I loved the way he looked at me.
Image: thatgirlsa.com

I have done my best to keep this private, especially given the crazy media frenzy around President Obama. However, with the election so close, I thought it was time to be honest with you all. I have been involved in an ongoing, sustained relationship with Barack Obama since early 2012. To some degree, it began in late fall 2011, but initially it was only friendly.

During that time, Barack (he let’s me call him that) contacted me more times than is appropriate. I admit to responding, but I was swept up in the sparkle of it all. I have carried the burden of keeping this secret until now, to spare both Barack and Michelle any embarrassment. However, I believe it is time for the truth to be told.

I am sharing some of the hundreds (yes, hundreds) of emails that I have received from Barack and his friends. At first, I knew better and deleted all of our communications. I’ve read stories of what happened to the Kennedys, Johnson, Clinton, and the John Edward’s debacle was raging as the letters piled up. I’m no fool. Frankly, Barack seems to be like nearly every President before him in this department. Who didn’t have a little side action, when it comes to Presidents? (Don’t even tell me Eisenhower… you may like Ike, but so did his secretary Kay Summersby!) It just goes with the House I think.  Over time, I began to save his letters, just in case… something happened to me. Now, I feel it is only right to bring them out in public.

Despite everything, I stand by my man. I believe in him, even if I’m nursing a broken

Yep, you guessed it: this was our secret point. It’s directed at me.
Image: billslater.com

heart. I know we will both go on… Me with my blog, him with the country. I certainly hope he gets to go on. Otherwise, this might all prove too much even for Barack. I believe that bringing it all out in the open, can only help. Honesty is best. I’m doing this as much for Barack, as to clear my conscience. In the end, I suppose I also owe an apology to Michelle. She is a good woman. A woman I could support… I did her wrong, and I’m sorry. I hope this cleans the slate.

Dear Barack,

You know I’d love to join you and Bill in New York, but June is so busy for us. The exchange students are getting ready to return home (How The U.N Dissolved…), my kids are returning from college  and there is just so much going on. I’m sure you remember that I’m also training for Machu Picchu in late June. My schedule really is so full!

It is so cute how you throw in those “suggestions for donations.” Makes this look so legit.  How generous of you to suggest I bring a friend. I must ask: you are aren’t suggesting I “bring a friend” for Bill? I’m not sure how I would feel about involving anyone else.  You know I’d love to say yes, but alas I have to pass… this time.

Dawn

Dear Bill,                                                                                           May 29, 2012

I hope I can call you that. I am a bit surprised that Barack gave you my private email address, but I understand that you two are very close friends. I’m touched that he told you about me. I thought this was all under the radar, if you know what I mean… I’m not implying that you had any problems with radar, but you and Barack do seem to have different codes. I hope I’m not being too forward, but given the fact that Barack wants me to meet you, I felt I could be direct, or mostly direct, if we are all to be friends.

Thank you so much for reaching out. I’m sure we will meet another time.

Dawn

———————————————————————————————————

Dawn —

I take deadlines seriously.

I’m writing to remind you that you’re facing one tomorrow: your last chance to join President Obama, the First Lady, and me for dinner at Sarah Jessica Parker’s home in New York on June 14th.

After dinner, you and a guest of your choosing could join the President and First Lady at a private concert from Mariah Carey.

There’s simply no excuse to let this slip.

I don’t do this sort of thing often — get involved with politics, that is.

But I’m doing everything I can to support President Obama this summer and fall because it’s important that we all do.

Nights in New York like this one are a happy side benefit.

I hope to see you there.

Anna Wintour

——————————————————————-

Ms. Wintour,

I couldn’t possibly call you Anna. I was utterly shaken to hear from you and Sarah on the same day! Two style Goddesses of your calibre is a lot to take in, let alone on the same day! First, I am honored that you would include me in such an incredible evening. Would that I could. Unfortunately, I could not possibly put together an outfit that I would feel good in, in such elite company. I know Sarah isn’t really Carey Bradshaw, but it’s hard not to worry. Who can keep up with that?  Further, I will be very direct here Ms. Wintour, you scare the begeesus out of me! I saw The September Issue. It was brilliant! I loved it, but I am pretty sure that I could not handle an entire dinner with you. The two of you together is just too, too much. You’re right, “fashion does make (me) nervous,” but particularly when faced with you and Sarah in one room.

I am confused as to why Barack has been so open in sharing my information with so many of you, but I can only assume that he wants me to meet all of his friends and supporters. That said, I think I’m a behind the scenes girl… if you get my meaning?  I just wanted to add, that I personally thought all of those long dresses this summer were awful. I hope you’ll think a bit more creatively next year.

