The day after, reflections.

[Lauren8211]

Date: 11/5/2008 9:51:34 AM
Author: Lorelei

bama

LOL!

I actually LOLed at work.

Hate when that happens. People look at me funny.

 

[Icy Melona]

Date: 11/5/2008 6:58:04 AM
Author:Ellen
I thought it would be nice to have a place to express our thoughts on things that stood out/impressed/moved us all about yesterday. I'd love to hear from you!



I'll add more later, but one thing that stood out among the rest was Senator McCain's concession speech. I can't say I ever really admired him, until that moment. And that's not because he lost, but because of the graciousness with which he did so. His speech was so eloquent and heart felt as he congratulated Obama and offered to reach out and work with him to heal this nation. I was truly moved by him, and I have much more respect for him now as a person.

I honestly didn't mind a McCain win until Palin. At times he seemed reasonable and always appeared likeable. He had a fantastic story as an American hero and I liked that he owned up to his not so stellar past in public speeches. Then he picked Palin and it was all down hill from there. But I did admire him when he made his concession speech and agree with you that he seemed genuine and the speech was heartfelt. I also admired him when he tried to reign in the crowd when they started booing at Obama's name and gestured to show some respect for the winning candidate. He should have shown that side of him more during the campaign.

I think Obama made a very eloquent and moving victory speech. But I thought it was very subdued and sombre for a victory speech but I put that down to his granny having passed away a day before and also being a man of intellect, I suspect he fully understands the immense difficulties that he will inherit and has to take on. I feel for him because it must be hard to be the person that the whole country and world looks to with a hope that people haven't ascribed to in a long time.

But I can attest that this has been an election that the whole world has been following and I think people at work (mine, hubby's and friends') were all following. It's funny that there are Aussies who were more excited about the US elections than our own!!

So why have we been so captivated by the US elections outside of US? My 2 cents is, aside from the obvious that Obama is the very first African American (a minority) president who against all socio-economic odds is where he is today; he is a highly intelligent person; seems introspective; has shown sound judgement (in terms of his campaign direction); by all accounts is inclusive; shows an understanding of cultures outside of US and; seems to be a person who will listen to what others are saying and this is not a WEAKNESS! He seems to think before he acts, something the world didn't see from G.W Bush.

 

[Irishgrrrl]

Date: 11/5/2008 9:51:34 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 11/5/2008 9:06:58 AM
Author: Irishgrrrl

Date: 11/5/2008 8:55:57 AM
Author: Ellen
*hands Irish some tissues*

Madam, no kidding. The world (except for a very small portion) is a happy place today.


fiery, I''m so proud of ALL of us!

Thank you, Miss Ellen! You''d better pass me the whole box! LOL! OK, I think this has officially become my ''emotie of the day'':

(Yesterday''s was this one:

)

Sumbride, that was a wonderful post and I agree 100% with every word you said!!!

bama

Hee hee hee! Lorelei, you crack me up!

 

[MoonWater]

Date: 11/5/2008 9:46:29 AM
Author: mimzy
truthfully i think what i am happiest about is not that Obama is in the white house and McCain isn''t, but that overall america didn''t fall for the fear-mongering tactics that both McCain and his supporters tried to use to deter people from him. I absolutely had (and still do obviously) a healthy respect for those who voted for McCain because of his experience, history of centrism, etc, and i appreciate how hard this defeat might be for them. but i can''t help but want to smile a little bit harder in the faces of all those who said that he was a terrorist, a muslim, a socialist, a fascist, an arab, anti-america, anti-isreal, or any other rumors that were attempts to make people fear or hate him. america proved it was smarter than that and that is what i''m most proud of. i don''t agree with everything obama says, and i certainly don''t consider him to be the messiah, but i really do believe that this election signals a huge shift, a positive shift, toward a new, more progressive era. and i hope that everyone, even those who didn''t ''win'' last night can appreciate and be excited about that.

 

[coatimundi_org]

Dennis Kucinich shouted, "Wake up America!" at the DNC.
--and a majority responded.

