November 4, 2008: A New Awakening!
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Thank you, Mr. Obama, for allowing me to finally experience what it feels like to be inspired by the words of my president.
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I awoke early this morning, with sensations I hadn't felt in quite some time (just let it go, Funnebone!). It was Pride... and Optomism... and Hope. Gone was the shame and embarrassment I'd been feeling for the leaders of this country I live in. Gone was the pall of frustration and hopelessness I'd been wearing since the turn of this century. Returning would be our good standing in the global community. Maybe now, I can once again hold my head high... as an American citizen.
On November 4th, 2008, at 8:00pm Pacific Time, I watched history being made as Senator Barack Obama, an African-American, won the race for President of the United States of America! And he did it 338 to 146! And he did it in just four hours!
I heard a journalist say, during the race, that if the entire world were able to vote, Senator Obama would win in less than an hour. Well, that's encouraging, it really is, but...
How about four hours? With just America's voters?
I'd like to take this opportunity to invite the global community to join me in a long-awaited chorus of "Hallelujah!" Play the above video if you need a little help getting started... and turn it up!
And not to be overlooked; Senator John McCain must be recognized for his gracious speech after conceding the race. It was the John McCain I remember hearing, and being impressed with, long ago.
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Barack Obama is truly a President for the New Millennium. Not only did he insist on keeping his Blackberry (requiring a whole new security protocol approved by U.S. intelligence officials), but he is the first online president. Younger and tech-savvy, he knows the importance of maintaining an Internet presence, and his Weekly State of The Union Address can be watched online as well as heard on the radio.
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"The world is at a crossroads. Never before have I felt the fate of so many depend so strongly on so few."
Sage, Stargate: Atlantis
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President Obama in the News
- William Bradley: Barack Obama's War: 10 Key Things To KnowThe Huffington Post3 hours ago
It's Barack Obama's war now. Here are some key things to know about this curious war -- in which the newest Nobel Peace Prize-winner has...
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Comments
I am a Canadian, but I was thrilled to hear that Obama won! We here in Canada (and I'm sure the whole world) watched this election closely with great interest. Such a historical year for your country. Congratulations!
Thanks Sweetie- (Cool image! - I like that one best, especially for Christmas. I buying a digital camera soon. Promise!) That was fast! I was still still tweeking with the photos. I wanted to be sure to mention McCain because I was impressed with how classy his conceding speech was - particularly after the low-rent, smear campaign he'd been running.
Thank you, Shirley- I knew it! I could FEEL the whole world watching, and rejoicing when Obama won. This is literally A New Awakeing.
McCain is a classy guy, I agree with you there. I like McCain and never have hated the man, I just really did not want him to be president. I think he lost his calling as a political talk host and book writer, some how I think he would have excelled at that. He has quite a presence on the camera and can make people smile.
I love how you put it. That is even what all the news reports are saying. His placement in the White House is being felt around the globe. BIG ripples are coming out of this. The act of putting him in office seems to have raised the optimism of the entire planet. I can't imagine the pressure that puts on him, but he seems up to the task. This is a happy time, and we (the rest of the world) will benefit as well. Especially us here in Canada. Everything that happens to the U.S. happens to us, too because we're neighbours. Guess that means we should be thanking you, and I do.
Shirley- Agreed. The people who couldn't stand him now were the same ones who'd heard him speak several years ago and said, "Wow, if that guy ever runs for president, I'll vote for him."
Shirley- It is WE who should be thanking YOU, and the rest of the world; for your patience, and for your understanding that we Americans were just as unhappy with the leadership as y'all (to quote my late grandma from Oklahoma) were.
I was ready to leave the country. Totally serious! I'd been doing research, making plans and looking into getting my passport.
Very encouraging to hear from you guys.
Shirley- That was quite a statement about how closely Canada is connected to US. Infact the whole world was watching the US elections and hopefully for everyone this is a "change we can believe in". Just as the whole world looks at USA I guess since Obama has come to power even USA looks out at the world far more. I mean some Americans I have met seem not to even want know who the PM of Canada is which is just our northern neighbour(I once was shocked when I heard "I don't care who the President of Canada is") ....LOL
Heck yeah! My cynicism is waning, my optimism is bolstered! I feel...GOOD ABOUT POLITICS! Oh it's been so long! What a feeling! What a rush last night was! I can't WAIT for the next four years to get started, and I'm glad to see Obama is as excited as well. He's moving full steam towards his presidency, and I'm pretty sure he'll have most of his staff picked before he takes office, as well as having his family moved into the White House. SO STOKED!! Great hub Constant!
