Wednesday, November 05, 2008

A New American President


What a long two years it's been. I remember first hearing of Barack Obama's bid for presidency on a cold February morning in 2007 as I climbed the stairs to the Metra platform. Wow, I thought, a black man and a woman will be running in the same race. I guess it was from that moment on that I was hooked. I'll admit, I had my doubts when it came to Obama. The thought of a woman president became front and center in my mind. How could I not get excited about that. She had the smarts and the experience. When it became apparent that it was just not going to happen for Clinton, I looked towards Obama. And perhaps what made it even more of an obvious choice was McCain's selection of Sarah Palin. A woman I had basically nothing in common with and who was so far right, it hurt.
The election of Barack Obama is a sign of our times. The youth vote finally came through. I've never seen a presidential campaign relate to the youth culture like this did, with it's internet savvy and use of design. Sheppard Ferry better be getting paid the big bucks for his Obey-like Obama illustrations.
This morning as I headed to work, I saw African Americans on the street shaking hands, hugging, and rejoicing. How important this moment must be for them...and for all of American. For the first time in my adult life, I am proud of who my country elected as president. And it feels good.

5 comments:

Olivia Hein said...

Yes We Can!! and Yes We Did!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Well said Meech. I agree with your observation of Hillary and how, through the selection of Sarah Palin, McCain lost any chance of earning your vote.

So, lets hope the expectations of Obama remain realistic and people restrain from 'jumping off the bandwagon' during troubling times.

It was also great to see a blue Florida, which I believe is a historically red state.

Lee

Yeti said...

well put. good word and i could not agree more!

Michi said...

Lee, I agree. As much as this has been said, Change can not happen overnight and I hope the youth of America has patience and allows Obama the time he needs to make things happen. Like he said in his historic speech, it may not happen in a year...it may not happen in a term. The fact that he's been elected is, in my opinion, evidence that America is willing to fight for it. I too hope everyone remains realistic. With that said, I have confidence that he can make big changes...and soon. He without a doubt has America behind him. He won by a landslide.

I will add here, McCain's closing speech was very heartfelt and humble. I teared up a bit listening to him. Here's a man who gave so much to his country...but it just wasn't his time.

daria said...

i too was a hillary supporter for a long time. but hey, we still elected a pretty cool president. ;)