I am at a lost for words so I will keep it simple. As of tonight Barack Obama has become the 44th president of the United States of America.
Too all those who rocked the vote today I am so thankful. I feel like I did when I was a little girl and watched the Berlin wall come down on TV. Then I did not understand what it meant, what that moment represented, but I am so grateful to watch this historical event unfold and recognize how much this means not only to the U.S. but to the world. The faces of all these diverse people, white men, black women, Hispanic grandfathers, Asian students, crowded into Grant Park in Chicago. Obama did not win just because of the black vote, as the votes showed he flipped traditionally red states (Florida, New Mexico, Ohio, Virgina, amongst others). He received the Latino vote that historically went to Republicans. He got the votes of people who do not even have a black friend. He garnered the support of thousands of volunteers. I witnessed their wild enthusiasm when I was in L.A. last week and it was beautiful. People who put aside their difference in a bid for unity of all people. His calm, centered perspective inspired confidence and hope. He was not afraid to reach out to people who are different from him, who think different from him. Many famous and respected Republican families made historical decisions to support Obama. He is a national president representing so many segments of the United States.
I wish that I could be in Grant Park and celebrate this historical night. Party for us Canadians!
Victory ... Obama supporters gather in Grant Park in Chicago, Illinois. Photo: Getty Images
On another note I also want to say that John McCain's concession speech was one of the most sincere, gracious, and poignant speeches I have ever heard. I wish this stance of integrity he took on the podium that night had been maintained throughout the race. It is clear when all is said and done he is a man of integrity that got thrown off the right track temporarily. I wish him the best.
