Congrats, President Obama!

I was thrilled with the presidential election on Tuesday night. I admit that I wasn't an Obama fan from day one, but once Hillary Clinton lost, I got on board rather quickly. I also admit that I don't hate John McCain like many people do. I actually think he wouldn't have been nearly as bad as Bush. However, it was time for a fresh start, and McCain wouldn't have brought that. He is too entrenched in the old ways of thinking, and he's also relatively socially conservative. Plus, Sarah Palin is a nut, almost along the lines of Michele Bachmann nuttiness. No good. Anyway, my point is that I was happy, relieved, and grateful that Obama won.

As I said earlier, the country needs a fresh start, and Obama can bring that. We face the gravest economic challenge since the Great Depression, we are in two wars abroad, and the health care system is in shambles (amongst other problems). It's time for new leadership, and it's time to make tough choices. Obama's greatest challenge might be to try to bring everyone together, which is what America needs right now. We are all going to have to work together, and everyone is going to have to sacrifice to get through this crisis. I don't envy his task, but I think he has a better chance of succeeding than John McCain would have. Only time will tell, but I feel more hopeful than I have for 8 long years. That says a lot.

I do hope the nation will come together behind Obama, but unfortunately I just don't see that happening. There is too much hate and too much anger (not to mention racism). In fact, I actually worry for Obama's safety because of those things...sad, but true. Regardless, we need to come together. It won't be easy, but I hope he succeeds. I also hope no one tries to harm him or his family in the next four (hopefully eight) years.

Really, I shouldn't harp on all the problems Obama will face, and I should take a moment to celebrate what he accomplished. It was absolutely an historic day, and I got to be a part of it. America has a long, long way to go to heal the wounds caused by racism (and worse), but Tuesday was a huge step forward. It was a momentous day, and I'm proud to say I was a part of it. So, no matter what happens next, I will always feel proud and happy about the presidential election of 2008.