Eric Melder of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, had donated to the Obama campaign three times before, when he received an email from campaign manager David Plouffe announcing "Backstage with Barack," an opportunity for grassroots supporters to meet Barack at the Democratic National Convention just before he delivers his acceptance speech. Melder began this presidential election with his allegiance, and his vote tied to Mike Huckabee. He does not always vote Democratic, but watching Barack through the long primary season caused Melder to change his mind. Speaking to MSNBC, Melder said, “I like how he commands respect,” he said. “I think Barack Obama has that unique influence to get people on the same page and moving in the same direction.”After reading Plouffe's email, Melder decided to donate again, knowing it was a long shot, but hoping that he would be chosen to meet Barack in Denver. In the 100 word essay accompanying his donation, Melder explained why meeting Barack would mean so much to him, and to the one guest he had in mind to bring along. At 59 years old, Melder is retired from a career as a YMCA director and youth counselor, where he worked with kids from tough backgrounds and helped them get back on a healthy developmental track. Of all the kids Melder worked with over the years, one stands out though. Anthony came to Melder out of a hard family situation but with a determined effort, turned himself around, earning valedictorian honors in his high school class and graduating from Temple University.In his semi-retirement Melder counsels on weekends at the Diakon Wilderness Center, where Anthony is now a Program Director, making the once troubled youth turned high school valedictorian now, quite literally, Melder's boss. When Melder received a call from the campaign telling him that he had been chosen out of hundreds of thousands of applicants to meet Barack, there was no doubt in his mind who he would bring with him. Disappointing his wife, and his three kids, Melder called Anthony, who screamed when he heard the news. In the context of the campaign, and the change Barack is trying to bring to our country, Anthony is the perfect choice. Writes Melder, "There is no greater satisfaction than being a part of positive change in the lives of those who surround us. Anthony and I will come to the convention together. Barack needs to meet him." It's fair to say, Barack needs to meet Melder, too.
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