Election Night

[TestudoAubreii]

The eyes of the world fell upon America last night, as the presidential race came to a finally came to a halt. I was on the edge of my seat for most of the night, waiting impatiently to see who would emerge victorious and become the next president of the United States. When all the smoke from the campaign trial cleared, a winner was finally announced and his name, Senator Barack Obama. It was truly a defining and historic moment in America and I am absolutely exhilarated to have been a part of it.

In Chicago, tens of thousands of people packed into Grant Park, anxiously awaiting president-elect Barack Obama to take the stage and deliver his victory speech. I sat on my couch and watched the entire event with a great intensity. Thousands of American flags waved passionately in the Chicago wind, as Senator Obama took to the podium and gave on of the most inspiring and enthusiastic speeches I’ve ever had the pleasure of watching. As the camera panned through the crowd, I watched the face of every citizen, who seemed to be overwhelmed with joy and the hope of change for America. I must have been instantly transported there, because I surely got caught up in the emotion of the crowd in Chicago.

This is not to take anything away from Senator John McCain, for he gave a wonderfully articulate concession speech, as well as putting up a damned good fight through this most heated of campaigns. He bowed out of the presidential race with dignity and respect and did it as a gentleman and, most importantly, an American. As I sat on my couch sipping on a beer, I remember looking at Sen. McCain’s face and felt a little knot in my throat. I guess it was just an emotional night all the way across the board.

As I sit here and write this, I can’t help but to think about how fortunate we are to live in a country where the best and brightest in a person can be brought out, no matter race, religion or political affiliation. Last night the Republicans didn’t win, nor did the Democrats win, last night America and the American people won. Today is a great day in American history and a great day to be an American.

I just wanted to write something about this and see if anyone shared a similar experience last night. For anyone who actually read through this, thanks.

morrisonicus

[Mikelus Trento]

It was a "proud to be an American" moment for sure.

[HorseArcher]

Good posting!

I think there is a misunderstanding going on with certain people and even the media. It trumpets the least significant part of the democratic victory, which is "america's first black man"...etc etc...

NO.

Sure, many black people (define "black") voted out of sympathy that regards Obama's ethnic background as something significant, but I can tell you right now, that it didn't have that much role.
Most people (regardless of race or ethnicity) I know, voted for Obama, because he seemed to make more sense and they are tired of the same politics for the past 8 years.
Obama's name could have been "Johnny Walker" or "Joe Smith", it doesn't matter, Obama could have been a chinese or latino, it wouldn't matter anyway.
I can even dare say, that Obama could have been even a republican, with the same message of unity and change and harsh critique of the past 8 years, and still won.

Of course, 2 thumbs up for those people who put away their prejiduce (if they had any) and instead of judging a person based on things that he can't control, they rather listened to what he had to say and what he stands for.

That's the real victory here, and the consequences of this, is historic in monumental proportions.

[TestudoAubreii]

Thanks.

I agree. It definitely could've have been anyone, of any race or political affiliation.

Most people I know voted for Obama for the same reasons that you stated, Horsearcher. It is a sad commentary when we even have to discuss the whole I voted for him because he is black, or I voted for him because he is white. But, I think this election says that America is starting to look past all of that and looking at the bigger picture, which is the good of the country and her people.

morrisonicus