I agree that Obama is not a true progressive, but I am RELIEVED that he was elected. I have chronic insomnia, and I slept like a baby last night.

Now we wait and watch him attempt to clean up this mess.

...and for someone who never took the Kucinich bumper sticker off her car, I like him and I like Joe Biden A LOT!!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 11/5/2008 9:58:45 AM
Author: Icy Melona


I honestly didn''t mind a McCain win until Palin. At times he seemed reasonable and always appeared likeable. He had a fantastic story as an American hero and I liked that he owned up to his not so stellar past in public speeches. Then he picked Palin and it was all down hill from there. But I did admire him when he made his concession speech and agree with you that he seemed genuine and the speech was heartfelt. I also admired him when he tried to reign in the crowd when they started booing at Obama''s name and gestured to show some respect for the winning candidate. He should have shown that side of him more during the campaign.

I think Obama made a very eloquent and moving victory speech. But I thought it was very subdued and sombre for a victory speech but I put that down to his granny having passed away a day before and also being a man of intellect, I suspect he fully understands the immense difficulties that he will inherit and has to take on. I feel for him because it must be hard to be the person that the whole country and world looks to with a hope that people haven''t ascribed to in a long time.

But I can attest that this has been an election that the whole world has been following and I think people at work (mine, hubby''s and friends'') were all following. It''s funny that there are Aussies who were more excited about the US elections than our own!!

So why have we been so captivated by the US elections outside of US? My 2 cents is, aside from the obvious that Obama is the very first African American (a minority) president who against all socio-economic odds is where he is today; he is a highly intelligent person; seems introspective; has shown sound judgement (in terms of his campaign direction); by all accounts is inclusive; shows an understanding of cultures outside of US and; seems to be a person who will listen to what others are saying and this is not a WEAKNESS! He seems to think before he acts, something the world didn''t see from G.W Bush.

I felt it was pretty somber/subdued also. Aside from gramma, I wonder too if he felt (and in reality very well may have been) he was walking a fine line between seeming celebratory, and gloating? I don''t know, it''s just a thought...

And I totally agree with your entire last paragraph.

 

[coatimundi_org]

Date: 11/5/2008 9:51:34 AM
Author: Lorelei

bama

Hallo Miss!

 

[kama_s]

Date: 11/5/2008 8:38:37 AM
Author: fieryred33143
I''m so proud of Florida

But I''m upset they passed Prop 2

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 11/5/2008 10:11:50 AM
Author: coatimundi

Date: 11/5/2008 9:51:34 AM
Author: Lorelei

bama

Hallo Miss!

And hallo to you too Miss Coaties!! How is Fats???

 

[diamondsrock]

I am so relieved that he won. I was very moved by McCain''s speech and agree that if he had been more like that in his campaign, it would have definately helped.

We have a local talk radio station here and they have been bashing Obama non-stop (not all the people, but enough). All of the smear campaign tactics were coming out every day on the radio. It got to the point where I had to shut it off, because they made an Obama supporter feel stupid or unpatriotic, which is a shame. I can''t believe how low the campaign against Obama had sunk. It even got to the point where I was at odds with a good friend of mine about this, which wasn''t good. I hold strongfast to my democratic principles and will not waiver. I am passionate about them. It''s better for friends to not disucss politics, because it often leads to trouble! What''s that saying, don''t disucss politics or religion? There''s a lot of truth to that. I try really hard not to disucss poltiics with friends or coworkers.

I hope he can turn this country around and bring people together. We need it desperately. The middle class especially needs a break, myself included. I saw no tax advantages for myself under McCain''s plan, except for the wealthy. It''s about time someone stood up for the average worker in this country, instead of big business or special interest groups. I was very upset with McCain constantly arguing that Obama would raise taxes, when it was only a small minority of the population who would be affected. The majority of us need a break!

 

[Italiahaircolor]

I would love it if Obama gave McCain a job in his cabinet...how amazing would that be???

