The Q&A with Harry Reid provided the most touching, spontaneous and affirming moment I've seen at any political conference in a very long time. Joan McCarter was conducting the interview, and led off by handing Senator Reid Lt. Dan Choi's West Point ring, saying that he wanted Reid to have it because it didn't have the same meaning to him that it once did. She then handed him Choi's discharge paperwork.
Senator Reid's response was, in my estimation, the best one he could have given. Reid said he would keep the ring until the bill is signed repealing DADT, at which time he would give it back to Choi. Then Choi came on stage and agreed, sealed with a hug and a promise that he would hold Reid accountable.
Truly, these moments don't happen often. They aren't just feel-good staged happy minutes. It was unscripted, heartfelt, and the audience was completely with Choi from the moment Joan produced his ring. Harry Reid could have hemmed and hawed, but he didn't. He said he would keep it as collateral against his promise to get that repeal done.
This is the power of people at work. I have no doubt Reid will do whatever he possibly can to keep that promise. I hope it comes to pass (literally pass) soon. Very soon.
