Nov. 4 was a momentous occasion. The first black president was elected for the United States of America. It was doubly exciting for me because this was the first time I voted in a presidential election. I am cynical about many things but even I knew how important this election was to the country. America needed a change, be it Republican or Democrat, and we took the biggest step toward change.
I am not a political person. I am neither a Republican nor a Democrat. I am, however, a realist. Third party candidates are never elected especially not when the two major parties are stealing all their publicity. I knew that if I wanted my vote to count, I would have to vote for one of the two major political parties. However, I was not going to vote blindly.
I actually researched both Obama and McCain’s platforms closely. I was not surprised to see that they were almost similar. The closer one gets to Election Day, the closer each candidate veers towards the middle of the political spectrum in order to avoid alienating the majority of voters who tend to be moderates no matter what their political affiliation. I had done my research and found that I still could not make up my mind. Finally, one big mistake on McCain’s part tipped the scales toward Obama.
I had just gotten home from work when Obama had stepped up to the platform at his rally to give his speech. From the few times I had heard him speak, I knew he was a powerful speaker. He had a way of evoking great emotion in the most stoic of people. I am not a Democrat but his speech was not solely for Democrats. He even said that the first man to be voted president from Illinois, Abraham Lincoln, was also the first man to be elected under the Republican Party. A party, Obama states, that was founded on the “values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity.” Lincoln is a subject that many people feel strongly about whether they are familiar with his politics or not.
I think my favorite part was when he mentioned McCain. He is very modest and sincere when he talks about the fight that the McCain/Palin campaign put up. The best line was when he said of McCain: “He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader.” It is a true sign of a leader who can be gracious and friendly in victory even towards his opponent. It also said something that the crowd themselves were encouraging and applauded McCain, unlike the McCain rally’s audience.
McCain gave a heart-warming speech. He was gracious in defeat and congratulated Obama on his win. His crowd was not as polite and actually booed when McCain mentioned Obama’s name. It was rude but McCain tried to keep it under control. It would have been easy for him to be bitter or let the crowd get out of control. He sent his sympathies to Obama about his grandmother’s death. It shows a lot of compassion and dignity. I was not a big fan of McCain but my respect for him increased greatly with this speech.
It was a grueling campaign. Not only for those running but also for the media and the voting public. As I have stated many times before, I am not a political person. I am relieved that this is all over and we can get back to actually doing something to help this country. America chose the candidate they thought was the right choice. Now the real work begins.