When Air Force One landed at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan, Darren Riley, a 32-year-old Detroit native, found himself standing on the tarmac in the bitter cold, waiting for President Joe Biden. Little did he know that he would soon be given the opportunity of a lifetime – a ride in the presidential motorcade.
Earlier that day, Riley received an unexpected question from the Biden campaign, asking if he would like to join the president in the motorcade. Excitedly, he accepted the invitation, and within hours, he was shaking hands with Biden and climbing into a heavily armored SUV.
In an interview with CNN, Riley struggled to find words to describe the encounter, stating that he was still processing the experience. Biden, eager to show Riley some of the features of the presidential SUV, turned on the seat massager for him to enjoy during the ride.
As the motorcade made its way through the Detroit suburbs to a local restaurant called They Say, Biden engaged in conversation with Riley. The president inquired about Riley’s upbringing, childhood, education, and his business. Riley, who runs his own environmental tech company called JustAir, never imagined having a conversation with the president. However, he found himself with the surreal opportunity to ask for advice on his company and how to be a better leader.
Biden grabbed Riley’s hand, looked him in the eye, and shared valuable wisdom. He emphasized the importance of building rapport and trust, even when individuals hold different perspectives. The president’s trip to Michigan marked a shift towards the general election, with a focus on retail politics and organic conversations with constituents.
Riley, a Black voter, revealed that he had voted for Biden in 2020 and plans to vote for him again in 2024. During their car ride, he learned directly from the president that the unemployment rate among Black Americans had reached record lows under the Biden administration. This revelation further solidified Riley’s support for Biden.
While the Israel-Hamas conflict loomed over Biden’s visit to Michigan, Riley and the president did not discuss the issue. However, Riley, who lives in southwest Detroit and works closely with Arab Americans, expressed empathy for the pain felt by the community. He stated that he and Biden broadly discussed the widespread suffering in the world.
One aspect that surprised Riley was witnessing Biden’s sharpness up close. Despite online clips highlighting the president’s occasional mistakes and fumbles, Riley found Biden to be articulate and focused during their conversation. He admired Biden’s ability to juggle multiple topics and navigate complex issues.
When asked if he would share his experience with friends and family, Riley revealed that he had already begun doing so, starting with his mother. The impact of personal testimonials and one-on-one encounters has become increasingly significant in the campaign, as they often hold more sway than speeches or news articles.
In conclusion, Darren Riley’s unexpected ride in the presidential motorcade with President Joe Biden left him in awe. The conversation they shared allowed Riley to gain valuable insights and reaffirm his support for Biden. This unique experience highlights the importance of personal connections and genuine interactions in political campaigns.