An Obama moment: A Canadian in Washington meets the president
- August 4, 2009 10:40 AM |
- By Your Voice
Submitted by Tracey Madigan
About/Bio: Tracey Madigan is a journalist from Montreal. She relocated to Washington D.C. in 2006 with her family when her husband was transferred there.
My take: It's a bright May morning, and dozens of people are fumbling with their cell phones, squeezing out the latest news to their friends: FLOTUS is here. First. Lady. Of. The. United. States.
Another Saturday in my quiet corner of Washington DC, about five kilometres from the White House, at a neighbourhood park that could be in any suburb in America. But on this Saturday, at this park, there is a hushed buzz of excitement. Michelle Obama comes to this park virtually every Saturday to watch her daughters play soccer.
For weeks now, friends have been sharing their anecdotes: one got to pet first dog Bo, another chatted with Michelle about the woes of dog-raising, one mom described how little Sasha Obama plucked caterpillars from the trees with her kids...
And they were pretty Canadian about the whole thing. And by that, I mean they were discreet about meeting the First Family. No shouting, no shoving to get a glimpse, no requesting autographs at our humble little park.
Why hasn't word spread? How come people from other parts of D.C. - or even the country - are not swarming to come take a peek at members of the First Family at play?
This Canadian wants a piece of the action, and the information wafting through the neighbourhood is the game is at 10 am this Saturday, the second-to-last game of the season. I want to be a part of it. So my family and I saunter over.
The park looks like it does any other day: except for the man and woman wielding metal detectors. They quickly scan us and our bags. Look around and there's a disproportionate number of clean-cut men in polo shirts looking serious. Look again: they're everywhere.
Michelle Obama is sitting on one of the benches, watching Malia, looking like just another soccer mom. Oh, the crowd knows she's there, but they are respectful and discreet. Subdued delight.
But then, the muted excitement is truly put to the test.
I see the swagger, but it doesn't register at first. He is walking "alone" - no clump of body guards glued to his sides. It's the president, with at least 10 metres in front of him and behind him on the paved path to the soccer field.
I whisper to my friend, "The president is here." She gasps and looks over to see him kiss his wife and sit down to cheer.
Now, the buzz is palpable.
Barack Obama is sitting 10 metres from us as he and other soccer parents cheer and make small talk between plays, exchanging opinions on who is playing well, and how tough the other team is.
The only reason the scene feels surreal is because we are all so restrained. Isn't this the land of the paparazzi, TMZ and National Enquirer? Isn't there an amendment to the Constitution saying that once you become a public figure in the U.S., that you give up any right to privacy, and that you should expect cameras in helicopters flying overhead trying to catch a glimpse of you at your most vulnerable?
During half-time, a few players from another team approach President Obama to shake his hand. A mother escorts her three young girls, "This little three-year-old of mine can't pronounce your name, and so she calls you 'Iraq Obama'!"
The President laughs a hearty laugh.
I look around and soak up this moment. People here are happy to have their new President among them. He is present, and tangible. He's theirs.
Just then, my 10-year-old slinks up to me. "I'm so excited!"
"I know, isn't this cool?"
She replies: "I just shook the President's hand."
I am dumbfounded. She had the presence of mind to jump on an opportunity that wouldn't come around again for a while.
"What?! What did you say to him?" I admit, I am thinking about the missed photo opportunity.
"I just said, 'Hi, my name is Claire', and then he just said, 'It's nice to meet you, Claire!'"
I ask my seven-year-old and five-year-old whether they want to do the same. We walk over and each shake his hand. President Obama chats with us, in a warm, friendly - even funny - tone.
A blond-haired kindergartener in her summer dress feels comfortable enough to offer him a juice box on this hot day. He politely declines, turning to me - to me! - saying, "What about you? Did you bring me a juice box?" Another bout of laughter.
We don't mention we're Canadian. We don't need to. On this day, anyway, we're feeling just like our American friends.
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Comments (32)
Why can't we find one like that in Canada! I mean, he cares for the people! Our politicians care only for themselves and their friends, not all Canadians!
Really nice little piece of writing, Tracey. Congrats on it!
And good work, Claire, for having the gumption to go up & introduce yourself to the Pres of the USA!
On a day or so after former (Dem) president Clinton traveled to N.Korea to personally negotiate the release of two US journalists, your piece highlights this aspect of the new admin: low-key, unpresumptuous, modest, non-arrogant, true negotiators... respectful of the int'l community.
In a word, 'more Canadian.' It's such a relief that the 'more Canadian' Americans can now come out from the woodwork, can come out of the closet, after the years of arrogance, swagger and gunboat diplomacy of the George W years.
Here's to the President who makes the time for his kids on the soccer field versus the President who takes the time to go off in his Jeep Cherokee to shoot something on his ranch.
bonne chance Tracey, we look fwd to more reflexion on the new Admin. = William in Mtl
I think Walt said it all...
