When you're a political candidate, a celebrity, or someone else well-known,

[MineralMan]

many people feel like they know you. You don't know them, but they think they know you and that you're their friend (or maybe their enemy). So, here they come, walking up and calling you by your first name and going for a hug or a handshake or sometimes they're angry at you. They hold their children out to you. They forget that you have no idea who they are. You're the famous one.

I once had a friend, a woman who was a news anchor on a local TV station. She told me that people think they know her and come up to her with a hug in mind or something. "It comes with the job." She is in their living rooms every morning, smiling and telling them what's new. They know her name. She smiles and laughs and banters with the other people on the set. So, they think they know her, and forget that she hasn't a clue who they are. "It's something you just have to deal with, the hugs and familiarity, every time you're out in public. It was hard to get used to."

So, give politicians a break. Most people come to them expecting some sort of welcoming response from them. I mean those people voted for them, so of course the politician knows and likes them. It can be confusing as the dickens, dealing with complete strangers who think you're their best friend. They deal with it as best they can, but sometimes mistakes get made. "It comes with the job."

[DownriverDem]

1. Well said

Thank you.

[mountain grammy]

2. Excellent points, as I think about Al Franken

in this light. A warm, friendly man who loves people.. I'll never believe for a second he did anything inappropriate and neither has Biden.

[abqtommy]

3. Anybody who chooses to place themselves in the public eye

should conduct themselves with grace and humility. Otherwise, stay out out view!