By Don Germaise

Now that it’s over . . . I can share personal stories and impressions about the Presidential candidates whom I got to meet and interview as they campaigned across Florida:

Mitt Romney: In our first meeting before the Presidential Debate in St. Petersburg, Romney seemed stiff and almost afraid to answer basic questions. You got the feeling he was hiding something. Two months later, I interviewed Romney a second time in Sarasota, just days before the January 29th Primary. What a turnaround! Romney seemed like the kind of guy you’d like to have a beer with. He was relaxed, funny, and friendly. We spent so much time talking about football, cold weather, and kids, he almost ran out of time in our 10 minute interview window.

John McCain: I started calling McCain, “McPain!”  Not because of the candidate, but because of his handlers. They went to great lengths to keep reporters away from McCain except for staged, controlled events. There were few opportunities for impromptu interviews. Even when one press secretary set up an event, a campaign handler tried to stop it. At one point a handler ordered me not to ask the candidate any questions as he walked by. When I asked my questions anyway (as my job requires me to do), she yelled at me for disobeying her! As for candidate, I liked him. He seems awfully soft spoken for a politician, and not particularly savvy about the media. However, he has a certain charm that reminds me of my grandfather.

Mike Huckabee: This guy is hilarious! Very personable, always looks you in the eye. You can tell he was a preacher back in the day. I loved talking to Mike Huckabee. I got the feeling he was genuinely interested in me and I think he makes supporters feel the same way! This is definitely a guy you want to have a beer with!

Rudy Giuliani:  The only time I got to meet Rudy Giuliani was late in the campaign, after it became obvious he could not win Florida. He acted like a man who was holding on to a thread. He talked a good game, but you could tell by the way he acted, he was disappointed.