The Election

Tonight has been an new and emotional experience for me. I've never cared for any particular candidates, and I always felt like I was choosing the lesser of two evils when I voted. But this time I was actually excited. I see in Barack Obama someone who has the amazing ability to bring people together, to excite people who have been disenfranchised. I'm watching the crowd in Chicago, and there is so much pure joy on the faces of those people. I hadn't even really thought much about how black people would react because I was more focused on the issues, but seeing them there, especially the older people who are crying quietly, has made me realize what an impact this will have. Not only will minority children have a black leader as a mentor, but he is a good person, one of the best natural leaders I have seen. That said, I feel sorry for Obama! What a mess he is inheriting. I wondering if John McCain is secretly letting out a sigh of relief now that the reality of the job is becoming clearer?

Speaking of McCain, I just watched his concession speech and it was very sincere and well-done. I thought it was especially nice that he offered condolences to Obama about his grandmother's death. Personally, I like McCain (the person, not the politics) and that is one reason I'm glad he lost. The job of President takes an awful toll on people. I look at poor George Bush now and he looks utterly miserable and worn out. Bill Clinton looked like death warmed over near the end of his last term. It takes them years to get their health back, and I think it would be harder for an older person to bounce back. I think it would have meant the end of his health. Of course, it may mean the end of Obama's health, too, with all of the crazy skinheads out there, so I guess you can never predict anything.

But tonight I am happy and proud that so many people who have never felt like they had a voice have finally spoken.