We SHOULD know who all the world leaders are, but we here in the states only hear about them in times conflict... or threat. Canada is so laid back, we NEVER hear news of it... "eh?" I loved it up there when I was able to vist for several months.
BTW: Who IS the PM of Canada?
YEAH! Jonno! quite the change from just a few days ago. The man is inspiring, isn't he? My mother was choked up during his victory speech. I was just quietly listening. In awe that it had actually happened. YEAH!
Come on I know you are aware of Stephen Joseph Harper the PM of Canada. I also was moved by the conciliatory speech by McCain which was gracious. I guess he is a good man running an ill advised campaign.
No Country, I'm sorry to say I have never come across the man's name. It's never in the news. And I feel exactly the same way about McCain: Good man, bad advice. But, a truly good and intelligent man doesn't fall for such abviously bad advice. I'm crying no tears for him. Had he won... it would be more of exactly the same, either by his own doing or "bad advice." We cannot blame others for our actions, bad advice or not.
Then my friend change the channel you watch news..hehe. I mean I watch BBC channel it covers quite comprehensively the world affairs compared to CNN/Fox and morever there is less bias too.
If Iam jogging in the park I don't care at what speed as I don't have to win but if I am running a race(then someone says he trained carl lewis to be the world class athlete I might think his judgement is better than mine) then I might follow a known track and an experienced campaign advisor. Sometimes it's tough to get it right and we tend to rely other's advice which maynot be always correct (ofcourse as far as possible we try to judge it to be right for us).
This election McCain wasn't just fighting Obama he was fighting the Bush's lapses, economic crisis.... and on top of it an ally like Palin who was (according to many) not upto the mark in case anything happened to McCain.
It's so heartening to see Americans rise up and reclaim what is rightfully ours: Our country. And our dignity. The reaction of people around the world (both on HubPages and newscasts) shows how essential this seachange is. Not JUST a new president. Shift in the House and Senate to help ensure that the policies of the last 8 years can be addressed and dispensed with systematically.
Obama is just one man. But at least he won't be fighting uphill in the Legislative branch. Real progress can/will occur. I honestly can't imagine there is ANYONE in America who will be worse off because of yesterday's election. Hooray!
A word about McCain. Politics is a lot about timing. Had this HUGE economic crisis not hit this fall when it did, the issue of national security and terrorists could have helped McCain more. Alas, McCain had no control over this shift in the economy and people's attention to domestic issues. Which of course played directly to Obama's classic Democratic strengths.
McCain did not do a good enough job defining what he WOULD do. He went way too negative on Obama without countering with his own strengths. That's because he always walked a minefield. He couldn't play to traditional Republican strengths and at the same time claim himself to be a "maverick." He had to distance himself from Bush -- but pulled Palin in to reclaim the far right. He failed to pull in the disenfranchised Hillary centrists. In the end, they did the correct thing for their party and went for Obama.
I honestly don't understand who was advising McCain, but he sure did get some bad advice. Coupled with a clear anger management problem -- he pretty much made his own bed. His best shot at president was in 2000. For him, it wasn't meant to be.
Country- I probably should. I watch morning news while I'm going about my morning routine (work-out, breakfast, email, shower, etc). It's local, and then Daily Buzz from Florida - which I really like. I still don't buy McCain using "bad advice" as an excuse for his shabby behavior during the debates. I cannot see Obama ever acting in such a manner, no matter what the advice, and I know I certainly wouldn't. I believe it is as simple as McCain is Old School, war-hero or not, and believed that Old School would work, just as it always has before. Obama saw that America, and the world, were sick to death of such political bull-shit and gave what he is best at: Honest, straight-forward answers to serious questions.
Thanks for stopping by, MM- I'm very jazzed, too. I was ready to hear whatever McCain had to say, I'm a registered Independent and give both sides a fair chance, but he never really said anything of substamce, did he? He proved to me right away that he was just another rhetoric-spouting, say or do anything to get elected politician. it's the kind of politics he'd grown up and old with. But, it's just not flying anymore...
Jim~
Another fantastic piece. I love your insight. Well done, sir... Quite insightful, as usual!
