I was the first person to see the words flash on the screen. I pointed. I jumped. I grabbed my friend.
"They're calling it! They're calling it!"
Confusion. Realization. Ripples across the room. Applause. Cheers. Jumping up and down as high as we can go.
It is the end of one long journey, and the beginning of another.
In 2004, I literally felt like a stranger in my own country. How could so many people feel so differently from me? How could a majority of people vote for George W. Bush after the disaster in Iraq? How could they not see? Was something wrong with me? What could I not see? Regardless of the reason, I did not belong here.
You can poo-poo the sentiment, roll your eyes, and mock me, but I swear to you it was true. The feelings of disillusionment, loneliness, and fear that I had the day after Kerry lost, and in the next few weeks, they were genuine, they were palpable, and they hurt more than I can describe.
Tonight, I have seen the light at the end of that tunnel of darkness. I have seen more than hope that we can become the country I know we can be.
I know these things because of the man himself. Barack Obama said the words that I have been waiting for George W. Bush to say for 8 years. He said that he will listen. Whatever your position, he will respect it, he will listen, and he will at least consider it when making his decision.
Eight years ago Bush lost the popular vote but won the electoral college, in the most hotly contested presidential race in history. He owed half the country the respect to say that he would listen, that he would not reign as if a unanimous verdict had been delivered. But he did not do it, or if he did, I never heard him say it.
So even if you voted McCain or Libertarian or Green or Write-in, you can take solace in that. Your newly elected leader will listen to all the perspectives, each and every one having a valid position, and he will weigh them carefully before choosing a course of action. You deserve that. I deserve that. We all deserve that.
At this moment I am beyond words with happiness. I have read about the great presidents: Lincoln. Washington. Kennedy. Roosevelt. Now I have the opportunity to watch one in action. I truly believe that he is going to be great.
I am going to relish this victory and revel in it, because damn it, I've waited a long time for this moment, and it. is. sublime.
