Filling the Void

I feel compelled to comment on what's happening here in our country, while trying to avoid going too political on my loyal readers. It's hard to sit by and NOT say something about the amazing thing I've just been alive to witness. I think I can say, honestly, for the first time (at least in a long time) I am proud to be an American citizen. And, by the way, I hope we can do away with the whole "generation X" or "apathetic generation" crap now. I think we've proven that's not true.

I think we'd all agree that what Obama has done is truly phenomenal. Not just because of his race, but the way he ran his campaign, reached younger and disenfranchised demographics, and turned red states blue for the first time in 4 decades. I cannot even describe what it feels like to actually be part of making history. To be honest, I didn't support Obama during the primaries. I thought he was overrated and underqualified. And, I don't like being part of a "movement" just because it's a movement. In fact, the more hype there is, the more skeptical I am. But, after he won the nomination, and really when the financial crisis started to set in, I began to watch him very carefully. I was waiting to see what he would do, what he would say, how he would respond.

Day by day, I was increasingly impressed at his sense of calm in the face of such a crisis (especially compared to McCain, who in the past has won my vote). I know there was plenty of negative campaigning to go around, but I honestly feel like Obama was able to stay above the fray, for the most part. His message was clear and consistent, right up until last night's speech. (If you didn't see it, please watch. It is truly inspirational.) Maybe it makes me an idealog, but I don't care. I think it' s high time someone finally ran on a message of hope and change, something this country desperately needs. And looking out on the crowd, what an astounding variety of people. It echoed what he said in his speech: young, old, black, white, Latino, Asian, gay, straight, rich, poor... dividing lines did not exist. I've been privileged to vote in 3 general elections so far, and I've never seen anything like I saw last night. The quantity of people that showed up to Grant Park was awesome to see... and people, not only in our country, but all over the world, running out into the streets and celebrating. It was more like New Year's Eve than Election Day.

Back to his speech, I think it's a real testament to the kind of leader he'll be. How many candidates' acceptance speeches are so somber and pensive? I didn't detect an ounce of ego in what he said, and I think that's really something. It must be tempting, after 21 months of campaigning, to get up and say, "Yay me!!" But he didn't, and I think it's important to note. You can tell he is a man that knows what he's up against.

I'm a young voter, and fall into the demographic most political experts are talking about in the aftermath of this election. And I think Obama's biggest challenge is going to be keeping the interest of all these new, young voters. His campaign has laid the groundwork for what could potentially be a new type of government. Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, and all the other avenues he used to get votes, should not be ignored now that he's actually gotten them. With such an overwhelming victory, I think Obama now has a mandate to fulfill his part of the agreement people made when voting for him.

I have found elections to be pretty anti-climactic, and I hope this one is different. Think of all the people who got out there and knocked on doors for him, made calls, put up posters, etc. What are they to do, now that it's all over? How will they fill the void? I think Obama really runs the risk of a major disconnect with the very people who put him in office. His campaign was so innovative and groundbreaking... I can only hope his administration will be the same. I would love to see him do a weekly radio address where he tells people what's going on (not just on traditional airwaves, but satellite and internet radio), and maybe even takes calls from people, or even start a blog that HE writes. If he doesn't, I'm afraid 4 years from now when he's up for re-election, he'll be starting all over again. Anyone who's read The Tipping Point knows that this kind of momentum is hard to get back once it's gone. It is my dearest hope that Obama can live up to everyone's expectations, including my own.

I'm not a person that is easily moved (especially when it comes to politics), but sitting on my couch last night, watching Obama quote Abraham Lincoln and talk about uniting our country, I couldn't help feeling like I was watching the John F. Kennedy of our generation. Obama said last night in his speech, "I need your help." We're here to give it, Mr. President. All you have to do is tell us what you need.