“I’m ready when you are,” said a soft yet poised voice coming from behind me. I had a pretty good idea who it was, but when I turned around and saw that unmistakable face and trademark smile, my heart started racing. As a news reporter, I’m not supposed to feel star-struck. I had interviewed Brett Favre before, but that didn’t compare to what I was feeling now.
Obama rallies supporters in Green Bay. That's me circled in pink (upper right)
It was Friday February, 15 2008. I was a news reporter for WBAY-TV in Green Bay, WI. The man I was about to interview was Barack Obama, who at the time was going head-to-head against Hillary Clinton to win the nod as the 2008 Democratic presidential candidate. My photographer (Michael Bergman) and I had been waiting all week for this moment. Before the interview, Obama gave what seemed like his 1,000th rousing speech to a sea of jacked-up supporters at UW-Green Bay. As the rally proceeded, I prepped myself for an interview with a larger-than-life politician. Boy was I wrong.
After the rally, in a private room, the walking television ad approached me and warmly shook my hand, I told him, “I know you’re a busy guy, so we’ll get right to it.” He smiled and said, “That sounds great.” I was immediately shocked at Obama’s down-to-earth nature. His animated, preachy persona at campaign rallies was nowhere to be found in this face-to-face interview.
In a down-to-earth conversational tone, Obama told me why he will fight for the people and values of Northeast Wisconsin if elected president. Not once did he lose eye-contact with me. He stood tall, yet his stance was not intimidating. Then I noticed how surprisingly skinny he is. At about 6’2”, he can’t possibly weigh more than 175 lbs. I guess TV really does add 10 lbs.
To test the rising politician’s ego, my final question was simply, “Do you think you’re going to win?” He responded, “We’re going to do our best. I hope I win, but if I don’t, all I can ask for is my best.”
Sharing a passion for Chicago sports, the two of us briefly commiserated about the Bears’ losing streak and as I shook hands with the presidential candidate for the final time, he said, “It was really nice meeting you, Chris.”
Journalists are not supposed to get starstruck, but all I could think about at that moment was… “Holy s***! The future president just said my name!”
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