Barack Obama, The next President of the United States
Wednesday, November 5th, 2008
The Big Picture has a great collection of Obama images: The next President of the United States.
I was waiting for this. I am so happy to see these images. They make me happy and I’m all read out, can’t see to read anymore.
I happen to be a 57 year old white male who voted for Obama because he is the best qualified person to run for President in my lifetime. Am I happy that he happens to be black? You betcha. But, it belittles me and everyone like me to suggest that we voted for him because we feel guilt or we’re putting race above qualifications in our decision.
I feel like I’m a decent judge of character and this man has a great character. Frankly, the fact that he has less Washington experience than others, to me, is a qualification, not a liability. Look at the way he’s run his campaign and you’ll have a glimpse of how he might govern. I could not be happier and prouder of him and the way he’s run his campaign.
Barack Obama is going to be a great President in what is one of the most difficult times in American history. His election is a first step toward moving us forward.
I’ve been beside myself all morning (last night I was a basket case, ask my wife). I’m reading, writing (commenting) and spontaneously crying and can’t stop thinking about how much I admire Barack Obama and how happy I am not only for him, but for us.
I’m proud to be an American today because we elected a highly qualified and gifted black person to lead our country in a world where racism still lives. The cynical side of me doubted we were up to this but in fact, we were and that gives me hope.
Audacious, isn’t it?
Very well put, Richard. I feel exactly the same way.
As I was watching the coverage last night I kept thinking there was so damn much to admire about the guy and the way he handled himself during the campaign. It reinforced the impression of him I got from reading his books.
Mike: Thank you. I’m so proud, it’s just overwhelming. I haven’t felt this emotionally charged since we landed on the moon and the Berlin wall came down. It’s simply a wonderful thing.
Just superb Richard – thank goodness he won, and so, so deserved. I would have voted for him in a flash if I could.
We could do with someone like him with character, resolve, poise, intelligence and courage in the UK right now. He makes Brown look like a fool.
I am certain this is the start of something good, to not only change so much in the US, but also change the reputation of the US as a country in the whole world.
A great day and one I will remember for a long time to come.
Jon, yes, wouldn’t it be great if the world collectively got its shit together and started working toward being a better place. I’m sure this was a small but significant step in that direction.
The best thing about Obama’s election may be the way future politicians try to emulate his poise and character. I’d love to see a sea change in the way American politics is conducted.
Maybe we just did.
Mike: Yes, I absolutely agree. While Obama’s campaign wasn’t perfect, it was a hell of a lot more positive than McCain’s. Maybe Rovian politics can be left behind forever now.
I’m not sure it will be easy to emulate his poise under pressure. This dude is not only smart, but unflappable. While a piece of me likes and admires McCain’s ability to make quick judgements Obama’s thoughtfulness is probably a better character trait going into the next few years of decision making in our messed up country.
Richard,
“it was a hell of a lot more positive than McCain’s.” You betcha! (couldn’t resist). Truly, Obama’s campaign showed a man of rare focus and understanding that one can appeal to a better nature even or especially under pressure.
I heard someone say tonight in reference to US history in the 60′s: We thought we had an important revolution of thought and life back then. But then two Kennedys were killed, Malcolm X and Dr. King murdered and it was as if hope died. With this election, symbolized by Obama and represented by many of us, hope appeared once again in an even healthier form, grown up some.
Didn’t need to burn stuff in the streets this time; just needed to listen and respond (and vote).
Three cheers. Many tears. “The character of a man (woman) more than the color of skin…”
Picture #30 in the linked set is pretty awesome – shows him in mid-step and he looks like he’s floating on air.
Sandy: Yeah, it feels great to have lived through the ’60s and ’70s and to have come to this point. I just wish us Americans could learn without making so many messes. Alas, how can I talk? It’s how I learn pretty much everything: by making a big mess and cleaning it up. It ain’t pretty but it does work.
Chet: I agree, he’s floating. No doubt his basketball prowess will come in handy in office.
wow great shots they are great thanks.
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Very well put and exactly my sentiments.
The past 8 years you would not find me yelling from roof tops of being proud to be an American. Last Tuesday, I felt it again. I’m so glad we’re taking this direction and having hope.
I just don’t get how hope, optimism and dreaming became negative attributes over the past 8 years.
Diana: the past eight years bred a lot of cynicism and hopefully we’ll grow out of that and move well beyond it.
But, no matter what, just the fact that we elected this guy, by a wide margin, gives me hope.
I think he’s going to do very well.