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'My Dearest Barack'
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By DONOVAN SLACK | 11/30/12 8:34 PM EST

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Millions of Americans received them. Lots of them. Those overly familiar emails signed “Barack” or “Joe” asking for just $3 or $5. Many were inspired to donate to the Obama campaign.
But one student at the University of Pennsylvania was inspired in another way. He wrote back. Love letters.
When Dylan Hansen-Fliedner received an email signed by “Barack” asking for help with the great challenges that lay ahead, the 20-year-old sought to reassure the president of his support: “writing this letter makes me run out of words..i love you so much that i dont know how to express it anymore..”
In response to a missive signed by first lady Michelle Obama, he wrote: “Dear Michelle, You existing makes me want to crawl under a rock. Your beauty undoes everything else—the sun dims and my childhood memories become less idyllic.”
And when Vice President Joe Biden – or “Joe” -- emailed after his debate with Paul Ryan, Hansen-Fliedner wrote back: “I felt your pale eyes were telling something to me beyond words. My brain says it is just a delusion where you meant to convey nothing. My heart says there is definitely something in your heart which is not letting go of me.”
The collected writings – more than a hundred letters – are reminiscent of the viral “Texts from Hillary” meme, but in prose.
Hansen-Fliedner, a 20-year-old studying Cinema and English, told POLITICO it was something of an artistic project, designed to highlight faux familiarity in an electronic age. He created a Tumblr and compiled the work into a book. He also mailed it to the White House. He has yet to hear back.
Hansen-Fliedner is not really a follower of politics, but he said the concept intrigues him. “I'm interested in the idea of politics. And the way politics can be inserted into my art.”
When asked if his “love” for “Barack” has endured or was real in the first place, he demurred. “What do you think?” he said.
Here's one exchange:
October 17, 2012
Dylan --
This is the last time we'll do this.
Tonight is the campaign's final FEC deadline.
I'm asking you to chip in before midnight.
Right now, this race is very close -- the outcome will come down to what we do with the next 20 days.
If we win, it'll be because each of us stepped up to do our part at moments like this.
Donate $5 or more today, and stand with me for the final weeks of my last campaign:
https://donate.barackobama.com/Deadline-Tonight
Thank you,
Barack


October 17, 2012
My sweet and Darling Barack
Today a feel very happy because I notice at each and every instant the importance you represent to me and the strength you transmit, so that I can face whichever obstacle without fear or insecurity, moved only by an infinite will to make you as happy as I feel this minute.
You are gorgeous and adorable, capable of making me realize how good it is to feel alive, how good it is that your presence makes me grow and transform into a better person, capable of turning dreams into reality and make the result of those dreams, now shared by us both, and eternalizing then into an ambience of harmony, care and love.
My life without you would lack meaning, lack sense. Without you I would be nothing but a wandering errant, searching for my path that could lead me to happiness’s door. But with you around, by my side, close to me, I’m certain of having made the right, safer and yet romantic choice. I feel that all this love and care, that I share here with you, goes both ways and it fills my heart with peace and joy. Gazing endlessly into your deep yet sweet eyes, I realize the tender and pure light that pours from your heart and soul.
I shall never let this feeling that joins us perish. Never, by any chance, let us dript away from love’s true path, built on complicity and affection.
I love you and forever will!
Love,
Dylan


Eric D. Schwerin
Rosemont Seneca Partners, LLC
1010 Wisconsin Ave., NW
Suite 705
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 333-1880
eschwerin@rosemontseneca.com
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