rolls-Ryan campaign would spot something on a blog they think could be useful.

I accepted that condition, and am not about to go back on my word now.

[lillypaddle]

95. Wow, lucky you!

Great pics. I'm impressed (and just a little jealous)

[DFW]

97. No need to be impressed

But a tiny bit of jealousy is allowed

Had it been someone else posting, and me on the outside, I would have said the same thing!

[1StrongBlackMan]

101. Posted to for future viewing.

[Ian David]

102. You're meeting The President, and you wore THAT?

I'm kidding.

Thanks for sharing!

[DFW]

105. Hey look, I was on the beach on Cape Cod when I got the invite!

They're lucky I didn't show up in a bathing suit!

[ailsagirl]

113. You look spiffy!!

[Rhiannon12866]

114. K&R! Just awesome!!!

You certainly do have the coolest friends!

[DFW]

117. I do have some awsome friends, you're right

But it is very intimidating at times! Makes me feel like a speck of dust when I see what they have all accomplished.

[great white snark]

115. Representing the DU at the WH!

I'm so jealous but even more happy for you DFW. Thanks for sharing.

[MissHoneychurch]

116. What a great experience DFW

Do you think if I meet with you some of your luck will rub off on me?

I did see Obama when he was in Berlin in 2008 though, just didn't talk to him. I was just a speck in this big crowd back then

[DFW]

118. I don't know if you want my luck

I have had heart issues, and both my parents and ALL of their siblings had cancer, only one made it to 80. With me it's not a question of "if" but "when." So I'm trying to cram 80 years of life into 60. Oops--I just turned 60.

Think twice about what you wish for--just in case you get it!

[MissHoneychurch]

120. You also have a loving partner and kids

My dad died of brain cancer at age 55, my grandfather at age 79, also of cancer. So I am not unfamiliar with cancer in the family.
On the other hand women on both sides of the family are having long lives. So I take what I can get.

Sounds to me you are making the best of what is handed to you and I admire that.

[DFW]

121. I did get lucky there, you're correct

I never forget that.

You hit it with trying to make the best of what was handed to me, but I get a little scatterbrained, too. I just want to do everything at once. I just finished a novel. Yesterday, I flew over to Atlanta for the day to re-record a piece of music I had composed when I was 22, but never finished. Today I'll be at my office in Dallas. Tomorrow, I'll be going back up to Washington. Next week, back to my wife in Düsseldorf.

If you know someone who is good at cloning, I still have a million things I want to do, but could use the rest!

[Kennah]

126. Wow! Just, Wow! Words fail me.

Congrats. I'm jealous. Best wishes. Amazing. Thanks.

Although I would NEVER pass up the opportunity to meet this President, one-on-one or in a group, I would worry that thoughts and words would fail me. Mostly I suppose I would listen and learn.

[DFW]

127. I had a notepad!

And I did listen, and I did learn. I wouldn't want to trade day jobs with him.

[luv_mykatz]

128. Thank you, DFW.

You opened a window into a part of our world where most of us have no chance of ever going. You also revealed what an incredible human being our President is ( and I do stress the word human, although he seems breathtakingly magnificent, based on your description).

Like a lot of people, I am not always happy with his (compromise) decisions (although he solidly has my vote!), but...I am struggling to express the feelings about Obama that your post gives me. The impression I receive is that Obama really is beyond stellar, and I wish your post could go viral across the media.

I completely respect and understand why you will be keeping your word about staying mostly mum, and not giving Repuke trolls any ammo, but I can't thank you enough for sharing some of your experience with us. Many blessings to you sir, for sharing this.

Just as a further note: every thing I see or read about our President and First Lady shows me that we are incredibly LUCKY and FORTUNATE to have them in the highest office of our country. DFW's post just helps confirm that impression.

[DFW]

130. It's easy to forget that an American president is not an absolute ruler.

The checks and balances in our system of government, not that they always work (see Bush, G.W.), are there for both ends of the spectrum. They hinder a benevolent president (i.e. Obama) from being able to put through needed reforms, but they also hinder a malevolent president (i.e. Cheney, hiding behind Bush's skirts) from doing more damage than they could otherwise have done.

One thing you do grasp with President Obama immediately, is that you are in the presence of a very high intelligence, a man with heightened powers of perception (Clinton is like that, too). This goes two ways. His ability to grasp a situation also gives him an acute awareness of the limits of his power, which makes room for the suspicion that he would do well to push those limits for causes that deserve it. But we can't know that. One gets the impression that he prefers to weigh the situation carefully before acting. Before the term got hijacked to mean "frothing-at-the-mouth right wing radical," that used to be what was defined in the dictionary as "conservative."