I am incredibly happy.
I was stuck at work all night, but I was still watching the moment MSNBC (specifically my bff Keith Olbermann) called it. Seeing images of Americans celebrating all over the country, I was filled with this warm and fuzzy feeling of being at home; it was the opposite of the alienation I felt after Bush’s 2004 victory. I watched McCain concede, and I cried a little; he waited until the last possible moment to show some decency, but his words still stirred some emotion in me. When Obama gave his acceptance speech in Grant Park, I was huddled around my computer with some coworkers and a few library patrons.
Much like these historic events usually play out, it felt at once like nothing out of the ordinary and also like the biggest political moment of my lifetime. It feels big, the relief and excitement are almost overwhelming, but here I sit doing the things I always do. Time doesn’t stop; it just keeps going.
But, that’s part of what’s so exciting. We just keep moving, and now I can feel optimistic about the direction we’re headed. And, I am very optimistic–maybe even foolishly so. I just believe in the leader we’ve elected, and I am cheered by the support he has in this country. For once the pride I feel as an American isn’t tinged with this sense that being patriotic means ignoring my country’s faults.
This election is historic for many reasons. As it relates to racism, sexism, and what it means to be an American (a real one), this election has brought out the best and the worst in people. For me, this moment feels historic because positive transformation feels possible. I do believe we can come together. I do believe we can change life in America for the better. I do believe we can get ourselves on a more sustainable track. And, I do believe we can improve our image around the world. Change doesn’t feel like just a buzz word; it feels like a real possibility.
I intended for this post to be just a line or two about how happy I am. I guess I should have known I have too many words for that. To sum up: yay!
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Great post; I think many people are excited that we finally have someone in office who has an approach that has been shown to work and is planning on doing it. I agree with Obama that we have some tough times ahead, but it’s great to see that we have a great leader that will be our president.
Double yay!!! Hopefully his ingenuity will pay off as president.
I’m a happy fool right along with you today! Yay Obama! :)
Here here! :D
I couldn’t agree more. McCain was very classy at the end and quite gracious, which I appreciated. Keith is my bff too and I am so optimistic about this nation of ours.
funnily enough, i was watching jon stewart and stephen colbert when the official announcement came through. that must say something about the way young people get the news…lol.
and i cried a little when mccain conceded. i don’t know why, just that it was emotional, and he said some things that i would have loved to hear from him eons ago.
i second the sense of relief as well. even recognizing the long road ahead and everything that needs to be done, it’s so amazing to see such hope and pride again. being in chicago must have been amazing last night.
I’M SO EXCITED! I’m so glad he won! I was working at the polls getting updates from my little bro, and then I watched CNN! Yay Anderson Cooper! :)
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