Dorett McKoy-Lee will always remember the seven months leading up to November 4 when United States President-elect Barack Obama won the elections. That morning she had flown with him on the private plane he'd been using. It was among the fleet owned by North American, a charter company and McKoy-Lee, a Jamaican former employee of Air Jamaica, was selected from the seven attendants to be specially assigned to Obama.

Speaking exclusively with The Sunday Gleaner, McKoy-Lee, who was recently home on vacation and is now residing in New York, said that following his nomination as the Democratic Party's candidate, the plane was specially configured for Obama's needs. His staff of about 20 persons, comprised mainly young (roughly 25 years old), bright Ivy-League university graduates.

Great mood

President-elect Barack Obama and family wave to supporters at a caucus rally in Des Moines, Iowa, after winning the Iowa Democratic presidential caucus. - File

"I was selected by my company based on seniority, I am a purser/supervisor. Obama enjoyed the last day of the campaign, he came on-board relaxed, happy and he was in such a great mood, he asked me how I was doing that day, if I'd voted yet and then said to us all, 'Let's take some pictures'."

During the seven months that she flew with America's next president, McKoy-Lee said she found him to be charismatic and possess a magnetic charm that pulls you in to him. He used the time on-board to get into his own space and as his down time. He read a lot during flights. "But when his wife, Michelle, and the girls were on-board, they were very natural together and many times he'd make room for her to sit beside him on his seat. "She often just give him a peck on the forehead or cheek. The children are normal, but very well-behaved."

McKoy-Lee said huge crowds followed Obama wherever he went as she would observe when he had to overnight anywhere. On long-haul trips such as the famous European tour, he'd sleep (no snoring though) and he liked to snack on pistachio or macadamia nuts. "He eats well, usually grilled or broiled salmon, brown rice, broccoli and drink lots of water. He never requested alcohol."

Many times they would visit three states in a day and McKoy-Lee said it would not be unusual to see Obama turn up at gym to play basketball.

barbara.ellington@gleanerjm.com.