 

[vespergirl]

Date: 11/5/2008 8:26:16 AM
Author: thing2of2
I''m beyond stoked this morning. I started off not sold on Obama-I desperately wanted Hillary to win. Once she got beat in the primaries, though, I started listening to Obama and I realized that he really is the right choice for the time. His flawless campaign has given me a glimpse into how well-run an Obama White House will be.

I also love that it was basically a landslide, because it does show that the people have spoken, much more so than in the last two elections.

And most of all, I am beside myself that VIRGINIA WENT BLUE FOR OBAMA!

Hey thing2of2, do you live in VA? I live in Fairfax Co. ...

Yay Obama!

 

[Deelight]

I know a lot of people in OZ are happy with the choice you guys made (a fair portion of my friends facebook''s are testament) and people here are ecstatic as whole. I think he has a hard road ahead of him but I would say he is up to the challenge.



I will however miss greatest moments in presidential history on Letterman I don''t think Obama will as amusing as bush was.

 

[diamondfan]

I do feel a lot of pride in this country that race was not a factor, if people felt he was the best man, they voted as such. I think McCain handled himself well too, it could not have been easy for him.

However, I am a bit devastated as to what this means for us economically and I hope I am wrong, and I hope he does a wonderful job as President as the last few years have been bad and we need a shot in the arm both nationally and in the world. I hope he takes on the challenge beautifully, and does us all proud and helps move us past the negativeness of the last few years. I am sorry his grandmother did not make it to see this day for him.

 

[AGSHF]

It''s so wonderful to see celebrations in other countries for our country''s new president!

It''s encouraging to see all the new young voters celebrate their participation and fruitful results.

My prayers are for President-Elect Obama''s health and safety.

 

[Krissie]

Date: 11/5/2008 8:41:18 AM
Author: KimberlyH
If the unity I sense is buzzing in the air is any indication of what the next four years will look like I am a happy human being. My husband was in Chicago over the weekend and said it just felt like a nice place to be. People from all walks of life were being kind to one another, the atmosphere was friendlier than usual (which is hard to do in Chicago, one of the friendliest cities I''ve ever been to). Both McCain''s and Obama''s speeches were positive, motivating, heartfelt and warm. Here''s hoping all of the devisiveness will fade away and people will begin to work toward the common good.

Amen to that.

I live in DC and have a 15-minute walk to work (near the WH). This morning, I saw two random people high-five. Everyone had a smile on their face. And this doorman that I pass EVERY DAY without acknowledgement said, "Good morning, young lady! How are you today?" when I walked by ... people are happy. I love it.

 

[Krissie]

Date: 11/5/2008 9:49:05 AM
Author: Ellen
I thought the same thing, McCain should have shown the side that gave that speech through the whole campaign. It definitely would have helped.

Absolutely. If nothing else, this was a referendum that Americans are sick of scare tactics and hateful speech (see, e.g., Elizabeth Dole''s dramatic loss in NC). I am so proud of our country for cutting through the bull, for not being intimidated, and for voting their conscience.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 11/5/2008 10:56:17 AM
Author: Krissie

I live in DC and have a 15-minute walk to work (near the WH). This morning, I saw two random people high-five. Everyone had a smile on their face. And this doorman that I pass EVERY DAY without acknowledgement said, ''Good morning, young lady! How are you today?'' when I walked by ... people are happy. I love it.

Awesome!!

 

[mimzy]

Date: 11/5/2008 10:04:50 AM
Author: MoonWater

Date: 11/5/2008 9:46:29 AM

Author: mimzy

truthfully i think what i am happiest about is not that Obama is in the white house and McCain isn''t, but that overall america didn''t fall for the fear-mongering tactics that both McCain and his supporters tried to use to deter people from him. I absolutely had (and still do obviously) a healthy respect for those who voted for McCain because of his experience, history of centrism, etc, and i appreciate how hard this defeat might be for them. but i can''t help but want to smile a little bit harder in the faces of all those who said that he was a terrorist, a muslim, a socialist, a fascist, an arab, anti-america, anti-isreal, or any other rumors that were attempts to make people fear or hate him. america proved it was smarter than that and that is what i''m most proud of. i don''t agree with everything obama says, and i certainly don''t consider him to be the messiah, but i really do believe that this election signals a huge shift, a positive shift, toward a new, more progressive era. and i hope that everyone, even those who didn''t ''win'' last night can appreciate and be excited about that.

thanks!

