Yesterday was a momentous day. A historical day in the nation's history. Barack Obama was elected President of the United States. To me, this election has never been about race, but about the issues that face this nation; however last night, for the first time, I fully realized that I was experiencing history. That I could tell my kids and their kids where I was when the first African American President of the United States was elected, that I voted for him, that the efforts of so many people (of all races, religions and walks of life) to unify this nation were furthered this November night.
It was also the first night I was impressed by McCain. His concession speech was poignant and thoroughly respectful. And I could tell that even though he was disappointed by his defeat and even though he disagrees with his former opponent, McCain realizes that Obama, too, loves this nation and wants it to flourish.
Obama's speech was beautiful. And I have to admit that I got a little teary when the cameras panned the crowd, and so many were overcome with emotion. To see the Reverend Jesse Jackson (who I do not fully agree with, but still respect) in tears was moving. He, who walked with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was able to see just how far we've come since the beginning days of the civil rights movement. Incredible.
It was a speech that instilled a sense of hope, a sense of peace and a sense of pride for this great nation. It was a speech that was not boastful, but thankful. It was a speech that was quietly powerful and perfectly executed. It was a speech fit for the President.
And I was able to see it.
It was also the first night I was impressed by McCain. His concession speech was poignant and thoroughly respectful. And I could tell that even though he was disappointed by his defeat and even though he disagrees with his former opponent, McCain realizes that Obama, too, loves this nation and wants it to flourish.
Obama's speech was beautiful. And I have to admit that I got a little teary when the cameras panned the crowd, and so many were overcome with emotion. To see the Reverend Jesse Jackson (who I do not fully agree with, but still respect) in tears was moving. He, who walked with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was able to see just how far we've come since the beginning days of the civil rights movement. Incredible.
It was a speech that instilled a sense of hope, a sense of peace and a sense of pride for this great nation. It was a speech that was not boastful, but thankful. It was a speech that was quietly powerful and perfectly executed. It was a speech fit for the President.
And I was able to see it.
(courtesy of The San Francisco Sentinel)
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7 comments:
Well said.
I will always remember that I was playing on the wii fit, hula hooping, when all this went down...
Bless picture in picture features on my tv.
It's awesome! And means a lot for everyone, including my daughter...I wrote a really long post about it...you're totally right about McCain too. He did great.
So glad you wrote this, Lauren. Thank you for your eloquence. And for your thoughts. I was a pretty proud American last night, too. Elections are the crazy best.
That was by far McCain's best speech. Where did that come from? Geez, if he always spoke like that he might not have convinced so many people that he's an idiot.
Obama's got a lot of work to do to convince people that he too isn't an idiot. Luckily for all of us the Democrats don't have 60 seats in the Senate.
Either way, way to vote for a winner. Truth be told, I put my ESPN Streak for the Cash streak on the line in favor of Obama. So in theory, I kinda voted for the winner too. Right?
I thought the same thing about McCain. It sounded like he was finally being honest and sincere instead of peddling a message that he neither liked, nor fully comprehended. I actually thought his speech was better than Obama's...I like our new president, but I am already kind of tired of the over the top inspirational, "you can be anything you want to be speech." I've heard it five thousand times over the last twenty one months-although, I sure am glad I don't have to watch McCain try and speak all rosy from the Rose Garden.
Anyway, it was a good night. I'm excited for what comes next.
One more thing Lauren...Admit it. You really just have a thing for Obama. Come on. I know a little too well your affinity for black men. Is Greg jealous?
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