doi:10.7916/2x9c-3170Oral history interview with Chuck Freedman, 2020Freedman, Chuckoral historiesmixed materialPresidents--United StatesPresidential campaigns--United StatesHawaii Politics and governmentFreedman, ChuckObama, BarackHale Mohalu Ohana (Organization)Chuck Freedman discusses a variety of local and national politicians. He recalls his early arrival to the Pacific through the Peace Corps, which brought him to Palau. Freedman later came to Hawaii and worked for several notable politicians. He remembers his time working for Lt. Gov. Jean King and their experiences attempting to save the Hale Mohalu health facility. Freedman recalls being recruited by Brian Schatz to volunteer for the Obama presidential campaign in 2006. He fondly remembers an early campaign rally where a charismatic Obama told an energetic Hawaii crowd that he would be bodysurfing. Freedman discusses the complexities of the concept of the aloha spirit but describes Hawaii as a tolerant place. He paraphrases John Kennedy, alluding to the notion of America wanting to be like Hawaii