 

[Allison D.]

Date: 11/5/2008 9:34:44 AM
Author: movie zombie
while Obama isn''t a progressive, i''m relieved that he was elected!

McCain gave a great concession speech: inclusive and moving forward. had he sounded like this during the campaign, he would have been harder to beat.

movie zombie

That very thought went through my head last night, too, as I watched his concession speech.

Among many conversations in my neck of the woods, I know he lost very many votes because people felt his tone and approach wouldn''t be able to unify people. Had he been able to bring this tone during the campaign, I think it may be been a much tighter race.

 

[decodelighted]

Date: 11/5/2008 8:26:16 AM
Author: thing2of2
I am beside myself that VIRGINIA WENT BLUE FOR OBAMA!

Meeeee Toooo. Though I currently live in the great blue expanse of the Northeast -- I'm SO PROUD of my home state. First time in 44 years, not in MY LIFETIME has Virginia gone Democratic for Pres. YAY VEEE AAAA!

ETA: And it happened w/o my own parents' votes & a BIL or two.

 

[decodelighted]

Date: 11/5/2008 10:10:31 AM
Author: Ellen

Date: 11/5/2008 9:58:45 AM
Author: Icy Melona
I thought it was very subdued and sombre for a victory speech

I felt it was pretty somber/subdued also.

Me three .... except at the very end when he got into the 106 year old lady & the Yes We Can refrain -- then it seemed historic in scope & content & gravitas. In retrospect I think the serious tone was wise. We are still *currently* a country in the midst of a crisis. Like Kennedy before him, he took the opportunity to emplore all of us - during our moment of victory - that the job isn''t done ... true victory not guaranteed. It showed me that he really does understand the complex nature of the position & repsonsibility he''s been given. And how important it is to establish realistic expectations and call on the people to do their share of the work as well. We''re in it together -- for the first time in A LONG TIME. Today, I''m thinking about how to help. THAT is what a really good speech does. IMHO.

 

[goobear78]

My heart is singing today. I am proud, I am hopeful, I am humble, I am excited. Today is a great day for America and the world!

 

[goobear78]

Date: 11/5/2008 10:19:31 AM
Author: kama_s

Date: 11/5/2008 8:38:37 AM

Author: fieryred33143

I''m so proud of Florida

But I''m upset they passed Prop 2

Me too.

One giant step forward another step back.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 11/5/2008 11:18:55 AM
Author: decodelighted

Date: 11/5/2008 10:10:31 AM
Author: Ellen

Date: 11/5/2008 9:58:45 AM
Author: Icy Melona
I thought it was very subdued and sombre for a victory speech

I felt it was pretty somber/subdued also.

Me three .... except at the very end when he got into the 106 year old lady & the Yes We Can refrain -- then it seemed historic in scope & content & gravitas. In retrospect I think the serious tone was wise. We are still *currently* a country in the midst of a crisis. Like Kennedy before him, he took the opportunity to emplore all of us - during our moment of victory - that the job isn''t done ... true victory not guaranteed. It showed me that he really does understand the complex nature of the position & repsonsibility he''s been given. And how important it is to establish realistic expectations and call on the people to do their share of the work as well. We''re in it together -- for the first time in A LONG TIME. Today, I''m thinking about how to help. THAT is what a really good speech does. IMHO.

Oh I agree deco. I hope I didn''t give the impression I thought it wasn''t good, it was. Just not the "typical" victory speech. And I think possibly for all the reasons we''ve given.

 

[MoonWater]

Date: 11/5/2008 11:18:55 AM
Author: decodelighted

Date: 11/5/2008 10:10:31 AM

Author: Ellen

Date: 11/5/2008 9:58:45 AM

Author: Icy Melona

I thought it was very subdued and sombre for a victory speech

I felt it was pretty somber/subdued also.

