Michael Posner

Everyone in Washington knew Mike. One of my favorite stories about him took place in that strange little train station under the Capitol, where harried lawmakers catch funny little electric cars between the House, Senate and the office buildings. Mike and I were waiting for a car back to the Senate Press Gallery. “The Pos” was scribbling frantically in his reporter’s notebook, grabbing a note from a front pocket, another from a back. Writing as fast as he could which was very fast indeed. Suddenly a car pulled in and out stepped Sen. Edward (Ted) Kennedy. A trio of middle-aged tourist ladies swooned when they saw Kennedy, giggling like young girls. Kennedy spotted Mike, bounded over and put his hand on his shoulder and  said, “Hi, Mike, what’s up.” Mike, still writing away, looked up and yelled, “don't bother me, can’t you see I’m working. I’m going to be late. I’m going to be late.” Momentarily cowed, the “Lion of the Senate” stepped back, broke into that huge Kennedy smile and then started laughing. The tourist ladies stood stunned. Mike, still scribbling away, grabbed the next car, and minutes later was sitting at a terminal filing away. And he wasn’t late. ■