Roller Skating with Barack Obama

We got to go roller skating with our next president last night – Barack Obama. Pretty cool. He came by our skating rink and hung out with us for a couple hours – took a lap around the rink with his kids (he walked). I got him to sign my copy of his book (“The Audacity of Hope”) and was able to get some pics of him with my kids. Alyssa and her friend got autographs too. It was a bit of a media frenzy, but definitely a good time. The local news interviewed us afterward and played a clip with me in it – about 40 seconds into the video on the right (click to start the video – sorry for the commercial). Christine is on my right and Emma is in my arms. A number of my friends were there and we all enjoyed ourselves.

Alyssa and I were also out knocking on doors for Senator Obama yesterday. It was a cool experience. Met at headquarters, got an inspirational speech from Illinois’ senior Senator Dick Durbin, took a packet of names and addresses, and went out to rock the vote in south Lafayette. It was pretty fun and pretty damn cold! Alyssa forgot her jacket, so she wore mine. We talked to a few folks, mostly supporters. Most weren’t home. A couple were even Republicans! I was glad Alyssa got to experience democracy first hand.

Now all you Hoosiers, get out and vote for Barack Obama. He’s one of the few that has opposed this wasteful war from the beginning. I do like a lot of things about Hilary, but the whole “Oops, I voted for the war. Sorry!” spiel doesn’t work for me.

I’ll post some more photos from campaigning and skating soon.

(oh, I’m on skates – I’m not actually that much taller than Chris)