Dawn

Dear Barack,                                                                                      June 11,2012

I can’t begin to tell you how I felt when I saw the message “Meet me for dinner” in the subject line of your email. It’s been so hard, just watching you on TV and trying to pretend to others that you’re just the President… when you mean so much more to me. I must say, you do have a lot of dinners! I know we all have to eat, but I’d prefer it was more private, to be honest.

Yes, you do indeed have me! From now on, that should be our song: I’ve got you babe! It’s so sweet and it kind of reminds me of what we have.  Again, you’re so clever to use terms like “support the campaign,” etc to make things look right. Don’t worry, I haven’t told a soul about us. Sadly, as I mentioned in my last letter, June is just impossible.  I also worry that it would just be too much for us to be seen together. Too much is at stake.  You know you have my vote. Wink, wink.

Dawn

Dear Caroline,                                                                                              June 17, 2012

I really don’t know what to say. I’ve been an admirer of yours for years. You’ve always handled things with such style and grace, no matter what the situation. We all know that you’ve had more than your fair share of hard moments and yes, you certainly have personal experience with the Presidency and all that surrounds it. However, I can’t help but take this letter as a bit of a threat. If I’m wrong, please accept my apologies. I’m not really sure how you got my contact information, but I find it “interesting” that you have chosen to write to me now, asking me to join you and Michelle (Really? Not very subtle there C.) to say happy Father’s Day to Barack. You do not need to remind me that he is married to Michelle. I am well aware of it, and have struggled with this for as long as Barack and I have been writing. She’s a wonderful woman. Someone I look up to, in fact. I’ve got to give it to you Caroline, including that video is sharp. It does make me feel bad. But, Barack and I have something special and I won’t be bullied. I would prefer if you don’t contact me again, though I only wish you the very best.

Sincerely, Dawn

———————————————————————————————————

Dawn —                                                                                             June 26, 2012

I will be the first president in modern history to be outspent in his re-election campaign, if things continue as they have so far.

I’m not just talking about the super PACs and anonymous outside groups — I’m talking about the Romney campaign itself. Those outside groups just add even more to the underlying problem.

The Romney campaign raises more than we do, and the math isn’t hard to understand: Through the primaries, we raised almost three-quarters of our money from donors giving less than $1,000, while Mitt Romney’s campaign raised more than three-quarters of its money from individuals giving $1,000 or more.

And, again, that’s not including the massive outside spending by super PACs and front groups funneling up to an additional billion dollars into ads trashing me, you, and everything we believe in.

We can be outspent and still win — but we can’t be outspent 10 to 1 and still win.

More than 2.2 million Americans have already chipped in for us, and I’m so grateful for it. As we face this week’s fundraising deadline, will you make a donation of $75 or more today?

Every donation you make today automatically enters you to join Michelle and me for one of the last grassroots dinners of this campaign — today is your last chance to get your name in.

These dinners represent how we do things differently. My opponent spent this past weekend at a secretive retreat for the biggest donors to both his campaign and the super PACs that support him.

I’ve got other responsibilities I’m attending to.

Donate today to stand for our kind of politics:  https://donate.barackobama.com/June-Deadline

Thank you,
Barack

———————————————————————————————————-

Dear Barack,                                                                                                June 27, 2012

I needed a little time to respond.  I have been a little hurt since receiving Caroline’s letter. You must see that it was a thinly veiled threat. I believe Michelle knows about us. I can see from the tone of this new letter from you, that it must be all business for now. I understand, but it hurts a little. I recognize the secret message “I’ve got other responsibilities I’m attending to,” and appreciate your effort to let me know that you can’t really risk being caught. Oh, if only I’d come to dinner in June. It was foolish, I’m sorry.  I do hope your Father’s day was wonderful. I felt it would be foolish to sign the card however. We spent the day with Smart Guy and Little Man. I thought of you, but it’s important that we not risk your re-election. I’ve got things I’m attending to as well, but you’re never far from my thoughts.

Dawn

Dear Michelle,                                                                          August 4, 2012

I hope we can be frank here. I’m sure Caroline gave you my address; as I doubt Barack would’ve done it.  I get it. He’s your man. Fine, if that helps you sleep at night, you go on telling yourself that. How very clever of you to send me this note, asking me to sign your birthday card to him. As if I wouldn’t have sent one on my own? Really Michelle? The link is a very nice touch. I don’t need a link to say happy birthday to Barack! He knows I wish him a happy birthday. I think you know that too. Ironically, my husband’s birthday is August 4th as well. Our husbands were born on the very same day, and share the name Barry. They may use more dignified names in public, but we both know what they like to be called in private. Don’t we Michelle?

