My Conversation With Barack Obama

Life's greatest moments often come when you least expect them. My conversation with Barack Obama last night certainly falls in that category.

I first learned of Barack long before he was a national figure because my late brother Steve, a prominent journalist in Chicago and nationally, sort of "discovered" him. At the time, Obama held no office and was running for a position in the Illinois State Legislature. Steve's life in journalism and his lifelong interest in politics had put him in the company of every president from Nixon to W, and Steve was a person with a keen eye for serious political talent.

In Barack Obama, Steve saw a remarkably intelligent and charismatic person, and he said so in several of his regular columns in the Chicago Sun Times. In fact, I understand that Steve was the first journalist to compare Obama with JFK and to predict that someday he could occupy the White House. I know Steve would have been thrilled to see this prediction come true.

Last night, I was attending a track meet in Eugene where the US Olympic Trials in track and field will take place next month. Quite unexpectedly, Barack Obama showed up---he's campaigning in Oregon, of course, because our presidential primary election is next week.

As Obama made his way through the surprised crowd shaking hands, he passed directly in front of me, and as we shook hands I asked him if he remembered Steve Neal. What happened next will stay with me forever. Obama froze, changed expressions, and focused his eyes sharply on mine saying "Of course I remember Steve Neal". I explained that Steve was my brother and Obama said "Steve said many very favorable things about me early in my career, and although he was well respected for his objectivity, his columns were extremely helpful to me at that point". He more or less said that he might not be where he is today if Steve hadn't jump started his career through the power of his columns in the Chicago Sun Times.

Barack has met Steve's widow, Susan, and his two daughters, both recent college grads, and was very aware of Steve's tragic and unexpected suicide in 2004. He asked how the family was doing and asked specifically about the girls. We wished each other well, he had a brief pleasant exchange with my wife, and then he moved on.

Altogether we spoke for a minute or two. We were surrounded by Secret Service and a throng of admirers, all no doubt wondering why Obama was spending so much time talking to me. I was already a stalwart Obama supporter, but my close encounter confirmed what I thought, namely, that he's even more powerful up close. Barack has an obvious captivating aura of goodness and wisdom. He's a unique politician with a special ability to excite, inspire and unite our country like nobody we've seen for generations.

Steve was far ahead of the curve in identifying Obama's star qualities. Other than JFK, who was the last American as capable of inspiring hope in our country or worldwide as Barack Obama? In a world where hopes and dreams are continually diminished by frightening developments and new threats, no force can match the power of hope. More than anything, I pray that our country chooses Obama in November. Our best prospect for changing the dark reality visited upon us by our current leadership, and for renewing worldwide admiration and respect for our country, lies with Barack Obama.