A hopeful nation

As of Nov. 6, President-elect Barack Obama led in the national popular vote by nearly 8 million, 64,266,000 to 56,649,000 for John McCain (53 percent-46 percent). That represents the biggest popular vote margin for any winning president in 20 years. Obama's electoral college margin was even more dramatic: 364-173. And consider this: Obama, a Democrat, won in two states (Indiana and Virginia) that had not voted for the Democratic candidate for president since 1964, when Lyndon Johnson was on the ballot, and he was the first Democrat to win North Carolina since 1976.

No doubt, there are many reasons for this amazing turnaround of the political landscape. The failing economy, the high cost of gasoline, anxiety about our ongoing war in Iraq, a health care system that has failed many citizens, an unpopular president -- all these issues motivated voters to want to elect a new leader.

But there was more to it than that. After too many years in which our national image has been battered by unpopular policies, failed endeavors, and too much tough talk directed at other countries, Obama inspired millions to believe once again in the promise of the American dream.

"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy -- tonight is your answer," Obama said to tens of thousands of his supporters on election night in Chicago.

Obama's victory proved there truly are no barriers to what a person can achieve in the United States of America. Some citizens may have felt left out and disillusioned with our political system, yet now have a renewed faith in our national promise.

Further, in a world of divisions, Obama has unfailing called for unity and inclusion to confront the common problems our people face.

"We have never been a collection of red states and blue states," Obama said in his nomination acceptance speech back in August. "We are, and always will be, the United States of America."

We believe the election results are a victory for all Americans, even for those who did not vote for Obama. Anyone who saw the tears of pride and joy running down the faces of our nation's black citizens (and they weren't the only ones) couldn't help but feel there is tremendous healing going on. Inclusion builds a nobler, healthier society, and we're very proud to see our nation emphatically rise above racial divisions.

And isn't it wonderful to see citizens around the world cheering the results of our election and excitedly waving -- not burning -- American flags? News reports suggested that our election campaign moved citizens around the world to intently focus on our nation -- more so than at any time since we landed on the moon.

Our country truly has been a beacon to the rest of the world, and this vote reinforces our national story as a land of promise and opportunity for all.

Of course, not all Americans supported Obama. Yet anyone who has voted in more than one or two election cycles will have felt both the delight of victories and the distress of defeats. The familiar line, "you can't win them all" applies here. There comes a time when you just have to say "Good game!" to your opponent, and go and get prepared for the next contest.

Obama was the stronger candidate this year. He offered hope to a troubled land, and his message moved people. He showed grace as well as discipline during the campaign, and certainly earned his victory.

"I stand before you tonight because all across America, something is stirring," Obama said in another part of his August acceptance speech. "You have shown what history teaches us -- that at defining moments like this one, the change we need doesn't come from Washington. Change comes to Washington."

In 2008, the American people have spoken loudly. Change, indeed, is coming to Washington.

JB