I first met Barack Obama when he came to stump for Deval Patrick during the months I photographed the Patrick Campaign for Governor of Massachusetts. During two visits to Boston I got to observe him up close and for extended lengths of time.

He was very powerful: his personal magnetism filled the spaces - one a hotel function room, the other a sports arena - where he appeared with Deval, and it was there that my commitment to his presidential campaign began, even though he was still months away from declaring his candidacy.

I have never met anyone who impressed me with the sheer power of his intellect and personality as Barack Obama did. The manner in which he conducted his presidential campaign only increased my commitment to and my admiration for this remarkable man. And now he is our President.

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