Me three .... except at the very end when he got into the 106 year old lady & the Yes We Can refrain -- then it seemed historic in scope & content & gravitas. In retrospect I think the serious tone was wise. We are still *currently* a country in the midst of a crisis. Like Kennedy before him, he took the opportunity to emplore all of us - during our moment of victory - that the job isn''t done ... true victory not guaranteed. It showed me that he really does understand the complex nature of the position & repsonsibility he''s been given. And how important it is to establish realistic expectations and call on the people to do their share of the work as well. We''re in it together -- for the first time in A LONG TIME. Today, I''m thinking about how to help. THAT is what a really good speech does. IMHO.

I''m so with you on this one and I''m so happy that''s the kind of speech he chose to give.

 

[wishful]

Date: 11/5/2008 6:58:04 AM
Author:Ellen
I thought it would be nice to have a place to express our thoughts on things that stood out/impressed/moved us all about yesterday. I''d love to hear from you!


I''ll add more later, but one thing that stood out among the rest was Senator McCain''s concession speech. I can''t say I ever really admired him, until that moment. And that''s not because he lost, but because of the graciousness with which he did so. His speech was so eloquent and heart felt as he congratulated Obama and offered to reach out and work with him to heal this nation. I was truly moved by him, and I have much more respect for him now as a person.

I couldn''t agree more. I thought it was a great speech. Also loved how he interrupted the crowd when the started booing. Shows charachter.

 

[Bia]

Date: 11/5/2008 9:46:29 AM
Author: mimzy
truthfully i think what i am happiest about is not that Obama is in the white house and McCain isn''t, but that overall america didn''t fall for the fear-mongering tactics that both McCain and his supporters tried to use to deter people from him. I absolutely had (and still do obviously) a healthy respect for those who voted for McCain because of his experience, history of centrism, etc, and i appreciate how hard this defeat might be for them. but i can''t help but want to smile a little bit harder in the faces of all those who said that he was a terrorist, a muslim, a socialist, a fascist, an arab, anti-america, anti-isreal, or any other rumors that were attempts to make people fear or hate him. america proved it was smarter than that and that is what i''m most proud of. i don''t agree with everything obama says, and i certainly don''t consider him to be the messiah, but i really do believe that this election signals a huge shift, a positive shift, toward a new, more progressive era. and i hope that everyone, even those who didn''t ''win'' last night can appreciate and be excited about that.

I agree. Obama''s win, to me, means progress and much needed change. We as Americans need to look forward, and be hopeful that our new president is the answer.
I am feeling very proud, hopeful and festive today.

Proud that I’m an American. That I voted. Proud of my country and its citizens.

Hopeful that good changes will come and promises will be honored.

And Festive...with MAJOR bags under my eyes!!!

 

[AprilBaby]

I am proud of Obama''s speech, I cried. I am almost 50 and as I think over my childhood and the racism I saw, I am thrilled to see this in my lifetime. I am proud of McCain for being gracious. And I am Proud to live in ILLINOIS, Home of the next President of the United States!

 

[MaggieB]

Gosh, what to say. I could write pages so I will try not to. I''m proud of what this election says about America. I looked up some stuff on Jackie Robinson this morning after talking to my dad (see Democrat thread) and I came across this (condensed) quote from his essay, Free Minds and Hearts at Work:

"Whatever obstacles I found made me fight all the harder. But it would have been impossible for me to fight at all, except that I was sustained by the personal and deep-rooted belief that my fight had a chance. It had a chance because it took place in a free society. . . Free minds and human hearts were at work all around me; and so there was the probability of improvement . . . I believe in the human race. I believe in the warm heart. I believe in man''s integrity. I believe in the goodness of a free society. And I believe that the society can remain good only as long as we are willing to fight for it- and to fight against whatever imperfections may exist."

America is a great country. I hope it proves to be the greatest country that ever existed, by leading the world in what it means to be a global citizen instead of a global aggressor. As so charmingly pointed out by others on this site, we have elected a black man named Barack HUSSEIN Obama. To me, that means that the majority of us want to move past prejudice, hatred, judgment, and misguided fear and assert that all men are created equal.