As I write this, it seems inevitable – Barack Obama will be our next president (in fact, as I was writing McCain conceded). I have two reactions.
\nThe first is sadness. I haven’t spoken of it here, but I have a lot of respect for John McCain, more than for any candidate I can remember. His life has been characterized by service and he’s clear and consistent in what he stands for, a rare quality in a politician. The presidency is the natural culmination of his career. If anyone deserves to be elected, and no one does, John McCain did. This should have been his year, but he faced the perfect storm of following an unloved president, an economy tanking and facing the most charismatic candidate in years.
\nBut it was McCain’s campaign strategy that did him in, in my view. As a prominent republican said after one of the debates, the campaign didn’t live up to the man. It’s a shame, because if it had, I believe we’d have a different result.
\nOn the other hand, I’m proud of my country at this moment. Not too many generations ago, Barack Obama would have been nothing more than property, today he’s the leader of the nation. It has taken time, but we have come a long ways.
\nCongratulations Senator, and congratulations America.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"