We have a black president-elect. We almost had a female president. We almost had a female vice president.
This is an amazing day, and the meaning of it, the meaning of its historical significance, defies words. It defies eloquence and statements and cadence and words woven poetically together. This is the dawn of a wonderful new America. This is the first time in my life I can truly say my heart is swelling (I can physically feel it!) with pride in my country.
I’m sure that statement alone will lead people to bash me in comments, and do that if you will. But I am telling the truth, and I’m sure I am not alone. Here’s why.
I am part of Generation X. We are a generation of cynics and doubters. I have voted before, sure. But I’ve voted against, not for. I’ve voted to keep someone out, not put someone in. The examples that were set before my generation, as we grew into teen and adulthood while the ’80s turned into the ’90s, made us jaded.
In the ’80s, this is what we learned: power, money, corruption. These are the values that make things happen. Politicians can’t be trusted. In the ’90s, just as I and my fellow X’ers first entered the workforce, a recession hit. It isn’t one that gets talked about much, but I remember it clearly. I remember friends who had college degrees and couldn’t get hired at McDonald’s flipping burgers. This was our welcome to adulthood.
As we matured and evolved into adults, the dot-com bust in the early 2000s hit. We learned that security, especially job security, means very little.
We also don’t tend to be loyal just because we’re supposed to be. We’ve been screwed. We know better. You have to earn it.
In the year 2000, we got one lesson: your vote doesn’t matter. That just reaffirmed our lifelong lesson that there’s little point in caring, or bothering.
In the year 2004, I got another lesson: most people in America seriously were willing to re-elect George Bush despite the overwhelming evidence he is a cancer on this nation. I remember the horrible sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach… that feeling that I really lived in a country where so many people think so differently than I do.
And that’s not because I am a bleeding heart liberal. I have voted Republican before. It was because it was so painfully obvious to me how horrible Bush was for this country, I couldn’t imagine millions of people disagreeing. Most people. More people than not. Wow. That scarred.
I can remember growing up and hearing stories about J.F.K. and I couldn’t quite grasp being that excited about a politician. That inspired. Believing in a leader like that. It was unfathomable.
Today, I get it. I get it. I so get it.
As I watch the news and see the people of the world cheering, as I see the hope this inspires from my home state of North Carolina to people thousands of miles away, I get it.
I have never been excited like I have this whole race, even back from the days of the primaries. I’ve never been so teary-eyed every time a politician speaks. I’ve never felt such hope for the future as I have hearing Barack Obama speak.
I never thought I would live to not only see women running for offices in the White House, but to be at a point that I could comfortably vote against a woman in the White House. Twice. That is true women’s rights, in my mind. If I only blindly voted for Hillary Clinton or Sarah Palin just because they are women, that would be sad.
I know I can’t speak for a generation. I know it’s insane to even attempt to. I’m sure I will get slammed for even daring to consider it. And maybe I am way off-base. Maybe most of us in our 30s now are full of sunshine and hope and fairies and rainbows. Maybe I missed a memo.
I just know that I am a cynic, and Barack Obama has made a believer out of me. No matter what happens in the next four years, if he has this effect on even a small portion of our country we will be in a much, much better place. This will be a much better world. I believe.
Have you posted about Obama winning the presidency? Please comment below and leave CommentLuv selected, and it will automatically provide a link to your latest post. I would love to have a compilation of post-election day posts here.
Tags: barack obama, change, hope, presidential election
I am a writer/blogger, SEO diva, foodie, social network maven/creator, travel junkie and former investigative newspaper reporter turned new media mom. I was named one of the 50 Most Influential and Powerful Women in Social Media. Find out more about me, about what people say about my work, or hire me for SEO, content, blog or social campaign services.
I’m a Gen Xer, too…more prone to cynicism than unbridled optimism. But I’m right there with you. I found voting a strangely emotional experience, I guess because I was surprised at how deeply vested I was in the result! And today — WOO-hoo… my heart has been full all day.
Ann Handleys last blog post..Relax and Open Wide: Dentist vs. Doctor
I’m still grinning and weeping with joy. What a night!
Karens last blog post..Yes We Can!
I just congratulated the US of A and the world with BO
Happy Hoteliers last blog post..10 Questions (13) For: Tamara Heber Percy of Mr & Mrs Smith
Darn, my latest post didn’t show up with CommentLuv; it’s this one: http://verbatim.blogs.com/verbatim/2008/11/yes-we-can-again-with-feeling.html
Karens last blog post..Yes We Can!
