Once in a lifetime

We sometimes have moments that change our lives forever – the day we're born, the day we marry and the day we meet a president in person. 

My presidential once in a lifetime happened when I learned that I'd be part of the Richland Chronicle staff to cover President Barack Obama at Eastfield College Oct. 4.

On this memorable day, I arrived at Eastfield around 11:30 a.m., and my eye immediately shifted to an extremely long line of people of all shapes, sizes and colors of clothing lining the sidewalk as far as the eye could see. To my horror, I thought I'd end up at the end of it, until I ran into our editor, who calmed my nerves by telling me we belonged elsewhere.

After spending over an hour in the heat speaking with a few of the hopefuls, it was time to get in the press line, where I had to throw my purse and thin notebook on the grass and step away. Then came the sifting (through the purse) and the sniffing (by a no-nonsense black dog.)  Then came the metal detector. Momentarily, I felt like a bird trying to take off with my arms stretched out, as if in flight. It was all just part of the process.

Once inside the nice, cool gym, I discovered how boring it is to sit in one spot for two hours, as everyone waited for the big moment when Obama would appear. With cords everywhere from laptops and other electronic equipment all around me, I was not about to move an inch from where I was.

Meanwhile, people were pouring in and filling the seats in the center section of the gym. Finally, around 2:30 p.m. the program started, with the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem.

Then came the guest of honor.

For about 30 minutes, Obama pitched points of his $450 billion American Jobs Act.

Whether or not you agree with this president's policies, it was certainly an opportunity to see a consumate political speaker in action.

So, while I did enjoy this memorable event, I don't think I want to repeat it, no matter what party a politician is. I would prefer town hall meetings where people have a chance to express different views and ask challenging questions of political candidates. That makes them responsible for their actions and is more useful to the public.