Hope Wins the Day

Because of the hyper-partisan rancor that fills political discourse in this country, it is difficult to step back and reflect on exactly what happened last night. The presidential nominee box of crayons has always only included varying degrees of white. But not anymore. Many will downplay the significance because it is not a guy in their party, but just think about it for one second. Is the elevation of Barack Obama to the head of the Democratic Party not exactly what makes this country great? Does it not demonstrate a degree of social movement that is lacking throughout the "civilized" world? To think that 50 years ago, a blink of an eye on the historical timeline, someone of the senator's complexion could not have eaten at the diner down the street, nonetheless, be the nominee of a major party. It is okay to acknowledge the significance of the moment if you support Senator McCain. No one will brand you a liberal. While Senator Clinton does her best to remain relevant, seemingly entering the denial phase when it comes to confronting her defeat, Senator Obama goes forth trying to unify a party that is certainly divided, but not broken like most have tried to portray it. There will be plenty of time to talk about vice presidents and Senator McCain's awkward oratory. Let's just take a second and enjoy the moment. Senator Obama's speech last night was exemplary, particularly the end:

America, this is our moment. This is our time. Our time to turn the page on the policies of the past. Our time to bring new energy and new ideas to the challenges we face. Our time to offer a new direction for the country we love.

The journey will be difficult. The road will be long. I face this challenge with profound humility, and knowledge of my own limitations. But I also face it with limitless faith in the capacity of the American people. Because if we are willing to work for it, and fight for it, and believe in it, then I am absolutely certain that generations from now, we will be able to look back and tell our children that this was the moment when we began to provide care for the sick and good jobs to the jobless; this was the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal; this was the moment when we ended a war and secured our nation and restored our image as the last, best hope on earth. This was the moment—this was the time—when we came together to remake this great nation so that it may always reflect our very best selves and our highest ideals.

This certainly is our moment. The spotlight shines bright on America today.