Over the course of the past 2 years I have been hopeful yet nervous, and excited yet reluctant to get too attached to the idea that we may get to witness the most profound moment in political history in our era...and yet we have!! And I am overjoyed with pride to have had a hand in making this happen because my vote was among the 62 million people who decided it was time for a change in the dynamics of our United States. It was worth being raked through the coals by many people who did not see the vision Obama had to relish this day of anticipated victory! Today George Stephanopolous likened this momentous event to Lincoln being elected in 1860, Rooselvelt in 1932 and Reagan in 1980. This is a man who was able to pull even staunch Republicans over the line with his sincerely inclusive mind frame.
As reported by CBS News on November 5th:
"As far as epochal moments of a nation are concerned, the election of Barack Obama to be the forty-fourth President of the United States is virtually certain to rank near the very top. While the historical, sociological and political meaning of campaign 2008 will be written about and analyzed for a generation or more, the immediate impact of the election results is this: A sweeping mandate for Obama’s campaign mantra of change.
Indeed, Obama’s election arguably represents the most dramatic break from the status quo ever in presidential politics. The first black president, one with a less-than-familiar name, is in so many ways a complete repudiation of everything about the presidency of George W. Bush.
The once-improbable Democratic candidate has ridden the twin themes of “hope” and “change” into the White House, and that, combined with his juggernaut of a campaign operation fueled by unprecedented fundraising, has helped his party extend its advantages in Congress to the point where there is a real possibility of sweeping changes in the country’s direction. The sheer size of the victory would be mandate enough, but Obama’s is a promise of fundamental, radical change, not incremental adjustments, giving even more impetus to his agenda.
Throughout the course of the election, Obama became a symbol for the frustrations, anxiety and concerns of a country in the midst of economic crisis and war. He systematically sought to connect himself to transformational leaders and moments from the nation’s past - Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy and the Civil Rights movement were among those most commonly referenced - he even spoke kindly of Republican icon Ronald Reagan.
Now, with an election victory the size of which has been unseen in presidential election in decades, this young President-elect has the expectations of that lineage to fulfill.
“There will be setbacks and false starts,” Obama cautioned in his victory speech early Wednesday morning. “There are many who won’t agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government can’t solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it’s been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years - block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.”
Obama will have time. Americans traditionally afford their new presidents a honeymoon period. Considering the massive problems his new administration will face, it can’t possibly be enough. And after all the confetti is swept away, Americans will not let the promises Obama made fade. They elected him to fulfill those promises, and they are many and big. But he has a mandate to try."
And I personally count myself among the ranks of Americans who are willing to try something different and get behind a President that embodies passion and determination. I'm excited to support the man who has given a warm and inviting face to the fact that we can overcome boundaries to becomes anything we desire if we really want it badly enough---and that we can have unity even through diversity!
"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer."
"A new dawn of American leadership is at hand!" (Obama)
I no doubt wept as Obama spoke eloquently (as always) and I began to think of all of the historical figures that paved the way for his success. From Abraham Lincoln to Rosa Parks, and Medgar Evers to Dr. King, Lyndon B Johnson, John F Kennedy and especially Barack Obama's precious grandmother who passed one day short of his victory. In the words of my friend Van "I'd like to think that somehow she knew that he could pull this off, and that she didn't have to hold on any longer than she could." Lord knows there was celebrating and mass jubilation in Heaven on Tuesday night!
Finally I want to conclude with a quote from Cornel West (Princeton Professor) on Bill Maher last Friday night-- 10/31/08. This quote touched me so much that I had Ben rewind the DVR over and over to listen carefully and write it down word for word.
“It’s an exciting time….when you see this kind of desperation. It really is a last gasp of the conservative era where the economics of greed, the culture of indifference and the politics of fear have been brought together in such a way that it hides and conceals the plight of poor people and working people…..The real question is –Can we generate a commitment to fairness and justice in the face of greed—Can we generate compassion in the face of indifference and can we generate hope in the face of fear? That’s what Brother Barack is all about!”
On a lighter note: I don't idolize Obama by any means....I'm just celebrating the joy of a new day....a breath of fresh air was much needed in the stuffy and stale White House. Despite all of the nitty-gritty political jargon....I'm just happy to see a family in there---with a husband and wife that have real connection with each other and their children...and they seem to embody what the family structure should represent. It's nice to fincally see some love.
