Blue Dawn

By now I'm sure that almost everything that can be said about an Obama victory has been said, and my contribution will add only my own perspective. Having supported Hillary in the primaries, I honestly didn't think this country would move the way it did last night. I began to develop a sense of confidence about a Democratic victory over the past few weeks, but I don't believe in dancing in the end zone until the game is over. I certainly recognized the decline of the McCain campaign, specifically once Palin was selected as a running mate (see the 9/10 post below), but I didn't think his campaign would veer as far off course as it did. I'd love to know whose idea it was to trot out Dick Cheney and his 18% approval rating the weekend before the election with a McCain endorsement. Rick Davis and Steve Schmidt can now safely take their places next to Mark Penn and Bob Shrum as complete strategic failures. I hope that their (Davis and Schmidt) brand of negative politics follows along into the dustbin of loss, but I have a feeling that it will persevere.

I wasn't sure how I would feel once an Obama victory was assured. I've always been confused by the intense love people have for the man. I certainly like him, and I gave him my vote. But I've never felt myself fawning all over him the way many supporters have. Still, at about 11 PM last night I was listening to the victory speech of Michael McMahon, the newly elected Congressman for New York's 13th district and first Democrat to hold the seat in almost 30 years. Having worked on the campaign, I was certainly in good spirits. Shortly after the Congressman-elect finished his speech I turned to my right and saw a muted ABC News screen declare in bold lettering, "President-elect Obama." The room erupted with overwhelming joy and cheer. And suddenly, I felt a chill run up my spine. The same chill that I laughed at Chris Matthews for vocalizing months ago.

At first I couldn't explain it. But I quickly realized that after eight years of deception and fear-mongering, a man who ran on a positive message had won the presidency. For the first time since I became involved in politics the American people chose hope over anti-intellectualism. I don't have to get into all the milestones that come with an Obama presidency, you can find that just about anywhere. But, maybe just for a moment, I felt that magical feeling that I've completely misunderstood since Obama announced his run. Now, that was momentary, and for me actions speak much louder than words in politics. Obama certainly has the unenviable task of delivering on the promises he has made to the American people. I wish him well and hope he exceeds my expectations.

The scenes of celebrations in the streets across the country and around the world were mesmerizing, and beautiful. I've never seen anything like it.

I'm also happy to see Joe Biden as our new Vice President. I look forward to plenty of gaffes, and well articulated foreign policy solutions. Biden is a veteran politician, which can be a huge negative. But I've always taken to his blunt style of speaking and am confident that he will offer excellent advice to the president-elect.

There will still be those who call Obama everything from a communist to a terrorist while questioning his citizenship. The right-wing has already started a series of conspiracy theories that may make the Clinton presidency seem boring.

But in the end, this could be a new dawn for America and perhaps, the belated beginning of the 21st century.