"And they were pretty Canadian about the whole thing" I don't think you can call it being Canadian, you went to the game even though you have no kids playing there and you're Canadian so I don't see how Americans that don't do this are being Canadian. Neat story though.
I have heard a few people say the same thing about Harper, I guess he goes to his kids Hockey games around Ottawa and just sits in the stands with other parents, pretty cool to see Obama does the same thing, I hope they both can enjoy that through out their careers without people bothering them too much.
Quoting:Walt
"Why can't we find one like that in Canada! I mean, he cares for the people! Our politicians care only for themselves and their friends, not all Canadians!"
We did have one, Walt. Jean Chrétien used to randomly get on tour buses of Parliament and talk to tourists. When Quebec tried to seperate, he held an impromptu rally in downtown Montreal that attracted over 100,000 people.
And who could forget the Shawinigan Handshake, when he choked out that stupid protester in 1996. He had balls. Unlike our current Prime Minister. Harper could learn a lot from Chretien. Speaking of Harper, has anyone ever seen his hair move, even an inch? I am convinced he is an emotionless cyborg.
what a pointless article - when will people come to realize that obama has absoluteley no substance what so ever, and falling in love with a man because he promises "hope and change" is ridiculous when you can't pin-point what those two items actually are.
This is a really interesting article. I think it speaks volumes that the President of the United States can find time to head out to the soccer feild and spend time with his family.
I also think that it might be theraputic for him as well. Time away from the oval office is probably few and far between.
The article is written very well. It was well worth the read!
"...falling in love with a man because he promises "hope and change" is ridiculous..."
Sorry, ben of ottawa, I completely disagree.
Who would you rather have in the White House - someone who promises to stay the course and engage in as many wars as we can afford over the next 8 years?
The President is elected to LEAD, not to "do." His job - his ONLY job - is to somehow encourage cooperation among and to support those with the expertise and abilities to do what needs to get done for the benefit of all the people. Obama's "hope and change" theme may be "pie in the sky" to you, but it sure beats whatever brain trust got us into this monumental mess we're in.
I have to ask, why would you write an article like this, possibly destroying their chance of enjoying their kids soccer game? You can tell he's pissed - he's not even looking at you as he shakes your hand.
Dumbass!
Perhaps you could have taken the opportunity to ask the man why it is that his Buy American attack on Canadian business hasn't been vetted by NAFTA and the international communities. Ya know, he was the answer for a lot of Americans, in his personable, humble and truly refreshing approach, but the yanks haven't fixed the water and other infrastructure they ruined on the first days of the illegal attack on Iraq,
they are plundering Canadian's rights in respect of fair competition, and as to the health care issue in the USA, well, he's up to his chin in snow. Hopefully his critics will be found wrong, and he can reverse his obnoxious stance on his anti-Canadian economic policies. He should never have appointed Hillary. Bill maybe, but not her.
Nice to see that while the world is falling apart, Obama is enjoying some FREE TIME!
Why can't people just love the guy without having to make arrogant ignorant remarks about Bush and Harper. It's rediculous and to tell you the truth the presidency just doesn't hold the respect it used to have.
He is more of a celebrity and neighbour than a president. I only look at what actually gets done and Cretien did nothing but steal our money in the west and give it to Quebec and Harper in spite of what he looks like has done more positive things for this country then any other prime minister we have ever had. He actually gets things done.
Liberals do nothing but raise taxes complain and point fingers. They are the negative party and Harper is leader of the positve party.
"The only reason the scene feels surreal is because we are all so restrained. Isn’t this the land of the paparazzi, TMZ and National Enquirer?"
Tracey, I think the president and his family are (rightfully) protected from the paparazzi by all those "clean cut men in polo shirts". Your article highlights something that is as true of the 'average' American as it is of the 'average' Canadian, which is that when a person is respected he or she is treated respectfully.
Way to go Claire! I met President Obama in Indianapolis last year during his campaign. He is a great leader and very friendly to chat with.
Being in touch with regular life around you despite the enormity of the president's role as the most powerful person on earth by my thinking! He is an amazing person.
It only makes you respect him more for his humanity not getting obscured by being in the role of a person who is my God, at the pinnacle of power at the most powerful, demanding position on this planet.
Am I the only one who thinks that the great paradox of this article is that while everyone was 'so Canadian', unsolicited photos were taken and published on the Canadian national news source?
I actually find this a bit of an odd piece. I say leave them to their soccer moments. We're far too invasive of 'celebrity' personal lives. Maybe tell your story, but photos?
Fine bit of gentle, Canadian journalism! It makes me feel like I am there watching "the game". Wonder if "POTUS" and "FLOTUS" actually got some time to watch their daughter play soccer.
Anyway, Tracey, this type of blog I would gladly follow. It might even inspire me to post my own blog.
Who cares. I really wish that people would take the passion and attention that they have for the US president and apply it to Canadian politics ... you know, something that really matters?
