Hope, at last

I felt it as an American last night for the first time in eight years, as I listened to Senator Obama's speech. It was visionary, specific, tough and--I think--the corrective that just might galvanize a fragmented, crabby electorate into positive action and unity. I'm too tired to be eloquent about it today, but Andrew Sullivan has done it already. Go and see!

It was an historic moment, in part because of the famous anniversary on which the speech was given; in part because of the long-overdue nomination of an African-American. That's a lovely moment of fruition. However, after about sixteen years of increasingly bitter political discourse, and eight of wincing almost every time I turn on the radio, it was a breath of fresh air to hear this intelligent, lucid man articulate such a compelling vision. I also loved the "regular folks' " speeches and cried during Hillary's speech on Tuesday. I think she would have made a very fine president, and I'm sorry we won't see that--at least this time around. However, I'm ready to enthusiastically get behind Obama. The man is smart and compelling. I'm also interested in seeing what Michelle will make out of the First Ladyship.

Maybe--just maybe--there's a way out of some of the mess we're in as a result of Bush's disastrous presidency.

I hope.