Dear President Obama: When Macy met POTUS

By Rachel Ruiz

I’m the author of a new children’s book called When Penny Met POTUS, which I was inspired to write after working on your campaign in 2012. I was the lead story development producer on the video team in Chicago. As a life-long Chicagoan (born and raised on the south side), it was gratifying to work for you in my hometown, where your journey in public service first began. I was incredibly proud of my team’s work in 2012, but I was especially proud of one video in particular: “Ian’s Letter: Dear Mr. President.” Ian, a 10-year-old boy from Nevada, wrote to thank you for bringing his dad home from Iraq. We arranged for Ian and his mom to meet you at a rally in Las Vegas so they could thank you in person. It was a high point of my time on the campaign.

Another high point happened at a different rally, but this one was more personal.

While I working on the campaign, my then 3-year-old daughter Macy knew we called you POTUS. Though she couldn’t grasp what that meant, she sensed you were kind of a big deal. She asked me all kinds of questions about you: “Did you have lunch with POTUS today?” “Is POTUS allergic to peanut butter?” “Does POTUS like to wear red socks?” And the one I got most often, “When can I meet POTUS?” A tall order, but I assured her I’d work on it.

Then, on November 3, three days before the election, my colleagues on the video team made it happen. Macy got to meet you and shake your hand on the rope line in Milwaukee.

On October 12th of this year, Macy, now 7, and I were invited to the White House for the Hispanic Heritage Month reception. It was an honor just to be there, but we also got to meet you and Vice President Biden, and get our picture taken with you both. I’m so grateful I got to share that experience with my daughter. And thank you for taking the time to sign one of my books to her! You both were the inspiration for the book, and I’m honored to have both of your names attached to it.

Working on your campaign in 2012, and the words you shared with us on November 7th at campaign headquarters, have impacted my life greatly. When you spoke to us that day, you told us we were all destined to do great things. I didn’t want to let you down. Shortly after, I sat down and wrote my first children’s book, When Penny Met POTUS. The book was released on July 1, 2016. It was the #1 seller on Amazon’s Hot New Releases in Children’s and Parents Books for three days straight during the Democratic National Convention. I’ve sent you a copy, and I hope you had a chance to read it!

I sent a copy of When Penny Met POTUS to Secretary Clinton, as well. She wrote me back and she was pleased that POTUS turns out to be a woman at the end of the story. I was hoping we could make that a reality in 2016.

I am currently writing six more children’s books for my publisher, Capstone Young Readers. All of the books champion women as role models, diversity, and kindness.

Mr. President, thank you. You have inspired me, both personally and professionally, to contribute and make a difference. I will greatly miss the leadership and example you and the First Lady have demonstrated throughout your time in office. Lastly, thank you for being a role model for our children.

Best wishes to you in all of your future endeavors.