I met Barack after his keynote speech and before he announced his candidacy for president when he came to Phoenix, Arizona to endorse a local politician. I asked him if I could take his picture and he asked someone else to take the picture of the two of us. He put his arm around me as he typically does, and smiled that spectacular smile of his. The warmth and compassion and sheer goodness of this man emanates from every pore of his being. It is obvious that he is a "people person". They say babies and animals are more psychic than anyone else. I suppose that's why they smile and they cling to this stranger instead of crying. He holds them as though they were his own children and they know instinctively what kind of person he is. When I first went to Obama HQ during the primary to make calls for Barack, my script and instruction sheet said in bold print to never say anything negative about any other candidate. I was concerned because taking the high road and refusing to smear and lie about ones opponent hasn't worked in the past. But as always, Barack and his advisors are brilliant. His grass roots internet campaign has been amazing too. Not only do we desperately need a competent intellectual at the helm now, but we are blessed to have been born at a time when a once-in-a-lifetime individual has emerged, a man we can trust to do what is best for the majority of Americans and for the rest of the world. This is the first time I have donated time or money to a national politician. And it's the first time I have voted with enthusiasm. Of all the things I have experienced in my life, having had the priviledge of "knowing" Barack Obama is the most thrilling.