Claflin University junior Lakisha Lockhart said she “was so excited” when she was chosen on Friday to introduce Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama on Saturday.

But when U.S. Rep. James E. Clyburn decided to make the introduction, Lockhart’s role became the introduction of Clyburn.

Speaking to an assemblage of 2,000 “was exhilarating,” Lockhart said. “It was definitely a great experience. I really enjoyed it. Everybody had such great vibes. They were so excited.”

“I think I was more nervous when I met the senator” backstage, Lockhart said. It was a very short conversation, she said. “I spoke with him and his wife” and discovered she and Michelle Obama shared a connection to Princeton University.

“The senator was asking me about myself. I told him I was supposed to introduce him today, but the congressman wanted to do that, so he said, ’I’ll give you another opportunity. You can do it when I come back next time.’ I said, ’OK, I’m going to hold you to that!’

“He was very sweet, very nice, and I got his autograph. It says, ’To Lakisha: Dream big dreams. Barack Obama.”

Lockhart is a religion and philosophy major, with a minor in Spanish.

n T&D Staff Writer Lee Hendren can be reached by e-mail at lhendren@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5552. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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