[I wrote this the other day to try to put some thoughts on paper. I don't know how applicable it is to Coe except that maybe I was on Coe's Washington DC term during the time I write about. p.s. my biases are out now, I'm an Obama supporter]
With the election only days away I’ve been contemplating the idea of President Barack Obama quite a bit. Every time I see him on TV or read something about him, I’m always reminded of the very first encounter with the senator.
I was an intern for Senator Tom Harkin in the spring of 2007. As an intern, one of my responsibilities was sitting in the front lobby to answer phones and greet guests. We got Senator Harkin’s schedule every morning so we knew which visitors to expect and where he would be all day. Much to my surprise, as I was looking through the schedule one morning I saw an appointment with the freshman, Senator Obama.
A preface to this story is that I had just fallen in love with Barack. I watched his 2004 convention speech and was transfixed. On my drive to Washington that winter I had read his book, and had been carrying it with me all around D.C. I was amazed by his oratory and when reading his political philosophy I often caught myself nodding my head in agreement. I had already joined the Facebook group attempting to draft him for president and DC was just starting to stir with the same suggestions.
After waiting all day and most of the afternoon, the appointment time was finally approaching. A few Iowans were sitting in the lobby waiting to meet with some senior staffers, and were just milling around talking about the popcorn we served in our office, as Iowans often do. In mid conversation about DeWitt with one of the guests, the door opened and in walked a stately-looking Senator Obama. He walked with a certain swagger that I can’t quite explain. A swagger seemed to say “I’m confident in myself, but I’m no better than you.” As he walked in he flashed his trademark smile and introduced himself to no one in particular, but seemingly everyone at the same time. “Hello, I’m Barack Obama.” Everyone in the room knew who he was, but he didn’t take this for granted and humbled himself to introductions and pleasantries with the Iowans. He fit right in with talk about popcorn.
About fifteen minutes after the scheduled meeting time the senators finally got to their meeting. Obama was a young rock star in the senate, but was meeting with Harkin to pay his respects to his elders and just get to know his way around the block. The fame hadn’t gone to his head, he knew his place and was seeking to build relationships and learn from the veterans of the Senate. When the meeting ended, again about 30 minutes behind schedule, Senator Obama’s staffers we hustling him out of the office to meet another scheduling commitment. Barack wasn’t concerned, however. He wasn’t caught up in the hustle of day-to-day Washington. He was more concerned in making sure he soaked up the advice of Harkin and took time to greet everyone on the way out (and yes, sign my book). He assured his staff that the schedule wasn’t that big of a deal and they would be alright. I had no idea what the scheduling conflict was, but his assuring tone and confidence made me believe him. Eventually he left the office, flashing the same smile, and walking with the same presidential air.
I’m not voting for Barack because he’s a good speaker or looks presidential. I’m voting for him because I agree with his policies and worldview. It is very reassuring, however, to have experienced first hand a calm and collected candidate – a man that is confident in himself, but seeks the advice of others. A man who flies so high, but does so with both feet on the ground. A man who understands the importance of other’s opinions, but can reassure others around him that he’s made the right decision. A man who gets respect without demanding it. A man who’s confident demeanor is reassuring in a time of uncertainty. And a man who’ll stroll into a room full of Iowans and be able to talk about popcorn.
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