Archived
Obama Rama (audio)
Playing at being Barack
ekg232@nyu.edu
Everyone knew Barack Obama was in Chicago on Election Day, where he voted and anxiously awaited the results.
So why were New Yorkers reporting Obama sightings all over the city? There he was again — posing for photographs at bars, pool halls and polling places. And there—walking down the street, smiling and waving.
He was dressed in a nice suit, with a flag pin on his lapel. He even had his own secret service agent. But really, he was Louis Ortiz.
Ortiz is a 37-year-old Obama look-alike who only realized his resemblance to the president-elect three months ago. He is excited that he inspires people, but mostly, by his chance to launch an acting career.
After Obama’s win was announced, enthusiastic and drunken crowds exploded, chanting “speech!” as Ortiz approached.
I ran into him in Union Square, as he and his entourage were preparing to drive home to the Bronx.
Listen to the audio (3:21 minutes) with the player below, or download the MP3 file directly (right-click the download link to save the file to a computer).
Do you know this guy? Maybe not.
Photo Courtesy of Simon Rogers/Ugly New York