On Wednesday, May 21, President Obama decided to enjoy the beautiful weather and take a stroll across the Mall on his way to a meeting at the Department of the Interior. Exclaiming “The bear is loose!” Obama set out with his suit coat slung over his shoulder and Secret Service agents in tow, greeting pedestrians as if he did this every day.
The trip was documented in a video posted on YouTube by the White House and with a tweet:
“The bear is loose!” President Obama surprises people on the street as he walks from the White House to @Interior ? http://t.co/w5dV9vRptz
? The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 22, 2014
There were many surprised people as the president walked up to them, extending his hand and asking their names. He talked with vendors about how business was, wished someone a happy birthday, thanked a couple for the service of their son in the armed forces, took a couple of photos with tourists and even gave a lady a hug. One of his staff members handed him some official White House M&Ms that he handed to a couple of very astonished young ladies he met on the sidewalk. He apologized to some runners for interrupting their run for his impromptu stroll. Hollering across the Mall to some men selling tie-dye shirts, he was met with a return volley of ?America, freedom, peace, hope, charity!?
Even though he holds the highest office in this land, Obama continues to exhibit his humbleness and prove that he is just ?one of us? who happens to have an important job. In that respect, he reminds me of Jimmy Carter, who remained just ?a country boy? during his tenure in the White House and after. Small acts like this go farther to build a healthy relationship with constituents than all the speeches in the world. Keeping it real. Thanks Obama.
Marty Townsend is an activist at heart. A lifelong writer, she concentrates her journalistic efforts on human interest, liberal politics, Michigan, educational and environmental issues. She is an active volunteer with the PTA, currently serving as President of her local District PTA Council. She also stays busy volunteering as a youth softball coach for the summer league in her community and participates in Relay for Life. Marty frequently sports a near-shaved head?as a way to?support of all women experiencing hair loss for any reason. Find her on Twitter and Facebook.
