What an incredibly historic event we have all just been a part of. I still have pangs of utter disbelief several times a day—-how do things this wonderful happen? President Barack Obama? It seems almost too much to handle.
In a few short months, we will have a President who we can listen to with respect, who we can trust, who the world respects, who will fight for everyone, and who will always be honest with us. This is an event that our great-grandchildren will read about in history books; not because of Obama’s ethnicity, but because of the historic turning point this is in our nation’s history.
It certainly is an enormous stepping stone for this country to elect out first African-American Commander-in-chief. But I feel this aspect of the Obama Administration is overplayed in its order of importance. The policies this man will enact, from responsibly dealing with problems in the Middle East to taking care of middle-class and lower-income Americans who need help most, are even more important. The movement, the mandate for change and progress, and the call to national sacrifice and service, which has already been answered by Americans in droves, will leave a lasting impression on this country’s history. This movement begun by the next President of the United States will be remembered for years and will affect the world even farther into the future.
After observing at the polls all day Tuesday with some amazing attorneys, I watched the first few state returns from out east come in at the Students for Barack Obama office, then headed down to Monona Terrace for the big party. Governor Doyle and Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin spoke, and two huge screens showed CNN and MSNBC competing to see who could satisfy the nation’s appetite for a winner fastest.
The last time I had been at Monona Terrace prior to November 4 was back in October of ‘07, when Craig, Andy, Sondra and I took a day off school to hear the junior Senator from Illinois speak. That’s where I heard him speak in person for the first of what came to be many times, shook his hand, and got my copy of “The Audacity of Hope” autographed. I left so incredibly inspired my life has truly not been the same since. I refer to that life-changing day often, as it was the beginning of Barack Obama inspiring me to work harder each day for the benefit of my neighbors.
On Tuesday, as CNN announced Virginia for the blue column, and declared Barack our 44th President, the Terrace positively erupted. Never have I seen so much joyous hugging, jovial jumping, and tears of sheer euphoria. Men cried and shouted, women screamed and sobbed. I am just now beginning to recover my vocals.
I didn’t cry when they announced Barack won. I came close when John McCain spoke so eloquently, and the reality began to set in. For whatever reason, when MSNBC zoomed in on Jesse Jackson crying, I broke down with him. It’s not often a man can break down sobbing in a room full of other people. It helped that half of us dudes had tear-stained cheeks.
Later that night, at a friend’s house, surrounded by fellow Obama volunteers, one of my friends got off his phone and shouted “Come on everyone, we’re going to Library Mall. NOW!!”
As we left the apartment, I could hear cars honking and people chanting. Our group merged into a swarm of students, continuously streaming towards Library Mall on campus. Once the throng reached the courtyard, I could hear cries of “Bascom Hill!” At this point, we all were totally awed.
The group crossed the street, stopping cars, climbed over a chain railing, and began the ascent to Bascom Hall. We filled the hill, with people spilling downwards onto Library Mall. The throng of people, estimated at well over 3,000, began chanting “Yes We Can!” and singing rounds of “Na na na na, good bye Bush!”
I looked down the hill and the symbolism hit me–a spontaneous movement of people had peacefully marched from the State Capitol up to the statue of Abraham Lincoln.
As the throng went back down the hill to State Street, I stayed behind and ran into three important friends, staring down at the people. We embraced, commented on how we would be able to hear these miraculous voices until we died, and took in the meaning of that night. I broke down into tears of joy, again, then left to rest up for a new day.
I will never forget that day, that night, as long as I live. I am grateful for all the people I could share it with, and all the people who made it possible, and the person who sparked the movement.
To everyone who voted, volunteered, debated, and listened: thank you. We are all part of something much bigger than ourselves, something that will be around long after any of us are. Let’s keep this movement marching. It’s good to feel hopeful.
America's 44th First Family (minus the puppy); Grant Park, Chicago, IL; November 4th, 2008
