Presidential Walkabout: Audacity, Uncertainty, and the Road Ahead
As many of you know, I’ve been kicking around a rather audacious idea. Most folks I’ve shared it with either love it or express concern. I get it. Honestly, I’m not even sure what to make of it myself. That’s why I’m writing—to hear myself think.
Here it is: I’m considering what I’m calling a "Presidential Walkabout." Picture this: me, a guitar slung over one shoulder with "Presidential Pilgrim" scrawled on the case, a backpack on my back, and a long stretch of open road ahead. I’d walk from town to town, relying on the generosity of strangers, sleeping wherever I can, and interviewing people for a podcast I’ve yet to launch. The goal? To meet Americans where they are. To listen. To learn. To serve. And to reconnect with a vision of what this country could be.
Why Do It?
Because I believe in this country, even as it slips into something I barely recognize. Because I believe there’s still value in curiosity, in meeting people eye-to-eye, and in bridging political divides not with propaganda but with presence. I want to create content—podcast episodes, social posts, blog reflections—that captures this experience. That captures America.
And I’ll definitely need revenue streams. One campaign-focused, to cover walkabout costs; another personal, to handle expenses that campaign funds can’t touch (like student loans). I’d essentially be betting on the kindness of strangers—and the hope that people will support someone willing to risk comfort for connection.
What Would I Actually Be Doing?
Walking. Listening. Learning. Creating. Offering my hands as a handyman in places that need help. I’d deepen my political perspectives, record conversations, and share the journey online. Ideally, it becomes a living campaign—one grounded in transparency and service.
Is it dangerous? Sure. Walking unknown roads, staying in unpredictable places, being vulnerable to whatever humanity I encounter. That part scares me. But staying in place scares me more.
Is It Delusional?
Possibly. I ask myself that constantly. What kind of person believes they can walk their way into national relevance? Let alone the White House?
But I’m not walking to win. I’m walking to matter. To make a dent in the conversation. Because if I can help make political discourse more human, more curious, more respectful—that is success. And if I’m going to run for president, it’s not to take power. It’s to give it back. To refuse corporate money. To speak boldly, plainly, truthfully. If that resonates with enough Americans, great. If not, at least I’ll have kept my soul intact.
Alternative Routes
Could I have more impact supporting a local candidate? Maybe. Could I run for something smaller, learn the ropes, then aim higher? Also maybe. I’ve thought about it all. And I’ll keep thinking.
But I also believe in action. In iteration. Maybe I don’t sell everything and walk across America right away. Maybe I try it for a weekend. Record an episode. Sleep outside. Talk to strangers. See what happens. Maybe I get a van, throw my tools in the back, and offer repairs in exchange for stories and a place to park. A step at a time.
The Tradeoff
The truth? I love my life. I have housemates I adore, a D&D campaign that’s awesome, beautiful surroundings, and a community that feeds my spirit. I could double down on that. Or I could chase this crazy dream and see where it leads.
Because when I look back in twenty years, I don’t want my only story to be, "I remodeled a really nice bathroom." I want to be able to say I did something that scared me. That I listened to the little voice that said: Go.
So here I am, still not sure. But moving closer.
Open to suggestions. And always listening.