December 2004

James Ehrmann • Close Encounter

When Barbara and Jenna Bush speak on behalf of their father, you certainly have to have an attentive ear. And attentive eyes, of course, because the Bush twins are nothing short of gorgeous.

It was my pleasure to hear them speak in Iowa City this fall—and to meet them afterwards. Understand that Barbara Bush just may be my ideal woman: as a Yale graduate, she’s obviously intelligent, and rumor has it she’s Republican. Barbara also embodies two of my favorite characteristics: freckles and a Southern accent.

Imagine my anxiety as I waited in a line to greet the President’s daughter and have my picture taken with her. I snapped a picture of the floor to make sure my camera worked, lamented the fact there was no mirror around in which to check my hair, and made sure the pizza I’d eaten earlier hadn’t found a permanent place on my white shirt. In my head, my first encounter with Barbara was going to be straight out of a romance novel:

"Hello, Barbara,” I’d say. “My name’s James, and I’m pleased to meet you.”

"I know who you are, James,” would be her reply. “I’ve been waiting to see you all day.”

"Let’s get out of here,” I’d recommend. “Our fraternity’s having a white rose exchange tonight, and there’s no one I’d rather take than you.”

"Well, what are we waiting for?” she’d say. “I’ve got to find a dress, and we’ll have to fly back to Washington first to make sure it’s all right with my dad....”

But this is what actually happened.

"Hi, my name’s James.”

"Hi,” she said, “nice to meet you.”

"Likewise. Thanks a lot for coming today.”

"You’re welcome. It’s great to be here.”

Then the camera flashes. She’s gone, and I still had so much more to say. Oh well, there’s always next time.

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