I met someone recently who is assigned to Air Force One. I found out he has flown with former President Clinton and current President Bush. I proceeded to ask him which president he liked best. I assumed he had more of an opportunity to meet them than most Americans could ever dream of.
He avoided the question by explaining that people like the presidents for different reasons. Most of which information about the president, the public receives is tainted or filtered through the press.
I was about to interject and explain that he was talking to someone who doesn't really give a hoot who the president is.
I admit, I adored President Reagan because in grade school I thought being prescient made you the coolest man alive. As l got older I accepted the fact I would never come close to being that cool.
West Wing probably glamorizes the job. Even so, it seems like the White House staff is up 20 hours a day - working! I definitely don't want that job. Besides the Supreme Court is where the power really seems to ultimately be (for domestic policy anyway?).
Anyway, I respect the President's office. I support the chosen - sorry elected - official. I just don't see why I should care who he or she is.
He never comes to my house on Christmas. He never sends me a birthday cord. I can't exactly call him up or go golfing with him.
I have a lot of respect for Harrison Ford too. I don't directly pay his salary either; I'll never know him personally...
I have got a better chance to meet Santa Clause then Harrison or the president of the United States.
Posted by Michael at July 14, 2004 09:55 PM