...he is even more charismatic and likable than Bill Clinton...and that's saying a lot. I met President Clinton several times when he was running for his first term. I was right up front during his speech. Got to shake his hand twice, get his autograph, speak with him briefly- even watched as he stole the sax away from a member of the Crazy 8's, a band that was playing at the event, and played a few notes.

It's hard to top that kind of personality. Now, normally, when a politician or actor I favor is in town I have no problem waiting for hours to get a chance to shake their hand or possibly get their autograph. When Obama was in town speaking at the University of Oregon I was absolutely content, probably for the first time ever, to be within a 100 yards of the guy. I think I would have exploded had I been at the front of the stage as I usually am. Even 100 yards away, sitting on one of the stoops of the University's buildings, his charm was still bulletproof.

BTW, the video posted is a perfect example of Obama's charm. If you watch the whole thing..at the very end there's a little joke that I think is indicative of how comfortable he is with himself and who he is. It's really something to behold. A great balance between being stately and being informal and sometimes goofy.

His politics? I'm not such a fan of that. But if there were a 7 Natural Wonders of the Political Charm World, he would definitely be one of them. And Michelle is a perfect counterpart.

PB