Have you ever met a presidential candidate? (A place to share your story)

[Coexist]

19. I had an Obama moment!

I was volunteering for an Obama event. I had joined the Tampa O Train during the primaries, and his rallies were not that large, so we mostly checked tickets and got to watch the speeches. President Obama (at that time, not even candidate Obama!) was really good at making the rounds after the speeches to shake hands, and volunteers got to provide books, etc. and he would sign them and we would pick them up after the rally was over.

Well, President Obama gave a big speech the night before this one somewhere else. It caused the even to explode. it was HUGE! there were people everywhere and so hard to control in their excitement. I was posted at the corner of the stage; my job was to only let people with special tickets to the area that would show behind him in video. At the end of the speech, I moved forward to the edge of the stage area like we always did, for the quick handshake. As President Obama moved in to the area where the voters were, I saw the Secret Service get more alert. I felt the crush of the crowd moving me forward. They suddenly pushed forward HARD. I stumbled and realized I was going down. I felt a pair of hands grab me on both arms and steady me so I could stand back up.

I looked up to thank the Secret Service man and it was HIM! President Obama looked me straight in the eye with genuine concern and asked me if I was okay. I think I nodded yes and maybe said something?! I was so starstruck! LOL!

I had volunteered for him before that moment, but I worked my tail off for that man after that, I can tell you