Little Guy, Big Questions

Most journalists can work a lifetime and never land a big name interview. But at the ripe old age of 11, Damon Weaver has already posed questions to some of the world's most recognizable faces, including Oprah Winfrey, Colin Powell, Caroline Kennedy, Samuel L. Jackson, Dwyane Wade and Joe Biden.  Now, less than a year after an election-time interview with the man currently holding the nation's number two slot, Weaver made his way into the White House Diplomat Room for nine minutes with the leader of the free world. Not too shabby, kid.

He told the CBS Early Show, "The president is a normal person." And despite an admission of nerves, Weaver kept his cool, maintaining an extremely professional stance as he probed President Obama about his plans for education reform, including funding, safety and nutrition.

But the  Kathryn E. Cunningham Canal Point Elementary student didn't simply ask the questions, he proposed solutions, such as "Find the best schools and figure out what it is that they're doing well, and then try to get other schools that aren't doing so well to do the same kinds of things," he told Weaver. We like this guy's logic.

When they moved on to the more serious matter of school lunches, the young reporter from Pahokee, Fla., suggested "mangoes and French fries." Not an idea Obama seemed to be buying, this is in fact an issue he believes must be addressed.

But what I found most remarkable about this endearing interview was the president's seemingly genuine desire to engage with this young man. I can't recall ever seeing a president so approachable and willing. I can only imagine the deep and lasting positive impact such leadership will have on America's youth.  When asked what its like to be president, Obama stressed that its an opportunity to help people.

In his closing remarks Weaver refers to the commander in chief as his homeboy. I think we can see why.