Obama's Victory

The moment seemed normal, almost expected. I had a feeling that he would eventually get there, but while I was watching him last night I forgot about all those moments of fear during the last six months; moments I remember this morning, moments when a choice between Clinton and Giuliani was inevitable. They were moments when Clinton won California, Ohio and Pennsylvania. I remembered the countless times, including last night, when I saw what Obama was up against, the Clinton machine, which is entirely focused on their place in history, a place they feel they are owed. The Clintons, still stubbornly pursuing guidance from their voters on what to do next instead of having the decency to drop out, couldn’t humble themselves tonight and face the music. Instead Hillary encouraged her fans to give her advice, but really to give them money. Read: help the Clintons get out of debt for a losing bid at the nomination.

Obama’s speech was in stark contrast to those of his opponents. He has all the right to be frustrated with Hillary, but didn’t exude any of that tonight. He expressed gratitude in Hillary’s direction, thanking her for being a tough opponent and praising what she has accomplished as a woman. Nothing in his speech was divisive. He was welcoming of all Democrats and Americans and didn’t speak just to his supporters as Hillary often does. His aura of promise and change was on full display last night and it couldn’t have shown more brightly since many Americans had just cringed through McCain’s speech.

I don’t buy the theory that people are going to make their decision based on the quality of a candidate’s speech, but if they did, Obama defeated McCain in a landslide last night. McCain was rigid and looked out of place in front of his band of supporters. Even his supporters missed a couple of punch lines and didn’t know when to clap until McCain’s voice trailed off to a barely audible decibel and he smiled ear to ear, literally. It was a very awkward delivery for McCain and he pretty much flopped on what really was the first night of the 2008 presidential campaign.

History was made last night. I tend to overlook that and just see the man that I want to lead this country, but it really was a monumental step for Americans of all races, but especially African-Americans. I will never know the pride that many African-Americans must have felt last night, but I can see some of it on their faces and feel some of it in their words and that makes me smile.

I know it is lofty praise, but last night hope was delivered to American politics and for the rest of the world to have hope in America is once again a common theme.