The Power of a Handshake

Just got e-mail from our old friend Salty Dog. Andrew (a huge Obama fan) sent me a note on how cool it is that we both have shaken hands with the President of the United States. He is right, it's pretty dang cool (To the right is my photo of that historic moment).

While I do not agree with President Obama on several topics (I'm a Libertarian by nature, according to a political test I took online), I have to say that I like the man and was impressed by him and Mrs. Obama when I met them back in May. As NC State's director of photography, I am fortunate to meet a lot of neat and interesting people - Sen. Obama being one of those.

Before speaking in Reynolds Coliseum, Sen. and Mrs. Obama met with Chancellor Jim Oblinger in the women's basketball offices in the basement of the venerable old barn. As they walked in, Chancellor Oblinger introduced me by name as I snapped away at the handshakes and backslapping. The group chatted for a 10 minutes or so and then the power couple needed to get a few minutes of alone time before facing the throng of fans upstairs.

As they were leaving for an adjoining room, Sen. Obama stopped and offered his hand to me. I shook his hand and wished him well in the primaries against Sen. Clinton (of whom I met a few days earlier). He looked me straight in the eye and said "Thank you, Roger. I appreciate that." Seconds later, Mrs. Obama grabbed my arm: "It was so nice meeting you, Roger. My best to your family." She acted as if we were old pals from the neighborhood and her words almost gushed with sweetness.

Needless to say, I was very impressed by both Obamas, their casual manner, attitude and the fact they both remembered the name of the low-on-the-totem-pole photographer standing in the corner snapping pix. I've been around some real snobby posers and arrogant wannabes - and I can say from personal experience that the future President and First Lady do not fall into that category. They seemed genuine, down to earth and, well, as we say in Eastern North Carolina like "real good folk."

And as Salty Dog said - "We shook the president's hand! How cool is that?" - Cool, indeed.

How-How!