Reid
Thank you, Reid, very much. I was afraid it might have been textually too short, you know? But, it seems to be just enough.
Glad you liked it!
It is for us here in that old Europe also, well... a Relief! (And what a wonderful speech!)
It was wonderful to watch everyone's joy yesterday (including all the many celebrations happening here in London !!!!! )
Putting aside my (nearly) 60 years of experience - I too, want hope to triumph....
and like many others - including Senator Obama - say
"God bless America"
Viv
I watched the election coverage with my mom, who raised me to believe and know that people are people and all have equal opportunity - she followed with her words and actions.
When the results were announced her first response was "I don't believe it" and my response was this overwhelming energy of "Yes!" I stood up, hands in the air shouting "Yes!" over and over and I'm still feeling the energy two days later.
A new awakening - definitely. I thank All That Is that my youngest who's 2 will have only residuals of the idea that Blacks or any other cannot do whatever they want and be whoever they want to be. In her life experience she will only know the beauty of equality.
May this energy carry forth in the days ahead so everyone - white, black, yellow, green, brown, rainbow - knows that each individual is worthy and whole and that the world truly can and will change from within.
Great hub (as usual, Constant)!
Dutchman and Duchess- It's been so good to hear from the international community regarding President-elect Obama, and to know they are as happy, and relieved, as we in the states are. Thank you both!
Rainbow- Great comments, as usual, thank YOU. We are, indeed, moving forward toward that beautiful society you described. There's still so many heads in the sand - I was distressed that Hawaii finally wound up red - but I feel The New Awakening is coming. And I'm so glad I stuck with that title. Couldn't think of anything else, so I just went, "Eh, that'll do."
Indeed a new Awakening! I'm joining in Constant, Hallelujah! Thank you.
Isn't this something? The whole world united for a good reason, instead of because of a terrorist attack of some kind.
Is Obama the youngest president you've had? I think I've read that he is. This is all incredibly wonderful. Who would've thought that one person could fill a whole world with hope? Very Ghandi-esque.
Yes, Country Woman - it's Stephen Harper. That's all I have to say about that.
Thank you, Dottie- I've played that video like five times now...
Shirley- It is, indeed, "Something." A New Awakening would seem to be the perfect title for this hub, eh?
What a wonderful day, Barack Obama, President of the United States of America, I don t believe that I ve ever felt so happy before, I was so worried that the republicans would seize power again, like in the year 2000 and 2004, but now there s hope for America at last, but does he and his cabinett have a hard job ahead of them, trying to sort all this mess out, it ain t going to be easy, but so many are happy for the change, both here, and all around the world, people are feeling hope, and it all comes down to this man, and his cabinett of very intelligent and trustworthy men. It s nice to be an american and be able to feel hope again. I never looked at this campaign as a black versus a white man running, I always saw just a great man, and a great American, besides he s also Irish, raised in an Irish-English family, with an Irish-English mother and grandparents. He s just an American like the rest of us, what does race have to do with it, if his mother hadn t met that Kenyan man, this fantastic man and President elect, would not be here today, and he wouldn t be our president now, and the hope for so many in the world. And what a beautiful wife and family he has, what a great time is awaiting, and so much hope for so many in America, I like your hubb-page, and your opinions too, miranda black, a proud Irish American voter and a lifelong democrat
Thank you, Amanda Black, for those positive comments, and for checking out this piece. I agree, it wasn't about a black man versus a white man. Obama was the kind of candidate I'd been wishing to see since I first registered to vote - a lifelong Indepepdent. I hope his cabinet is as intelligent as he is. I can't see him tolerating anything but.
Wouldn't it be amazing if the success of this campaign changes the way candidates run campaigns in the future? Instead of consisting of mud-slinging, they concentrate on the issues... that would be a very welcome CHANGE.