I’m not sure we all realize how much this REALLY changes everything. Everyone wins when we break down racial barriers.
Jasons last blog post..Happy Halloween!
This is an amazing post to match an amazing time. I am in awe.
Kristina Brookes last blog post..Yes We Can (and We DID)
Yes! This is such an amazing day, and sharing it virtually with everyone has made it even more powerful and uplifting.
When words fail us, there is always music. I wrote this post at Pop!Tech today in part because I think singing is an excellent response.
Love and peace and luck to us!
I just saw your tweet as I finished my Obama post! What timing! But seriously Kelby, I am put a fork in me, wring me out there is nothing left, completely and totally emotionally FRIED after this election! Still, here are my jumbled thoughts.
Carolines last blog post..Yes, We Did It: My Thoughts the Day After Obama’s Victory
Thanks for this post, Kelby. You summed up so movingly what it means to be part of this generation, part of this change, part of this country at this very time and moment. The next few years are going to be perhaps the toughest and most challenging time for all of us, let alone a president, and I hope we can all continue to channel the inspiration into action.
For me, in the midst of all the excitement, a very personal moment btw Obama and his daughter lingers in my mind: http://www.onepictureperday.com/post/58130547/dad-won Seeing hope and inspiration in their faces, too.
I’m a Generation Xer and I found this election more engaging and emotional than any other I’ve witnessed.
My husband is a Baby Boomer and I couldn’t help noticing that his reaction was much more guarded (although still positive).
Average Janes last blog post..Tired But Happy Average Jane
Here is my Wordless Wednesday post in celebration of last night’s victory!
http://tinyurl.com/6hswoo
This is just a…no words! An amazing day for lack of a better word…amazing!
Justathought08s last blog post..History Was Made
It’s really odd. I voted for McCain because of his economic policies. Last night after his concession speech, I was so depressed I went out and drove aroud for an hour.
This morning I was annoyed at all the Obamaites tweeting about the victory.
Here’s the odd part: The more I watched what people said and the more I thought about it, I began to realize that even though he has so little experience and even though I don’t agree with much of his tax policies, since he IS so new, he MIGHT actually do some good.
So I’m going to bidmy time, sit back and wait to see what he does.
Good luck Barack. You’re gonna need it.
I am not as giddy and ecstatic as some are. My feeling is one of relief. I think Obama will be a great president, but it’s very much like cleaning up after a disaster. After four years, the place will just start looking decent.
In the Clinton years I had hope for a good political situation and overall it wasn’t terrible. In 2000 after the election I was disappointed but hopeful Bush wouldn’t screw it up too bad. In 2004 I felt like a schlmeel. Nothing seemed right about the country and I couldn’t do anything about it.
Now I feel hope again and just want to sleep for a while until 20 Jan, when the nightmare ends.
I am officially a Gen-Xer by my age but never identified with the bulk of the generation, except that I am very skeptical about most things. I suppose I will be with Obama too, until he can put some feet to his words. Let’s hope the next four years are as full of possibility as they can be for us and our world nieghbors.
Carl Weavers last blog post..Buddha Statue from Thailand
Kelby, that was lovely. If I may, as a (*cough*)slightly(*cough*) older sister, a member of the tail-end Boomers who vividly remembers November 23, 1963, last night’s election returns were something I tried not to allow myself to hope for too hard.
Never, NEVER has an election meant more to me or the people of my generation; the disaffected, dreaming “peace-niks” who wept over RFK, MLK, the four students murdered at Kent State and the nearly 260K American casualties of the Vietnam War.
It wasn’t, for me, an issue that Barack is biracial–I had hope that we are a nation of people evolved enough to (finally) look beyond skin color. It wasn’t, for me, an issue of gender–though, like you, I was delighted to be able to vote for or against a female candidate based on her merits and qualifications alone.
What mattered most–to me–was that a thoughtful, sober, intelligent, logical human being who professes himself as pro-peace won. Decisively. For those of us of a certain age, it’s been a long time coming. I’m immensely grateful to have witnessed this moment in history.
Shelleys last blog post..Wordless Wednesday - The Old Guard
Oh, I so, so agree. I couldn’t have said it better, and in fact I’m having a hard time coming up with a post this morning about this all…because I’m just at such a loss for words. Today it’s finally hitting me what a historical moment this really is.
Diane Pennas last blog post..Who I Voted For And Why
You spoke my truth…like you stuck your ear to my chest and translated the beat of my inspired, wildly hopeful heart.
