Rendezvous with the President

A familiar-looking man with a distinct mustache rushed by. Some in the crowd grumbled, thinking he was cutting the line. Then, gasps. It was David Axelrod, the President’s senior advisor, and he was trying to get through the crowded White House corridor to accompany the President and the First Lady in the adjacent room. “I guess this is the wrong way,” he said, with an embarrassed look on his face after realizing it was not the back entrance he was searching for. Such was the the first day of school for the Obama administration: staffers getting lost, renovations underway, and swearing-in ceremony photos fresh on the walls. Despite all the chaos and things to do, the White House opened its doors to the public for a meet-and-greet with the nation’s 44th President on his first full day in office. Some found their place on line by luck of the draw, like me. A friend won a spot for him and a guest through a lottery. For others, such as the woman in front of me who traveled to 19 states for the Illinois Senator, this was payback for many months on the campaign trial. For all of us, it promised to be an unforgettable and humbling experience. When I turned the corner into the Blue Room, The Obamas were there, greeting guests just as if we were welcoming them to the new neighborhood. The atmosphere was breathtaking; bright sunlight fell on the carpet through large windows that gave a direct view of the Jefferson Memorial. As I entered, three older African-American women approached the President in joyful tears, setting off a chain reaction in the room. A few minutes later I stepped in front of a perfectly postured Barack Obama, flashing that smile that extends from one cheekbone to the other. My subsequent loss for words was broken by the cordial leader of the free world who asked my name, in a seemingly earnest attempt to get to know one another within the minute or so we had. His energy was remarkable for a man who must have slept very little over the past few days. “Mr. President,” I said, pausing to appreciate the significance of the title that was uttered by very few so far, “it is an honor to meet you.” We exchanged a few words, and in the blink of an eye, I was on my way towards the exit. I glanced back to see the others on line, who all had a mirrored image of awe and inspiration on their faces as they shook hands with a man who embodies the American dream with great humility. On the way out, we were handed freshly baked cookies that took the mold of the historic mansion we just walked through. Although they looked very appetizing, I don’t think anyone planned on eating them.