Hail to the Chief

Today I met the President of the United States of America.

President Barack Obama visited Richmond as part of the "community rally" meetings he's holding across the country.  

Whether you like or dislike, agree or disagree, love or hate the President, he's still the most powerful man in the world and I was honored to cover his visit.

We arrived around 11am.  The President was speaking at a community center and the first thing I noticed was a row of busses surrounding the center.

Obviously security was extremely tight.  Snipers stood on top of busses and massive armored vehicles were parked - the likes of which I've never seen in my life.


At 11.30am, we had to leave our cars, cameras, notebooks, and everything else on the premises and leave the secure zone for two hours.


During this time, secret service went through EVERYTHING - the hoods and trunks of every car, the pockets of every camera bag, EVERYTHING.

We were allowed back in at 1.30pm and waited in a skating rink...now converted in the national media room.  Here CNN, FOX, CBS, ABC, NBC, ABC, the NY Times, etc. compiled their reports.


At 2.30pm, we were shuttled into a hot cramped room where we awaited the President.  One family was chosen to meet with Mr. Obama for a few minutes...and they were instructed to invite 30 friends to attend the discussion.


Finally, after waiting in the stifling heat for two hours (windows and doors had to remained shut and covered), Mr. Obama walked in.

The first person he greeted was this 105-year-old woman.  He bent down, gave her a hug, and she said to the crowd of media, "Take a picture!  Somebody take a picture!"

The President proceeded to shake hands and greet every person in the room.

Mr. Obama then spoke for about 20 minutes and took 5-6 questions from the citizens ranging on everything from the economy to the environment.  

He did not talk to the media.


After an hour, he said goodbye and was off to the airport...where he boarded Air Force One and flew home to Washington, DC.


It was a very eventful day and one that I will never forget.  I still can't believe I stood eight feet away from the Commander in Chief for an hour.

I worked with two great photographers, an excellent field producer, and we were able to get some good stuff on the air.


Check out one of my live shots and let me know what you think: