Utah delegates impressed by Obama

Many Utah delegates to the Democratic National Convention personally know Barack Obama — and wish other Utahns knew him better and hope the convention that begins today will help them do that.

For example, University of Utah law professor Erika George, an alternate Utah delegate, remembers when she was a somewhat insecure college student on the south side of Chicago.

She met Obama — before he was even a U.S. senator — and mentioned in passing that she was considering law school.

"He told me, 'You can do it.' Each time I saw him, he encouraged me to apply to his alma mater, Harvard Law School. I was far from confident but applied anyway. And he was right. I did it," she said.

And because of his demonstrated belief in young people to achieve their highest potential, George said, "I have devoted much of my legal career since my graduation from Harvard to promote social justice and equality through my law practice and teaching."

Delegate Kristi Cumming said she had not met Obama until she hosted a fundraiser for him at her home in Park City last year.

"My sense of him from television was exactly how he appeared to me in person: approachable. He is a person you could envision conversing with on the sidelines of your kids' soccer game or negotiating with world leaders. He is humble, sincere and capable," she said.

Cumming added, "My husband and I were quite surprised when one week later, the phone rang and it was Sen. Obama calling to thank us for hosting him in our home. He shared with us again how beautiful he thought Utah was and how lucky we were to live here."

Utah Democratic Party Chairman Wayne Holland, who also is chairman of Utah's delegation to the convention, said when he met Obama a year ago he found that "this is a guy that when you are in the room with him, his leadership abilities are very obvious."

He said Obama's care for his wife Michelle and two young daughters Malia and Sasha showed "the values that Utahns are looking for."

Even brief handshakes or meetings left deep impressions on several Utah delegates.

Brian Spittler, a delegate who is a Brigham Young University student, met Obama when he was helping his campaign in Elko, Nev.

"So often, we create these superhuman images for those we see in national office and on the TV, only to be very disappointed when you meet them face to face," he said. "This was the complete opposite of the truth with Barack Obama. He was so kind and cordial and very appreciative of the hard work that all the volunteers were putting in."