I guess I always thought we could potentially elect an African-American president in my lifetime, but that doesn't make this event any less exciting or make me any more proud of America's choice. The fact that 52% of our nation was able to look beyond skin color and pick the candidate that they felt was best qualified seriously brings a tear to my eye.
My hope now is that our country can begin healing. The political process is so polarizing and causes such animosity between friends and neighbors and coworkers that it pains me. I want our country to be unified once again! I hope that all Americans will at least attempt to embrace President Obama, at least give him a chance to change this country for the better. Whether you agree with his policies or not, you have to admit that he is an amazingly intelligent man, an amazingly powerful speaker, an amazingly inspiring person and an amazingly poised leader. He is so positive and hopeful about making the changes that our country so desperately needs. I just pray that the 48% that didn't vote for him will at least try to focus on the positives and give him a chance. He needs the support of all Americans and he needs our prayers!
If you missed his speech last night, you can watch the whole thing here on Hulu.com. If you want just a taste of his speech, here are just a few of my favorite parts:
History has been made, and I'm hopeful for change and the healing of our nation!"We are, and always will be, the United States of America.
It's the answer that led those who've been told for so long by so many to be cynical and fearful and doubtful about what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.
It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this date in this election at this defining moment change has come to America.
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The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term. But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.
I promise you, we as a people will get there.
There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president. And we know the government can't solve every problem.
But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And, above all, I will ask you to join in the work of remaking this nation, the only way it's been done in America for 221 years -- block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.
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In this country, we rise or fall as one nation, as one people. Let's resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long.
---As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.
And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too."
4 comments:
Kim, I completely agree with your post about Barack Obama being elected. I was proud to vote for the first African-American presidential candidate our country has ever seen. It was a beautiful acceptance speech, and I don't think there was a dry eye in the Democratic party Tuesday night. To give McCain credit, his speech and demeanor were both extremely gracious and high-minded.--But President Obama it is!!!!!
I actually haven't watched McCain's speech yet--I went to bed so early that night--but Chad did mention that he was super gracious. I hope that means they will work well together in the future!!
Well said.
I am so proud of you. Your words were beautifully stated. I hope that others from many places read this. mom
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