We saw history last night. I watched at 11:00 Eastern Time as the election was called and had tears in my eyes and goosebumps. I watched President Elect Obama's acceptance speech in Chicago and had even more tears in my eyes and goosebumps.
As I watched President Elect Obama's speech last night, I had the distinct feeling that we are watching a transformational figure, like the most notable figures in history, that comes along only once in a generation or more. A leader with qualities that shine as a brighter light than that of even the best of of us, and has the power to cast away shadows in the dark, underserved corners of our society.
I have never been more proud of my country than I was last night. Because of the example of democracy. Because of the historical nature of the first African American President. Because a majority of our country collectively said ENOUGH to the politics of fear and division, the policies of special interests and power and control, the erosion of our contitution and our moral authority, and the foreign policy of isolationism and use of military strength before diplomacy. Because Americans by the millions rejected the notion that race is an issue that separates us and comes between us and the election of the right candidate. Because the future will bring new hope and promise for millions of Americans who, up until yesterday, thought that America does not offer the same opportunity to them that it does for others - and in that regard, as those Americans lift up, so will our country in new ways we have never seen before, because a rising tide lifts all boats. Because I volunteered in my local field office and saw, first hand, the thousands of individuals who volunteered their time, calling others on the phone, canvassing door to door, giving money, talking to friends. Thousands who are young and old, rich and poor, colored and white. All working together, with enthusiasm and brotherhood, for a common cause, to call for fundamental change inthe way we have been doing things. This election has significance not only with respect to race relations in this country, but also with respect to our democracy. Having watched democracy in action, I cried last night when I saw it worked.