I couldn't see the President from where I was standing outside the Centre Block. Somebody closer to the front told me he smiled and waved. It wasn't until I returned half-frozen to the office that I caught it on television.
And I honestly don't think there will be anything of substance achieved during the brief hours that the president is on the ground.
So yes, we all may be just a bit gaga. And yes, there will be limited interaction between Mr. Obama and ordinary Canadians. And yes, it is all kind of a whirlwind of nothingness.
But the folks out on the lawn KNEW they weren't going to get more than a glimpse. Nine seconds was better than nothing. And they were satisfied with that. MORE than satisfied. Every person on the Hill that I spoke to after he had disappeared inside the Peace Tower said they were thrilled to have been there.
So I do think this is all kind of cool.