No, we didn’t attend the rally downtown, but the energy in Chicago radiated far and wide. It was amazing to be here, to be a part of history in the making.
Even late into the day, I was nervously thinking, “What if he doesn’t make it? What if the dems have a poor showing at the voting booths?” and other quasi-paranoid, Palin-fearing questions.
Of course, all my fears were allayed by 8 or 9 pm when all the networks started calling an Obama victory. Still, I didn’t fully relax until McCain’s concession speech. I have to admit, it was really classy, especially at first. The Republicans in the crowd booing was decidedly less classy, but that’s how it goes.
Seeing Oprah, Jesse Jackson, and tens of thousands of other Obama supporters cheering, hugging, feeling elated was amazing, and I admit I was moved to tears more than once. What an amazing milestone to have accomplished.
I only hope that people can come together without fierce party loyalties and we can all help to improve this country of ours and once again make it great. I’m filled with an optimism that I haven’t known, possibly ever, in an election. I am sure that despite what happens in the next four years, it will make history. I just hope it’s for the best.
