I have to admit .. I have long been a fan of Barack Obama. I first heard his name a few years back, on a news program I no longer remember. He had defended an issue very passionately, and had won over his opponents. I remembered his name because the reporter that was talking about this was also impressed and mentioned (in passing) that if George W. could channel that energy and fire, the White House would run more smoothly. The conversation then went into a general debate about the nominations coming in roughly a years time, and wouldn't it be something if the Junior Senator from Illinois, won his nomination and made it to the White House.
That day is here.
I watched history being made today. I don't think the Democrats would have won tonight if Hillary was on the ticket. I say that because I see the fire that reporter was talking about. Obama is very Charismatic, and has the gift of being a visionary and being able to share that vision very vividly. He was able to excite a whole new generation, and in doing so is recording one of the highest voter turnouts ever to cast ballots. I was watching the results as they came in, and even though John McCain didn't win, he was very eloquent in his concession speech, and talked about how he was going to work with Obama and not against him, because of the Country they both love so much. Obama mentioned in his speech as well, how he was going to lean on McCain to realize his vision. I see hope on the faces of all the people in those crowds that cheered them on tonight, I hope they get to realize their dreams too.
I'm echoing Keltie's sentiments in saying that I'm disappointed Canadians are so blah about electing change. I don't see in our leaders the same passion and fire I see in others. So we vote the same as we always vote, never really changing anything. I hope when the next election comes for us, there is a leader out there that will inspire the same excitement in our young people. To inspire change on a world scale is a great gift, and I can't wait to see how it unfolds.
I'll be able to say many years from now that I saw it happen. I know i'll always remember.
