“If ever there was a moment that renewed one’s faith in American optimism, Tuesday was that moment. On Nov. 4, Senator Barack Obama received more votes than any president in American history. It was almost surreal, waking up Wednesday in an America that cast its ballots for an ideal, for hope, for change.”
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If ever there was a moment that renewed one’s faith in American optimism, Tuesday was that moment.

On Nov. 4, Senator Barack Obama received more votes than any president in American history.

It was almost surreal, waking up Wednesday in an America that cast its ballots for an ideal, for hope, for change.

Many didn’t think America had it in her.

But she did.

Pundits will say that the potential of this country’s first black president mobilized the black vote. That’s true, to an extent.

Some will argue that the failures and disappointment of President George W. Bush drew votes for the Democratic ticket. That’s quite possible.

Others will point to the advanced age of Senator John McCain or the concern over the possibility of a President Sarah Palin as motivation to vote for Obama. Those could also be factors.

But, at the end of the night, when President-Elect Obama walked up to that podium, it was his message of hope that resonated with the millions of Americans watching.

And to all those who have wondered if America’s beacon still burns as bright – tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.

When Obama tells us these things, it doesn’t feel scripted. They don’t sound like empty words, intended to make us swell up with pride and patriotism.

And, yet, they do – or they should.

After a long-fought campaign that battled criticism, negativity and accusations, the only thing that remains is the promise of change, the hope for better tomorrows.

For as powerful and eloquent a speaker as Obama is, it remains undeniable that an enormous task lies before Americans.

Let’s hope that our new president is able to inspire Americans to act, to truly effect the change we so desperately seek.

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