I need to get back to my husband’s birthday celebration. I will pretend that you didn’t send this.

Dawn

——————————————————————————————————–

Dear Barack                                                                                      August 4, 2012

Happy Birthday Mr. President!  I’m singing it in a Marilyn voice. I know it’s a bit cliché and over-done, but I thought it might make you laugh. I thought you should know that Michelle sent me a letter. She asked me to sign a birthday card for you. Yeah, I know. I’m sorry but I had to write back to her. I think I was pretty direct, but I did not say anything that she can really use…  I hope your day is very special.

Dawn

Dear Michelle,

I’ve got to give it to you. You are tenacious! I will also say, for the record, that you kicked butt out there tonight. Yes, I did watch. How could I not? The pink dress was perfect, your confidence and integrity came through. If we weren’t in this “situation” we might be friends. Despite it all, I do admire you. That said, I’d prefer if we not play this game anymore. It really would be best if you don’t contact me. It’s just too much.

Dawn

Oh Barack!                                                                                        September 20, 2012

You can’t believe what a relief it is to finally hear from you again… on a more personal level. Of course I’d love to have dinner with you. You know I would. After the last few months, I was getting a little worried that pressure from Michelle, Caroline, even Bill, frankly, had made you doubt our feelings.  You’re right, if we keep on “doing this our way, there will be no stopping us.” That, is such a sweet touch Barack. You know it made me smile, because you know me so well! I’m really excited. I think I’ll need to buy a new dress to look extra beautiful for you.

Dawn

Dear Beyonce,                                                                              September 13, 2012

Well, that sure is an understatement: No, you do not email me very often. In fact, when I emailed you way back, as a fan, I heard nothing from you. It’s not that I’m holding a grudge, but I find it odd that you contact me now. Who gave you my email? Really? Caroline? She really should mind her own business. I like her a lot, but this doesn’t concern her. Michelle? Let’s be honest here: I know how she feels, but it is so high school to start calling friends to get involved. Barack and I can handle this on our own. We have been very discreet and it seems to me that telling all of you is only risking this whole thing blowing up, publicly. I know he’s your husband, but really, we all know that Jay-Z (as I call him) likes to talk. He’s got to bust a rhyme somehow and it’s just a matter of time before Barack and Dawn start showing up on the charts. Dawn rhymes with so many other things… You know,  it’s a slippery slope girlfriend.  Please ask “Jay” to keep this on the down low (or whatever new catchy phrase he uses).  I will not be joining you, needless to say, as much as I love New York City in the fall.  Just too many people and too many snoops.  Please do not email me again, unless I contact your fan club.  Thanks.

Dawn

Oh Barack,                                                                                                  October 3, 2012

You have no idea how happy I am right now! I was beginning to think we could not go on like this. There are just too many people involved now, and you know I want to see you do well in November. For you to put it all on the line and give me credit for affordable health care, job growth and tax cuts, means more than any dinner in New York, or flowers. This is so sweet of you! I hope Michelle doesn’t feel badly, as I know she’s worked hard too… Getting kids to exercise is important; I’ll give her that. And she does seem to be a sharp cookie all around. If things were different, I’d root for the two of you. But then you go and write this sweet, sweet letter and I’m all mushy again. I think I’m going to go re-play some of the last debate on CNN, just to see that smile again. You kicked it Barack. I was so proud… to be your “friend.”

Dawn

Dear Michelle,                                                                                    October 22, 2012

I don’t really know what to say at this point. It is so gracious of you to give me credit for Barack’s re-election, come November. I know that none of us can see the future, but I hope above all else that he does indeed win this election. It’s never been about politics between Barack and I. I’m sorry to say it that way, but I believe you know what’s been going on here. He trusts me. He turns to me before each debate, before each big push in a district, when he needs some “support.” We’ve always been able to read between the lines, Barack and I. It’s that much more hurtful that you would include the “chip in $40” line in your correspondence to me. No doubt, you’ve come to realize that this has always been one of our secret codes?

I’m sorry if all of this has hurt you Michelle. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I have tremendous respect for you. You’re an amazing woman. But Barack and I never intended for this to happen. We didn’t want anyone to get hurt. He started writing to me and it just developed into a closer relationship, as time went by. It has nothing to do with the election. Admittedly, the nearly daily onslaught of messages from the people that surround Barack (Hello Joe, really! Stop contacting me!) has been difficult to ignore at times. I feel it was a mistake on Barack’s part to give my address to so many people he works with.  I’ve thought that maybe this is all just too much. I live a simple life and I’m not used to all of this crazy attention from celebrities, political giants, YOU.

