I don’t know Bill Clinton. I’ve never met him. I’ve only seen him speak live once — last night when he gave the opening keynote at Netroots Nation in Pittsburgh. Nonetheless, I do feel like I know good ol’ Bill. He was my president as a child growing up in little Winston-Salem, N.C. He’s a fellow Southerner, a good and respected leader around the world and someone who understands the needs of all Americans.

In 1992, I was six. For whatever reason, I knew I liked Bill Clinton. I saw him on the news when my parents watched at night and, immediately, I knew I should be on this guy’s side. I begged my mother to let me stay up late and watch the election returns. My first grade class in the morning be damned, I was going to watch Bill Clinton become president. I pleaded with my mom at dinner, after my bath and before I climbed into bed. She finally relented.

My grandfather grew up with FDR. I grew up with Clinton. His presidency shaped my childhood and my life in ways I understood then and now. His efforts to reduce poverty helped my family. We were one of millions of families who benefited from Clinton’s work to serve every man, woman and child, not just the special interests and wealthy upper-classes served by the GOP.

But, Clinton’s legacy isn’t perfect (although no American president’s could ever be). It is a legacy marred by “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and the Defense of Marriage Act. Clinton might have been backed into a corner back in 1993 and 1996, but, whether he likes it or not, those two acts are an integral part of the history he’s left behind.

I’m happy fellow blogger and activist Lane Hudson stood up and asked Clinton about DADT and DOMA. I’m glad Clinton chose to respond. I’m glad he wants DADT repealed and now supports marriage equality. Thanks Lane, for forcing attention to the issue.

Through my entire life, I’ll look back and remember my childhood with Bill Clinton. I hope that when I look back, I see a man who tried his best and when he failed later tried to correct it.