By yesterday at noon, this proud first-time voter had already cried about five times. Obama's humble and unifying victory speech; the discussions in history classes about the great milestones of this election; even the morning's editorial cartoons; It was impossible to not get repeatedly emotional about this magnificent race and its life-changing outcome.
But as ecstatic as I am, I think it's not too early to start reasonably preparing for what's next, because heightened emotions are not going be sufficient fuel for the change we want to see in the next four years -- and might even be dangerous in the long run. As Obama's role changes, ours, as his supporters, must too. We should no longer be adoring fans who are pledging our votes, but instead, the electorate who will hold him accountable for the promises he has made and the high standard he has set for himself.
It won't be easy, after such an emotional campaign, to accept that our feelings about Obama have to find a balance between dogmatically accepting his every move and being bitterly disappointed when he fails to meet his every promise. But as part of the movement that got him to the White House, we need to adapt to the different environment it provides, and in order to not be let down, must reasonably accept the challenges he faces. In addition, in order to keep Obama's ego in check and his policy in line, we must also be willing to question our president and be ready to hold him accountable.
As Obama said last night: "This victory alone is not the change we seek--it is only the chance for us to make that change." And how better to seize that chance than by realizing that while we can continue to cheer, there will be moments where we must boo and demand more, or better? Hope is what got us here, but it can't be all we hold on to -- we must be skeptical and challenge the next administration to end the war in Iraq, universalize health care, and reform education. I know I'm up for the challenge -- and I think President Obama is, too.
Originally posted @ Glamocracy
Of course, I'm talking about the very important speech that was completely misunderstood, to be kind, by the media - God love 'em - as having been about an international crisis being visited upon an Obama administration. Talk about missing the entire point!
Let me know if you need a link for the complete audio of the speech!
No one has to hold Barack Obama accountable. His whole life has been about accountability - personal and professional. He is a man of profound integrity. I did not agree with his FISA vote; I cringed and hated it. Then I immediately knew that whatever his reasons for the vote, they were honorable. He wanted to hold the telecoms responsible for their spying, but needed to find another way to do it. And he will. As President of the United States of America. And if he does not, but spends his time and energy helping families stay in their homes and their kids stay in college, then that is just fine with me.
When I went to vote on Tuesday, God was not on the ballot. So I voted for Obama. I don't pray to him. I just pray for him.
His campaign was about us, and if his administration is to succeed, it must also be about us. We have to remain engaged, we have to remain organized, and we have to remain an unstoppable army fighting for change. We are the foot soldiers in the progressive revolution.
If we stand together, we will prevail. If we bombard Congress with correspondence, we will prevail. If we contribute in small-dollar increments to representatives that vote for change, we will prevail. Our strength is in numbers and coordination.
Obama built a progressive electoral machine that defeated the mighty Religious Right. Politicians that stick with us will keep their jobs. We will stand with those leaders who support progressive change like we stood with Obama and transformed American politics forever.
We have taken back our government. Now it's up to us.
The signup is at the top right of the screen.
Perhaps you can, too.
Hasn't shown you much? Against incredible odds, this bi-racial, African-American (we are all Africans ultimately), first Black Editor of the Harvard Law Review, State Senator, United States Senator, dedicated husband and father, becomes President-Elect of the United States of America and he hasn't shown you much?
Who are you, again?
If her measuring stick is how Obama measures up "100% to the letter" on progressive issues, then she will continue to be disappointed. He is not The President of Progressive America, he's the President of The United States of America. And if doesn't know that now, she'll never know it.