I like to wear a very basic jacket when I’m on the road giving talks. I like a jacket that looks sharp, but can be stuffed into a backpack or into the overhead bin on a plane. The salesman in the shop pulled one out and claimed, “This the same coat Obama wears.” Hearing that, I said, “Sold.”
Still, for several years, I’ve wondered if that was true. Then, last week I had the opportunity to meet President Obama in person. It cost me a very expensive donation, but I wanted to put my “Obama jacket” right next to his. Now I have photographic evidence — if you look very closely you can see that, yes! They are the same jacket.
I’ve waited 60 years to shake the hand of a president. It was well worth the wait, and in my mind, this was the right president. I realize that lots of Americans are hell-bent on hating Obama and believe our country is going to hell in a Democratic handbasket. But I’ve traveled enough to know that our country is doing pretty well these days…and it’s not an easy ship to captain. And, to those who hate government in general, I’d recommend traveling to a land where there is no competent government, as I have many times. Good governance is a blessing.
Actually getting to do the “grip and grin” with our president gave me a chance to see the energy and security that surrounds the most powerful man on the planet and the leader of the free world. The thrill is hard to explain.
Like any evangelical travel writer and TV host, I brought along a copy of one of my books (Travel as a Political Act) and DVDs of my two political TV specials (Rick Steves’ Iran and Rick Steves’ The Holy Land). Once in line, I learned no one can have anything in their hands as they approach the president. My gifts were taken with a promise that they would go “in his box.” Who knows what happened to them…but I felt good to have at least brought them for his box.
When I had my moment with the president, I told him (in fast-forward mode), “Hi, I’m Rick Steves. Thanks so much for all you do. I host a public television series about travel, and I produced shows on Iran and the Holy Land in hopes that Americans can better understand those regions. My shows are in your box.” It was all so fast, I don’t even think I remembered to pose for the camera. Grip, grin, and outta there.
I debated what to say in my ten seconds with our president (knowing it would all be a blur to him anyway). I could have thanked him for supporting Bread for the World in drawing a “circle of protection” around our nation’s most vulnerable citizens, who had been facing program budget cuts. Or I could have asked him to reclassify marijuana from a schedule one drug (in a league with heroin) to a more honest classification. But now, having had some time to think about it, I’ve realized the best thing would have been to show him how we were both wearing the same jacket…and how good it looks on us.
Well said! Thanks, Rick!
What a great opportunity, and you look terrific with THE President!
Where did you get the travel-friendly jacket? What label is it?
Hello, this is Evelynn in Rick’s office. Rick bought the jacket from Nordstrom. The brand is Hart Schaffner Marx, and it’s from the Trumpeter collection.
What a great story! And I am so glad you got to meet Obama. We love him too.
And even more exciting is that you gave him the Iran DVD. We were in Iran for 19 days in April and had a WONDERFUL time. You were right. The people are amazing. We would not have gone had we not seen your DVD. We are already planning a trip back to see the north.
Our tour company, by the way, was IranExplorers.com and could not have been better.
And I have been in the travel business for 25 years so I know a good tour company when I see one.
Thank you again for all you do to promote understanding around the world.
Linda Purcell
Washington, DC
Rick,
What is “the jacket”? Could you please share? I need one of those. The guy always looks like he just had his pressed (which he probably did and I’m sure it helps that he travels on AF1). But still, what’s the brand, style?
Hello, this is Evelynn in Rick’s office. Rick bought the jacket from Nordstrom. The brand is Hart Schaffner Marx, and it’s from the Trumpeter collection.
Rick: C’mon. No tie, and wearing jeans to meet the President?
Thanks Rick! Obama’s efforts and intelligence have been woefully unappreciated. I am proud to have voted for him, twice. Thank God he won.
+1 for, what’s the make of the jacket?!
Hello, this is Evelynn in Rick’s office. Rick bought the jacket from Nordstrom. The brand is Hart Schaffner Marx, and it’s from the Trumpeter collection.
I know you don’t like to ‘plug’ things other than maybe the travel gear you sell but…many of us share the same feeling: what one special suit or sports coat could we pack that looks great for ‘fine dining’ in Europe. So…who makes yours? If it can work for you traveling with one of your products to pack it in, it is amazing. We all need one (but my size is ‘Short.’
Hello, this is Evelynn in Rick’s office. Rick bought the jacket from Nordstrom. The brand is Hart Schaffner Marx, and it’s from the Trumpeter collection.
Don’t care how bad the rebound of this may be, but I truly believe he is the best president we have ever had. Of course you cannot see what it would have been like 7 years ago if he did not get elected twice, but I am sure that we would of been down the tube. He is actually thoughtful in what he does. Which is refreshing in a day and age where politicians are controlled by so many others.
Nice jacket sir…