Barack-ing my world
Just a few notes about the Obama victory, which still has me beaming and proud.
- I sat on the floor during his acceptance speech, a foot away from the TV, riveted by the moment. (Usually this proximity is reserved to tense sporting events, such as Stanley Cup playoff games.) I teared up, probably the first time ever for a politician. I may have done it when Bush stood on the rubble of the World Trade Center with the bullhorn after 9/11. How quickly he blew that powerfully emotional moment.
- Speaking of... it still amazes me that Bush was re-elected four years ago.
- It amazes me more that nearly a quarter of the country still approves of the job he's doing.
- With Obama's victory, I couldn't help but think about the people I met on our recent UK trip who doubted he could win. This is true of the American businessman I met in the Chicago airport bar, who felt McCain would win in a landslide. It's also true of the British family I met at our B&B's pub in Holt, on the day Palin was nominated for the VP post. People were fascinated Obama had come so far, but nobody thought America would elect a black man.
- My wife doubted it, too, right up 'til the end. How great that they were all so wrong. For some reason, I felt all along that he'd do it.
- John McCain's concession speech was eloquent and gracious. Where was this man during his campaign?
- To think, McCain may have won had he carried that same demeanor throughout the campaign (and had he not picked Palin).
- Palin in 2012? No way.
