h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I suppose I'm just stating the obvious here, but I can't help myself- I'm absolutely thrilled (though not surprised) by the results of yesterday's election.

I had no doubt that Obama would take his (and my) home state. He's my state senator (though obviously now he'll be leaving for his new job) and hugely popular in Chicago. I guess I needn't get into the great legislation he helped pass here again- most of you already know I've long admired him during his tenure as director of the Developing Communities Project in Chicago, and supported him when he was elected to the senate in 1996 (and subsequent elections). It doesn't seem like any of you will need convincing of his integrity, either.

We stayed up late watching the poll results come in. Words can't describe how exciting it was! As states were called, we cheered accordingly. Some were surprising- when we saw that he'd taken New Mexico, K and I were gobsmacked. When they called Ohio, and then the electoral vote count reached 220, I knew we'd won (California's 55 were sure to go to Obama).

McCain's concession speech was moving, and he deserves some props for being gracious and respectful. I think I shed more tears over this election than the last one, although for very different reasons.

My only regret is that I wasn't abale to finagle a day off work today, so we didn't attend Obama's victory gathering in Grant Park. That would have been a night to remember. Some friends of mine went, and I look forward to seeing some photos or video clips (I hope!).

I'm feeling really exuberant and relieved this morning, even if I did only manage two hours' sleep last night.

Congratulations, PC!


I stayed up until about 2am, and Obama had almost half the votes then!


What a landslide

I'm sure you're not alone with your feelings.

I watched McCain's speech early this morning, and I agree, it was moving. I don't think I've ever experienced the losing party making a speech like this here.

Shame about the boos from the crowd.

It does have all the hallmarks of the best thing to happen to the USA in a long time.

I stayed up till after 11pm here- which was a late night since I was up again at 4 for work.

The boos from the crowd were shameful, but there will be sore losers in any race, I guess. That awful Palin woman sure had a smarmy little smirk, didn't she?

I read in one of the other threads that someone- I think it was Beatrice- wept at Jesse Jackson's tears. Now between you and me, I've always thought Mr. Jackson is a little out there, but it was moving to see the display of emotion.

It also feels really good that people the world over are sharing in the overwhelming joy and relief. all around!

Wait long enough & Goood can happen!



zdt

Well, I've sure been waiting a long time. I've only been old enough to have voted in the last four elections, and it's the first time the presidential candidate I preferred has won. I didn't vote for Clinton (IMO, he's extremely conservative for a Dem, especially in regards to fiscal and foreign policies) in '96; I voted for Perot.

My Congressional district also has good representation in both the US Senate and the House.

Phew!

(Incidentally, I voted for Perot in both '92 *and '96. While it's usually a given that a vote for the independent isn't going to accomplish anything, I couldn't bring myself to cast a vote for Clinton either time. Purely based on his economic and foreign policies, and a little bit the second time around because he lied when asked about things for which a "none of your damned business" would have been in order. I could care less even still if he did or did not "have sex with that woman", only that he was dishonest about it.)

CongratsP/C...I was fairly sure he could do it & in the end he proved me right!

Ditto.

I had a weird moment this morning during my toast where I thought "I don't know who the president of America is... I know, I'll go and have a look at the telly"

I never doubted him, but that doesn't make me any less thrilled.

He's got a tough time ahead of him- this is a huge precedent, and there are surely countless people who will blame anything that doesn't go well, or the way they wanted, on him and his administration. But I think he's got the sense and the savvy to do a good job, and I really think he cares about the interests of your average person more than those of Boeing, Halliburton or Exxon. Plus now we stand a good chance of avoiding any further appointments of rabidly right-wing justices to the Supreme Court- which is *very* important.

A judiciary that isn't crammed full of right-wing ratbags is a good place to start.

Glad you're happy PC (and it sounds like a lot of Americans are too And what a large turnout, the largest for 100 years (if the 64% estimate is correct.) It's just a shame you have to wait so long for him to actually take over.

Van

As soon as I woke up this morning I put Sunrise USA on and cheered outloud (scared the cat!) when I saw the result and had tears in my eyes, I was so pleased!

It makes me wish I was American. My US family are also thrilled and I had an excited e-mail from Aunty Babs about it this morning. I hope you get to join in some of the celebrations PC!

Change is on it's way.....don't forget your

Hiya van and Jemstone! It pleases me to hear of the positive reactions around the US and the world. I'm glad my friends abroad and their loved ones are happy, too. That makes this victory all the more sweet.

I'm still feeling very optimistic. I suspect this New Year's will be a bit more special than most, because of what we have to look forward to.

Thanks, Sho!