Barack Obama came on Saturday for the usual presidential campaign fundraiser. While everything was the same as any other politician, Barack stood out to me. I've heard about him, read about him, and still I wasn't convinced. I expected to hear the same ol' lines that all politicians give you. In the last year or so, I've been lucky and blessed with the opportunity to hear many of them speak in person. For many cynics, that's no big deal. For me, it is wonderful, not because of who they are and because of their celebrity status. It is wonderful because it demonstrates how they do want to get to know their constituents. I am a girl born and raised in a South American country. I grew up feeling small in comparison to the world and the big, glamorous world of Hollywood. These events help bring down their stardom status in my mind because I get to see them, and I get to judge...

So Barack came to speak. He settled comfortably and made himself at home in Hialeah, at the heart of Little Havanna, where I never thought a black man from the north could feel at home. While a handful of demonstrators outside attempted to created a foiled raucous, inside hundreds cheered him on, woo-hoo'ed his efforts, and vowed their support.

And Barack delivered. He is as believably sure of himself as any other old-timer in politics, but I actually believe him. He is secure in his abilities, in his motivations, and I believed him. I've heard others make promises and doubted them, but Barack promised his efforts and dedication, and I couldn't help but believe him. He believes he can do it, and I have no reason to doubt him.

He addressed every point and every criticism I have ever heard about him, and refuted it brilliantly, humbly, confidently, and assertively. He  makes you believe. Sure, I may have fallen victim to an eloquent speaker, but something in my heart tells me that's not true. I've heard amazing speakers. I even got the chance to hear Bill Clinton speak last Spring--and I love Bill Clinton. But even from him I didn't get that real, down-to-earth, effective tug at my heart-strings that makes me believe almost undoubtedly.

Now, I understand his contenders are strong. Hillary frightens me almost with her assuredness and ability. Barack is doing well for who he is, but he requires much more support and security in the Democratic party. So, as much as he has won me over, I am worried about his chances. I believe that he needs merely to speak to you of his goals, his ambitions, his dreams for this country and you'd believe him. But I know that may not be enough to win him the presidency. So I wish him the best of luck, because I think he is the best luck this country can get--an idealist, a dreamer who achieves, a man full of hope. He infused the crowd with feelings of opportunity, equality, liberty--it can be done. And I believe him. I hope he is given the opportunity to do his work, if not in '08, then soon after...