I have to say that watching the election coverage last night was quite an experience. It was cool to see the diversity of Obama supporters crying with joy and especially to think about what this must mean for African-Americans (and all Americans) given their history in this country. To think of those who struggled to make changes in this country and how they must feel. To think about how Abraham Lincoln would feel if he could see this day. No matter what happens with the Obama presidency, this day at least was great.
I have to say that I have a better impression of both candidates after their speeches last night. Clearly a speech does not change everything but it was great to see the grace with wich McCain spoke. I hope that we can see the return of the characteristics that really made me admire John McCain.
Likewise, I found Obama’s speech to be inspirational. It has been a very long time since I have been inspired by the president and I look forward to that. Words are not everything, but they are something. I hope that in the coming weeks that we see that Obama follows through on his promise to listen to those who disagree and to work to unite the country. I would like to see at least one republican appointed to his cabinet. It would be great to see Colin Powell in an Obama admistration for example, and I think it would send a great message about how he is going to govern.
As Obama said, there are difficult times ahead, but I have great hope. I hope that as president he can avoid being tied down by extreme liberal interest groups and use his great charisma to bring together the country and lead us in important directions (energy independence as one example).
It is great to have hope in a president again.
