MICHAEL STEELE

Pasadena Civic Auditorium

Pasadena, CA

June 26, 2016

Photo credit: Michael Steele

Given the presidential candidates we had to choose from in 2016, it was beginning to be a contentious year and, like many American citizens, I was starting to pay closer attention to politics. Thanks to the focused attention I gave to my high school civics class, I was clear on the three branches of the US Federal government: the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria. But seriously folks, I think the goal of that class was to prepare students to be good citizens and participate in public affairs. So I vote, I watch my fair share of political news, and before the nation got too divided, I attended my first bi-partisan convention. Politicon. 

While this event presented intelligent panel discussions, it also poked fun at both sides of the aisle and that was as involved as I was willing to get with this process. 

A few of the famous politicoes who’d come out for this were James Carville (political analyst), Clay Aiken (American Idol who ran for Congress in North Carolina), Rosanne Barr (Emmy Award-winning actress and comedian who was running for president this year), and Sarah Palin (former governor of Alaska who ran for US vice president in 2008). I’m not quite sure who has gotten more laughs over the years, Rosanne or Sarah Palin; both women were more confident than they were qualified.

As I walked through the halls of the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, I saw someone I recognized from the news channels, Michael Steele. I think he is the former chairman of the Republican National Committee and former lieutenant governor of Maryland. He seemed like a nice guy, but we are on different sides of the political spectrum, and from what I gathered, that meant we were supposed to be adversaries. Be that as it may, I wasn’t trying to get a beer with the guy—as is what seems to be the standard for a good politician—I just wanted to ask if he’d take my picture.

He was standing in a hallway chatting with the people and seemed very friendly, so when it was my turn, I approached him. I said, “Hi.” “Hello,” he said. “This is sorta different, but I have this celebrity photo album. It’s just a bunch of pictures of me taken by celebrities. Will you take my picture?” He said, “Okay great! What do you want me to do?”

I said, “Well—this is America. So you have total creative freedom.” (Appropriate response for this market.) “I just have to be in the photo somehow and you have to push the button. And I have to have my clothes on.”

Just like a guy would do, he chuckled at that last bit, then motioned for the camera and turned it towards us to take a couple of selfies. He was relaxed and easy to talk with. I thanked him for his time and went on my way.

So, Mr. Steele—I feel as though we were supposed to be political rivals, but I enjoyed meeting you. If all rivals could be like you the world would be a better place. I appreciate you and thanks again for the photos.