Fantastic post…I can’t wait to join Obama, getting to work for the good of this country and our world.
I feel the same exact way. How cool is it to love and be proud of your president? Michelle is going to class that White House up!
Greta Blaus last blog post..Rahm Emanuel Named Obama’s Chief of Staff
I can’t say if you speak for Gen-Xers, but your piece speaks for me — and my first presidential vote was for George McGovern! I witnessed so much change and social progress in the 1960s and early ’70s (the civil, women’s and early gay rights movements), but we stagnated in the Reagan years and ran backwards under the Bush administration. Today, for the first time in decades, I am feeling optimistic – rather than cynical – about our future and our government.
Great piece!
I am so excited. Our jaded, post-modern, post-feminist society needed this jolt of energy and possibilities.
Astacias last blog post..Working from Starbucks
Nice. Thanks for sharing. I was born in 65 but think I can still squeeze into generation X.
It was extremely emotional for us and we’re in Canada. Obama’s a good man and an inspiration. He’s given our family hope and encouragement and I’m sure we’re not the only ones.
Sandras last blog post..10 Ways to Save Money Grocery Shopping
Fabulous piece! It is amazing to see how much inspiration and hope Obama has brought all around. I know I feel it here (in Canada) and I am thrilled that American decided to vote for some change. I can’t wait to see where things go over the next few years!
I think you’ve hit it on the head. We need change in this country and the new President seems perfectly suited to make it happen and he intends to he everyones’s President.
I am disappointed in Alaska voters. One Senator reelected with 7 counts against him and our Representative going back again for another term, while under investigation.
Great post Kelby, I share the optimism. It’s contagious. There was a young man in town canvassing for Obama from Whitehorse who can’t vote here, but was still excited enough to come down and work for a change.
Fantastic post Kelby! I quoted you in mine.http://roseslife.blogspot.com/2008/11/open-letter-to-44th-president-of-united.html
Jessica (from It’s my life…)s last blog post..Open letter to the 44th President of the United States
Thank you, Kelby; what an emotional post.
I feel as though I’ve been holding my breath for the past few weeks, and last night finally exhaled. It is a remarkable time in our country’s history - I’m just so glad that we (and our kids) are here to be part of it.
Jennifers last blog post..Motherhood of the Traveling Pants
This was a really powerful post, Kelby. I’m like you, I always voted to keep someone out. It felt great to vote to get someone in for a change.
Interesting post and blog. Relevantly, as many influential experts have pointed out, Obama is part of Generation Jones–born 1954-1965, between the Boomers and Xers.
On this page there are excerpts from publications like Newsweek and the New York Times, and videos with over 25 top pundits, all talking about Obama’s identity as a GenJoneser:
http://www.generationjones.com/2008election.html
Kelby, I’m a GenXer too. A little older, but hanging on to my 30’s none the less. You asked us to share our posts and comments on this election. Yep, you inspired me to post my thoughts. It should show up as my CommentLuv.
OhCaptains last blog post..Make This Your Election Headquarters
Nope…didn’t show up as my CommentLuv…try this instead…
http://tnbwalsh.blogspot.com/2008/11/let-us-remember-hope-change.html
OhCaptains last blog post..Make This Your Election Headquarters
Obama’s election didn’t just inspire Gen X — it moved the entire world to see that the American dream is alive and well. That we are still the world leaders in taking risks and looking toward a bright future filled with hope. And on a personal note, my two mixed race children (7 & 9) now know with certainty that there is NOTHING that cannot accomplish with out hard work, vision and sacrifice in this country.
Peggy Dolanes last blog post..FreeRangeMom: @QueenofSpain good for you, unplugging from the media is necessary once in a while! And you haven’t been able to in months I’m sure.
Well I obviously didn’t read the instructions before i posted! I did a post, but that tweet wasn’t it! Here it is, the lyrics to Lift Every Voice and Sing speak for themselves.
Peggy Dolanes last blog post..In celebration of Obama’s historic accomplishment
This is a very good breakdown of our generation. Things were bad in the 90’s and things are very bad now. Hopefully our country can come out of it under new leadership.
Finally Obama is there..Lets see how he works..He is already idol of millions..
Let’s hope he turns our frowns upside downs!
janeHallowells last blog post..Reborn Babies for Sale
Hope there is peace when Obama comes. Will see the different He makes to this world.
Melvins last blog post..From Drab to Fabulous
This change wasn’t felt only by americans, it was felt by the entire world. Some say that it’s not the beginning of a new world, but it definetly feels like one!