I need to reflect on things quietly for a while. Do not take this as any kind of promise that I am giving Barack up. I simply need time to think. The pressure is just too great.

Dawn

————————————————————————————————–

Dear Barack,

It pains me to write this, but it must be done. I can not be your “friend” any more. Please do not write to me beyond this letter. It has just gotten too complicated. One minute you’re telling me that the economy, health care, all of the things you’ve worked so hard for are all due to me… all because of me… What girl wouldn’t have her head turned by such passionate things? Yet, the fact that you have shared our relationship with so many others has just gotten to be too much. Frankly, Joe emails me far too often for comfort. I know he’s your right hand man, but perhaps you shouldn’t have told him about us. I don’t know what Michelle knows, exactly, but she’s a smart cookie. I think she suspects everything. It’s just too much! She emails me, she reminds me all the time that you are her husband… the reminder to say happy Father’s Day was just the start in a seemingly never ending cycle of suggestive threats and reminders that you are hers.

I told you from the beginning. I am an easy going girl. I like things simple and uncomplicated. You know how I feel about you; we’ll always have that. But, I think we need to end this. You need to focus on the election, and I need to focus on voting. I wouldn’t leave you without that… my vote. So, please try to go on. Michelle is wonderful and I know she can make you happy. I need to move on and try to forget about these months we’ve shared. Please respect my wishes and do not contact me again.

Love, Dawn

————————————————————————————————-

Dawn —                                                                     October 25, 2012

I don’t want to lose this election.

Not because of what losing would mean for me — Michelle and I will be fine no matter what happens.

But because of what it would mean for our country and middle-class families.

This race is very close.

I’m not willing to watch the progress you and I worked so hard to achieve be undone.

Don’t wait. Donate $40 today.

I believe in you. If you stick with me, and if we fight harder than ever for the next two weeks, I truly believe we can’t lose.

Thank you,
Barack

P.S. — I don’t know what Election Night will hold, but I’d like you to be a part of the event here in Chicago.
———————————————————————————————————
Dear Barack,                                                                          October 26, 2012

I spent a sleepless night thinking about you, thinking about us. I can’t do this anymore.  The message in your subject line “Stick with me,” practically breaks my heart. You know I don’t want to walk away, but I must. You believe in me. Oh, how that just adds salt to this wound! I believe in you as well. You must know this! But, it’s just too big for either of us. There are too many people who know, too many people involved now. Caroline Kennedy should have been warning enough, but Beyonce, Jay-Z (you know she told him), Bill… he’s amazing, but he can’t be trusted with this kind of thing. He always slips up.

We will always have these letters. Any time you are missing me, just read them and you will know that I am beside you, rooting for you and believing in you. We can’t fight harder the next two weeks, that battle is yours to fight now without me by your side. I will be fighting here, and will hold you close in my thoughts. But you must go forth and do this alone. Please be strong, if I ever meant anything to you. I know Michelle will be there for you, and that brings me some comfort. This is our last letter Barack. Please accept this, and let me go.

Dawn

——————————————————————————————————-

I’ll always love him in a simple shirt, sleeves rolled up and ready to work.
Image: bellenews.com

And so I’ve ended it. For the good of the country really. Barack had a point: I can already take credit for health care reform, the growing economy (look where we were when he started! When he didn’t have me, as a friend), job growth… and who knows what else I can take credit for? But in the end, this country needs Barack more than I do. Michelle needs him. So I’m stepping aside.  I will always have these letters to look at and remember…

If you like the posts on Tales From the Motherland, please subscribe to this blog. The link is in the upper right hand corner of this post.  Then, check out Tales From the Motherland on Facebook and hit Like. I’d love to hit 400 likes there this year, and I appreciate the support.  I’m on Twitter; Follow me and be dazzled by my mostly lame witty and clever Tweets. If I don’t follow you back, send me a tweet reminder and I will. I often miss the cues, when new people join. I’m older, and slower that way.

© 2014  Please note, that content and some images on this page are copyrighted to Dawn Quyle Landau and Tales From the Motherland. If you care to share my work, please give proper credit. Plagiarism sucks.

Any ads at the bottom of this page are not endorsed by Tales From the Motherland. I am just not willing to pay extra to have them not appear there