Election 2008

Wow! What an amazing journey this election has been. I still cannot believe that we have just elected our first African American president. It is unbelievable to see how far our country has come. It was only 50 years ago, that our country was struggling through the Civil Rights Movement.

My support did not begin as support for Obama. I had said for years that if Hillary Clinton would run for President, she had my vote. Then she announced her intention to run. Around that time, my book club read "The Audacity of Hope" by Barack Obama, and I was able to learn a little bit about the man. The book moved me, challenged my thoughts, and forced me to question my support for Hillary. I felt torn between the candidates. Gradually, as I feel was meant to be, Obama slid ahead of Hillary and secured the Democratic Nomination. My support was now solidified for Obama.

Throughout the campaign, I have admired Obama's composure, his solid plans for our country, and his ability to connect with people of all classes, races, and backgrounds. I feel this is a special gift that few people possess. I believe my own husband possesses this gift of undeniable charisma that captivates people. Obama captivates with honesty, genuity, and above all hope. He worked incredibly hard to reach all people, and I think that shows a lot about his character and his intentions for our country.

I tried to see Obama at JMU. I wasn't able to do so, and felt so deflated. Here was this man, who would potentially change our history in the United States of America, in my town, and I couldn't get there. I sat on the couch, with tears in my eyes, as he gave his speech at JMU. I thought, "We need this man."

I cast my vote on Tuesday. I stood in line, proud of my country and of my ability to speak my voice in who governs our country. I browsed the faces in line. Each face held that same excitement to make a difference. This is the first time I have felt such an excitement to vote. I think many of us take for granted the gift that voting is to us here in the US. In many places in the world, democracy is NOT a right, as we are taught from early elementary through adulthood. We are so lucky that we have the right to vote, and I felt privileged to vote for Barack Obama.

As soon as 7:00 arrived, I turned on the television to watch the results of the election. I waited, as each states' results were given. As I sat, and the screen flashed blue, I began to think about why this election was so important to me. As with everything in life, my thoughts turned to my children. This election was not only for me, but also for them. They would have a president that looks like they do! How powerful. It will ring true to them, when someone tells them that they can be President of the United States. They will be able to see a path that is theirs, no matter how many obstacles they might face along the way. Does racism exist in our lives? Absolutely. I see it every single day. Someone very close to me asked if I voted for Obama just because he was black? How could someone who knows and loves my family, ask me that question? We never play the race card, and try very hard to teach our children that race is insignificant. But yet, it is significant. Because no matter how smart, athletic, kind, compassionate, giving, empathetic, or hard-working they are, their skin will always be black. And to some people, that makes them less of a person. But as of 2008, black is in the most powerful position in this country. How can I ever teach them, or show them a better example of what they can do. Thank you Barack Obama, thank you!