I routinely have moments like this here in Ottawa. My kids attended the same school as Mr. Harper's kids. I'd see him walking them to school, or at the local community pool.
Once at the school book fair fundraiser, I was looking at sports related books with four other guys when suddenly this figure stepped right in front of the display, blocking our view. Yep, Mr. Harper again.
Not just Mr. Harper either, I've been video shopping with Mr. Martin, bike shopping with Mrs. Mulroney and flying to Ottawa with Mrs. hCretien.
Only once did I even notice someone approach the person in question for a handshake or an autograph.
What an amazing blog. It was such a pleasure to read. A "Real" story. No creative additions to make it sound prettier...true journalism. I felt like I was right there with you. I actually wish I were.
What a smug and hypocritical piece of writing. I feel that the writer went to the soccer game with the intention of snapping pictures and sidling up to the President: well planned and executed. How pushy! how absolutely INsensitive of her to intrude on the Obama family when they are enjoying leisure time. Note that she is taking the pictures surreptiously: the President is trying to watch the soccer game and ignore her.
She did not have a participating child in the game; obviously, her game was to do a paid piece of journalism while riding some smug, parochial high horse of the shy amd retiring Canadian. Nothing shy about the writer. I suggest she might consider that the behavior of the other people exhibited a mix of respect and sophistication that the writer would do well to learn.
Nice story about nice people. Refreshing.
It is amazing and hard to believe. I am impressed that they are raising their children in the real world than in a bubble. Both of them are exceptionally good people. The fame and glory did not make them forget their duty as parent.
The pictures speak volume, thank you Tracey, for sharing this with us. It shows that ordinary people can do better than career politicians can. I just wish them all the best.
Obama was simply at a soccer game.
No need to talk politics but since people here insist on doing so here is the deal.
Obama inherited an epic disaster from Bush. And he is making a bad situation worse. America cannot afford the health care reform he speaks of without raising taxes and cancelling big ticket military and NASA items. And that likely won't happen. Obama will only last one term. And don't even bother comparing obama to harper.
America has it right. Two parties. The president has tremendous power. What do we have in Canada? Four idiotic parties. The liberals, cons, ndp and yet the blockhead. Minority gov't after minority while whatever party in power caters to you guessed it. The minority.
Canada, even with its free health care is far more screwed up than America.
A few thoughts. First, I do think this is a great article. Not often do we really hear of the normal life of a popular figure, especially the President.
It's such a great thing to see that he is investing in the lives of his children, especially at a time when so many families are broken, primarily by divorce, and relationships are becoming less face-to-face.
That being said, though these articles are a great thing to wake people up to the fact that Obama IS human, and has a life like the rest of us, in those times that he gets to live that normal life, I do think that people should leave him alone. Or if they want to talk with him, omit the celebrity treatment - carry on a normal conversation, etc. I'm sure that the man, like any of us if we were in his position, would just want to be treated normally, and live a private life.
It must be more than enough to have bodyguards with him constantly, being under a watchful eye. In anycase, thanks for the article...it makes people think. :)
It's so sad that the only way the CBC can get the views on this site to correspond to their political biases is by censoring anyone who criticizes Obama.
Isn't there a lesson in there somewhere?
Tracey, excellent writing. This shows that President Obama is a great leader that understands the people.
Keep up the good work.
Stop bothering the man,he has a lot on his plate already.Doing what is right is the only thing that matters.
You know there a saying "Actions speaks louder than words" Some prime ministers says good things to people only to remove the bad taste in their mouths but behind close doors their do wrong things.
Obama has a gentle heart and he has a long hard tasks ahead.
Stop treating him as a celebrity and honor him in the good things he does.
As for publisher and writers come over here and write about the ones that oppressed the poor.
I think the CBC should remove this article and that the author should remove the pictures. I think, as exciting as it might be to meet the first family, and acknowledging the obvious desire to share it, it is an experience that should have been reserved for friends of the author.
As a Canadian, I'm proud of what I see as our understanding of the importance of, and respect for, the privacy of our citizens. I feel that part of the reason Mr. and Mrs. Obama, who are also parents have gained our respect is through a continued commitment to values, which shows through in their "day jobs". Obama said it well in the campaign when he said "we don't go after people's families".
While antidotes about the two parents at a public event are fair game for sure, setting a precedent for invasion of a previously safe space (i.e. soccer on Saturday morning) and the normalcy of family life (which like all families won't always be good or easy), like they were animals in a zoo or deer on the edge of a park, especially as the whole world is interested in them, is not on. Thanks.
Obama is not just a politician, whose only concern is for the next election. He is a statesman, one whom cares about the next generation.
If you're being so Canadian why don't you shake your Prime Minister's hand? When are you planning to come back home to Canada? ...
What a self-serving invasion of Obama's privacy!
I liked this article because I like Obama, but I do feel bad for the guy. And I don't think it's a bad thing that Harper doesn't get this kind of treatment/buzz. Canada's just that chill!