Just a few initial thoughts following the call for Obama’s win.
The reality and enormity of the moment is really starting to sink in. We, as a country, have just overcome a huge hurdle in terms of acceptance in this country. The election of an African American to the White House is something I always assumed would happen, but I have to be honest and say that I didn’t think it would happen this soon. In a strange way, I feel weird that Obama’s election is such a monumental thing. When its all said and done, Obama is just a man, but I recognize that many people in this country don’t see things that way. The simple fact that an African American is going to be president provides great opportunity to move beyond the biases that some people still have in the country. I hope with all my heart that opportunity isn’t wasted and positive things are accomplished with it.
While considering the monumental nature of the election, part of me still has a great deal of uncertainty what its going to mean in reality. I’m keenly aware that the president usually doesn’t have as much singular power as people think. Obama will still have to work with representatives in Congress from both parties to really move things forward and improve the state of our country. I hope that he’s true to his word in that regard and truly pursues bipartisanship in governance. A failure to do that will turn many of those that voted for him today, against him and the Democrats two and four years from now, and more importantly he will be a liar and will turn out to be what many hoped he wouldn’t, a typical politician.
Just a quick comment on McCains concession speech. I thought he was incredibly gracious. The tone he took gave me a bit of hope that he will be leader for the Republicans that will work with Obama and whatever majority the Democrats end up with in the Senate to really improve things in Washington and the country at large. (I have to say I hope they don’t make it to 60)
The next six months are going to be really interesting to live through. The weirdest thought is that I already know this is a moment that I’ll be talking about when I’m 70 and people will ask me where was I when we elected the first African American to the presidency.
Erik,
I commend you on a well written and thoughtful, insightful response to the election outcome. Like you I hope that this president truly stands behind the words and promises given during the campaign. He is not just a man who won the presidintial election – he has attained a monumental win for what our nation is supposed to stand for – the equality of all people to make their dreams come true. Perhaps for the first time we have a president who is the living example of the ideals expressed by the founders of this nation. He has a double burden to bear bacause of that very victory. Obama must rise up not only to the demands of the office but also carries the burden of doing it as the first African-American elected to that office. I wish him and the country a successful future.