I first met Ronald Reagan when I was 24 years old. I was in the campaign headquarters in Washington, DC, and was told to line up to meet the President and shake his hand. The person standing next to me excitedly whispered, "They say that when you meet him you feel like you and he are the only two people in the world!" I scoffed. I was a little bit jaded, to be honest, and had zero expectations for what I knew would be a brief meeting.
But then he took my hand, looked me in the eye and said, "Thank you", and I felt like he and I were, indeed, the only people in the room.
Ronald Reagan had a way of seeing people. In all the years I worked with him, it was a defining trait. And he didn't care if you were a Republican, a Democrat, or an independent - he wanted to know how you could be a part of the solution.
I'm supporting Vice President Harris and Governor Walz because I see in them the same willingness to be open-minded, and open-hearted. I see their desire to serve all Americans, even those who might vote a different way, and to make this country better.
It's notable that the Harris-Walz campaign is welcoming all supporters, regardless of their party affilation or past political activities. Hundreds of Republicans have now endorsed Harris-Walz, and are very much a part of this critical Presidential campaign. The welcoming embrace of all people who want to help shows me who Harris is, and what she values.
I believe Vice President Harris sees what her fellow Americans want for the future, she sees the road ahead clearly, and will lead our nation with integrity and decency. And that is why I will cast my vote for her.
Michele Woodward was Lead Press Advance in the White House Advance Office during the Reagan Administration, Executive Director of the Reagan Centennial Commission, and Principal Organizer for the State Funeral of President Reagan.