I never meant that you looked at this race as a white, versus black race, I was thinking of those little mccain-followers and christian-rights fanatics, mostly in the south, that only view him as BLACK, and not as the upstanding man, AMERICAN, and candidate that he is. Of course he can find tons of intelligent democrats and others to run this country, but like I said, they sure have their work cut out for them, building up, is a much more time-consuming process, than erasing the whole structure of a society, that doesn t take that long. I always knew that Bush and those other thugs were bad, but I sure never thought that it would end this bad, and the effects that it also came to have on the rest of the world. Who could ever have dreamt of anything like this could or would ever happen, because of bad politics, especially in the United States of America. Everyone for oneself, and a bad costly war, that cost our American troops so much. I ve always been a great veterans fan, those guys, that give so much for their country, and always being sent in harms way, to fight our battles, I sure hope that those guys are coming home soon. We had no business, being in Iraq, in the first place, Afghanistan, seems to be a different story, and it s as bad as Iraq. It s so sad with all wars going on all over the world. A ban on selling arms, might just be the best ban of all, maybee people had to fight their fights with their fists instead. I m not only a Obama supporter, but also a peace and animals-rights activist, democrat and vegetarian, every republicans worst nightmare, MIRANDA BLACK
Miranda, I knew you weren't suggesting that - I was agreeing with you.
Ha-ha, indeed you are the Republicans worst nightmare. It's good for them! Someone's got to pull their heads out of their asses. You would have a lot of company here in Oregon...
I'm afreaid America has been heading down this self-destructive road for quite some. The insurance industry (life, auto, home, health, you name it) becoming unregulated simply turned this nation into an legalized organized crime mecca. The Bush administration just made it that much worse. His unilateral war-mongering made the rest of the world as disgusted with him as we Americans already were.
Obama has a lot of fixing to do, but it's very encouraging to know the rest of the world is behind him as well. Truly a Global President.
Well, I didn t grow up that far from you, actually in California, but moved to Hawaii, and I can tell you that I was fortunate, never to have any republican friends ever, but for my family, that I haven t seen in many years, they do and live lives so totally opposite from mine, Well when I was very young those kids were all that I met, and I was so very, very tired of their slick upperclass, better than you behaviour, I just wanted to get as far away from that as I possibly could, and caring for others, not looking down on them, and shoot every poor animal that happened to move around in the woods, I ve seen both sides, and I know, where I like it, I might not be a millionaire, but money isn t all, and hearing your mom complain about how much taxes, that you have to pay, becomes quite boring, always whining, what a bore, and feeling that you re better than others and deserving of your wealth, god graces, what a life, and hating everything liberal, with a vengeance. No, that life s not for me, I like and prefer other kinds of people, that woman will never be happy, even though she s very wealthy, and you should think, that she d never need to complaining, travelling all over the world and eating the best of foods, miranda
First, wasn't it completely absurd that Hawaii voted red? Especially weird since Obama is from there...
Second, good for you! I know, and am unfortunately related to, the kind of mentality you described. Some people rise above privilege... others just exist in it.
Don't get me wrong; I believe the man who said "money doesn't buy happiness" was dirt poor, but money without humility is just a drug.
I think Hawaii went blue...
I'm ecstatic over Obama's win; was so moved, really teared up over it. Finally burdens off my shoulders as an average american moved to his shoulders...been a long time since we've had a president bear our burdens.
I did not feel that good about McCain, I thought his speech was a weak attempt to concede victory and give an appearance of unity. He could not control the crowd whom he had trained to "boo" --Obama's crowd did not boo (250,000+) out of respect for the man, Obama. He had trained them about his response. Much like a parent who works with their children along the journey, you get a different result than when a parent tries to do the right thing after many wrongs. Still, McCain tried, but it was too late and even his crowd couldn't be decent.
I hope for unity now, I believe the Republican power heads are having difficulty swallowing loss, but if they will take the hand that Obama will and is extending, we'll be a better nation for it.
The world's reaction was amazing. They have hope now as well. Hope spreads. It is a joy to see.
Hi M! Long time no hear from. Ya, Hawaii was blue after all results were in. I put a final results map up on this hub.
I thought McCain's speech was gracious, whether he wrote it of felt it is another story, but I was well-delivered. His supporters? Yep, that was pretty low-rent, but you're right; his doing.
The global reaction to Obama winning is amazing and encouraging. Gives me a feeling like, is everything going to be OK again? I know that's corny, but I can't help it.
I've been putting up worldwide headline pics about Obama's win below. If you come across any please let me know, OK?
awoke early this morning, with sensations I hadn't felt in quite some time (just let it go, Funnebone!)" I can't believe i missed this opportunity!
I know! You're definitely slippin'
Cheers from around the world
SweetiePie says:
13 months ago
It is good you said John McCain should not be overlooked for his conceding speech, but what he did was not much different than any predecessor who lost the election. Nice to read your sentiments in this hub.