ONE member Michael Castaldo passed along this fantastic reflection about the inauguration and ONE Vote ‘08:

Today was a historic day by any measure. The people have spoken and a new President will guide our nation for the next four years. For those of us here in New Hampshire the Inauguration of our 44th President was the end of a two year tour de force of presidential candidates. Each had their own agenda and each listened to ONE members, and agreed.

For me it was a whirlwind of events. My own life left me in a position where I had reliable transportation, a supportive wife and family; plus resources to cover the expenses incurred from traveling. I needed no motivation. To know that I was in a position to effect change I only needed guidance. I had the “One Candidate Tracker” and a great regional ONE co-coordinator Mathew Bartlett who kept me focused and informed. It may have been my fat face in the pics on the blog but you can bet Matty was behind them if not literally, figuratively.

I very clearly remember the first time I saw President Obama. It was at the VFW in East Rochester NH. I had been yuking it up with one of my reporter friends and overhear the speaker who was introducing the person who would be introducing the then Senator, so I and the reporter perked up and silently split up – him to be ready to take notes and me to take my seat. This took us on different paths. Mine led me down a dark hall and after turning a corner standing just a few feet from the man of the hour… his head was lowered, his breathing deliberate and his eyes closed. It was obvious he was about to use his words as best he could to effect the emotion he felt. My camera as usual was hanging from it wrist strap but I knew in an instant that this moment was not for the public. I had stumbled upon a man in deep thought about to give his first stump speech in the Granite State. This was not the time for flash bulbs. After his speech ended I waited patiently for a photo op and was rewarded not only by the opportunity to speak to and have a picture taken with Senator Obama but to have the picture taken by his aide and confidant Reggie Love. This was the last time the Senator and I would meet without “Americas Best” The United States Secret Service also being there.

Good manners and a great cause seemed to serve me well for even with the Secret Service there to protect the Senator; HE always made sure to seek me and my family out. I know my sons do not appreciate it now, but of all the great people on this earth very few have had the good fortune to shake the hand of an American President. They have more than once. Not only have they met him they have talked to him about the worlds poorest, about reaching out to those less fortunate than themselves. They have started to learn to care and they have started to learn they can use their voice to effect change.

My eyes have started to well at the thought of them realizing in ten or twenty years time what they have done. When the headlines read “EXTREME POVERTY HISTORY” they can point with pride to the family photo album. Wow.

Always searching for the perfect question, I had one ready for Senator Obama after he won the Iowa Caucus. The only issue was when would I get to ask it? I did not have to wait long… before I woke it was announced he would be touching down at Pease Tradeport 15 minutes from my house the following morning! Well I was out of my depth at that point – we were in general election mode – there were now hundreds of PRESS and thousands of lookieloos plus too many supporters to count. I could not get near my friend (the Senator) and even my reporter friend that I had been chatting to at his first event had not time for me. The Secret Service was super and supportive but even they can only do so much. Disappointed, I consoled myself with the fact that being near the back of the room I could make a hasty exit and beat the crowd out of the parking lot… I did and headed home. Half way home I got a call from that same reporter – he was sorry he did not have time to chat but wanted to let me know that the Senator was on his way to an impromptu stop at a coffee shop in my home town. I made a beeline for it and beat even the ‘advance people’.

I had my question ready and only needed to get it out without saying something stupid or unintelligible. When the door swung open he strode directly towards me and suck out his hand.

I asked my question “Mr. Senator in your Inaugural Address will you remember the worlds poorest billion? He looked like he wanted to laugh because it was like we were reading lines from a play, and said “I always do”. If it were not so serious a subject I am sure we could have had more fun with it. Then it was time for our friend Reggie Love to take a pic – for some reason I did not smile when the shutter opened

I did not ask any other candidate the same question. Today I heard that candidate as President of the United States of America remember the worlds poorest in his Inaugural Address. Today I heard the power of ONE voice.

-Michael Castaldo