One of the last questioners, a man with an indeterminate European accent who was not familiar with the American election system, asked Loeb how he felt about Americans voting for Nader as vice-president in the upcoming election.

Loeb and other audience members confirmed this was not an option, and the man’s surprised response was, “America is a very backward country compared to Europe.”

Loeb’s response was tongue-in-cheek: “Well, I believe that at the time this country’s constitution was written it was considered ahead of its time.”

A little humor went a long way in breaking the tension that built up around topics of heated debate like the war in Iraq and the upcoming election. In a culture of fear, Loeb stressed calm and steady conviction.

“Part of the danger [of the Bush administration] is the absolute lack of humility, the sense that you don’t have to listen to anybody,” Loeb said. “There’s a manipulated fear from the administration: ‘If you question us, you are part of terrorism.’ Anyone who calls us unpatriotic when we react to them, we have to say, ‘How dare you?’” he continued quietly.

Loeb is prepared to face the prospect that Bush may be re-elected, but he plans to continue his work right up until the election, making time especially for swing states Ohio and Kansas. “You never know,” he laughed.

One thing’s for sure—humor, hope, and patience may make all the difference in an uphill battle to turn the tide of current events.