obama for prez

I have a little crush--a political crush, as strange as that sounds. Today, I had the privilege of attending the Capitol Hill briefing on Microbicides. The event was sponsored by the Alliance for Microbicide Development, the Global Campaign for Microbicides, the International Partnership for Microbicides and Women's Policy, Inc. The briefing was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. What are microbicides, you ask? Microbicides are topical agents (there are many different kinds in development and in clinical trials)that when applied before sex can prevent against HIV or STI's or pregnancy. The development of an effective microbicide is essential to empower women of impoverished nations to protect themselves and take charge of their own sexual health.

Several congress peeps were to be in attendance, including Barack Obama, Olympia Snowe (who was a no show CORRECTION--I heard this afternoon that she was indeed there) and Hilda Solis (also a no show which was sad for me because I really like her). Obama sneaked in during the first presentation (as only a man of his stature can). It was immediately evident when he came in the room. I can hear people whispering, looking in the direction of the door (the Caucus Room was packed with Dems, I'm sure). Suddenly, no one was paying attention to the speaker (well, I was because she was interesting--I did acknowledge Obama). When the speaker realized this, she stopped HER OWN presentation to see if Obama wanted to speak right then. I'm thinking, Wow, does this man just demand this respect and consideration? He graciously refused and urged the speaker to continue (how classy).

Obama was given command of the floor following the speaker (who quickly wrapped up her presentation so that Obama could speak). He read from a prepared speech (Microbicides are imporant...blah, blah, blah...Give women the power...blah, blah, blah). And then he ditched the speech and spoke from personal experience. He's going to Africa next month. He feels very connected with the people from Africa. His dad's from Kenya and he wants to visit. His mom did a lot of international development work. He's passionate about helping others, especially those that can't help themselves. And that was when my crush began. His remarks following the prepared speech felt sincere. I was moved by what he said (and I'm already pretty passionate about this women and HIV cause). I surprised myself with my reaction. I'm typically pretty cynical when it comes to politicians. But this guy's got charisma for days.

As a Dem, our pickings have been slim as of late. Gore in '00--eh. Kerry in '04--ho hum. Hillary in '08--ugh. But Obama in '08. Now that's a bumper sticker I'd display proudly...if I had a car.