Well America, you’ve spoken. And for the first time in the history of this country, we have elected a black man to be president of the United States. No matter whom you voted for or why, this is a monumental achievement for all of us as a country.
In the back of my mind, I thought Obama would win this easily all day. But even after it was announced, it still didn’t feel real. And even right now as I write this, I am still numb to this entire experience. It was a very overwhelming night without question.
I thought McCain’s speech was good and noble. He manned up for sure, and took the blame of his loss all on his shoulders. He spoke genuine good words about Obama and his win, and I thought he handled his defeat like a true man. I think this was his one and only chance to be President, and I see him riding off into the sunset before long. I don’t think he has it in him to fight anymore. He’s fought his whole life and he deserves a break.
Obama’s speech floored me. I think it is the best speech I have ever heard from that man. It really gives me a lot of hope for our country and our livelihoods as Americans and as people. But that’s not what has made me numb. The sheer number of people in audience there in Chicago was beyond belief. Everywhere the camera turned there was people crying tears of sheer joy. All those elderly black people who never in a million years thought they would see a black president … wow. An entire race has reason to celebrate, and for that, an entire country has reason to celebrate as a whole. I couldn’t be happier for him, his family and every single person he represents. I think I even got a little damp around the pupils watching him, watching the crowds and feeling the sheer love, excitement and flat-out joy everywhere.
I will say this though. I am quite nervous about the possible tensions that Obama being president will induce. There will be a lot of hate, bitterness and ignorance because of this. As a whole, we have come together in unity, finally. But there are a lot of people who don’t fit in to that whole. Did you see the bullet proof glass around his stage? Did you see how fast his family got off the stage? Did you see his big ass podium that was hollowed out, giving him enough room to theroretically duck into if shit went down? This will be the case for the next 4 years, or 8 years. Never before will a president be so protected than Obama. Which is sad that it has to be that way, but even though our country voted in a black man to office, doesn’t mean everyone is ready for it.
I think there will be a ton of positive change, and I see a lot of good happening just in the next 6-9 months. Obama has a lot of work to do, and honestly, I think he is more than capable of doing it. And so are we.
Yes we can.