To say it is wonderful to be in the United States tonight is an understatement: it is an honor. With Election 2008 tallied and decided, and with so much of the outcome a result of record voter turnout, our democratic system has finally shown its true colors. Regardless of what candidate you voted for, the fact remains that in this election, the people’s vote counted. And that, really, is the beauty of everything that has unfolded over these past 24 hours.
Upon accepting the honor of the 44th Presidency, Barack Obama gave the most poised and hopeful victory speech. Those of us that voted for him, I think, were very proud to have done so:
But John McCain delivered an equally moving concession speech. He was honest, humble, and embodied everything a good opponent should, especially in such a delicate time of defeat:
For those of you saddened by the potential outcome of Proposition 8, I advise you to read Andrew Sullivan’s short blog piece on the matter. As he says, “We must never let popular votes affect our own internal sense of our worth, our equality, our dignity as human beings.” This will be very true for the next stage of civil rights in the months to come.
Update: Andrew Sullivan expands on his point, encouraging everyone to stay strong and remain at the ready to fight. His words, like Obama’s, key in on the one thing we all know right now: hope.