We More Than "Stumbled" On Hope This Week

They built it and indeed they came in the tens of thousands. It would not have been possible without the pain that preceded what has to have been the most impressive, warmest, most hopeful and inspiring Democratic Convention any of us can remember.

Last November I wrote about "that Biden magic." And it's back. His magic is a rare combination in politics of sincerity, sensitivity, empathy, searing intellect, insight, abiding love of country, extraordinary experience and more than a pinch of charisma. There it was again when Joe Biden stepped to the podium, beamed with pride for his son and family, then told us why McCain simply can't be allowed to win the election.

And for the last seven years, the administration has failed to face the biggest -- the biggest forces shaping this century: the emergence of Russia, China, and India as great powers; the spread of lethal weapons; the shortage of secure supplies of energy, food and water; the challenge of climate change; and the resurgence of fundamentalism in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the real central front in the war on terror.

There it was, as if contagious, when each of the speakers boldly stepped to the microphone -- so many people suffering from far too many years of what has become repugnant Republican lack of leadership -- to share their heartaches now balanced by their hopes.

But it was Barack Obama's translation of hope into a reality he promised to provide as president that brought it all together, even for so many who have backed Hillary Clinton, and partly, as he graciously expressed, because of her avid support.

They've all grown and apparently did not leave us behind. When he essentially said disagreement is what we do in order to have a better America, he opened the tent to all.

In his book Stumbling On Happiness, Daniel Gilbert reminds us that the human mind typically forgoes imagination when reality is pressing down. It's as if reality has the upper hand in the human brain, a front seat ticket. Imagination, the foundation of hope, cannot function when reality insists on forging forward into consciousness. The up side: it keeps us from being hit by a train while daydreaming. But reality, by bullying, often precludes imaginings of better times.

Last night was an exception -- a time when it was possible to talk about reality and still dream about possibilities. We stumbled on hope, not in the sense of tripping accidentally on something we didn't know was there, but by finding ourselves in a moment when the reality of our dire circumstances and hope could exist side-by-side -- when the latter even surpassed reality as it does when people pushed down by loss or hardship see a light and rise to meet it.

Last night Barack Obama told us in no uncertain terms what "change" means. Even if you knew what he intended in your heart, by his final words his path was made clear. The joy silenced a media poised to pick him apart. At CNN a bevy of "senior analysts" sat mystified, sensing, it seemed, that we'd just as soon not hear from them.

Joe Biden said the other day, "You know, you can learn a lot about a man campaigning with him, debating him, seeing how he reacts under pressure. You learn about the strength of his mind. But even more importantly, you learn about the quality of his heart."

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This week we saw into the hearts of both men and into the hearts of those who, no matter how rough the path, stood at their side. And what we found was magic.

Dr. Reardon also blogs at bardscove

For more Huffington Post coverage of the Democratic National Convention, visit our Politics @ the DNC page, our Democratic Convention Big News Page, and our HuffPost bloggers' Twitter feed, live from Denver.

Comments

[wanttruth]

I've been an Obama supporter from the beginning. He did a wonderful job with his acceptance speech. I loved it!!!

[quest44]

It was a great night and no matter what anyone says you can't deny the movement that has taken over our country .Not just an Obama movement or a black movement it was people joining together to take back this country people tired of the last 8 oppressive Bush/Cheney years and chosing the leaders that will help us all the way Barrack Obama and Joe Biden ! It was not only Obama and Bidens night it was our night !

[janetG]

As a 3rd generation Canadian with no stake or vote in the presidential election whatsoever, I listened to Obama's speech with tears in my eyes. Where did this beautiful brilliant man come from? You are blessed to have him running for President........please, please don't let him get away. Let's all see a landslide come November. God Bless America.

[Frenchy9]

I agree! Frenchy from Taiwan.

[bobdob]

The VAST difference between Barack Obama's judgment and that of Senator McCain was never more apparent in than in their choices of running mates. While Obama's pick reflects the clear-eyed recognition that he has some gaps to fill (and fill those gaps he did), McCain picks a running mate who serves no purpose on the ticket other than to provide a gimmick. A way to pander to disaffected women who may have supported Hillary Clinton. But McCain's pick also displays a cynical contempt for the intelligence of the very women he's trying to court. I wonder how long it will be before the McCain campaign runs out and buys a closet full of pantsuits for Governor Palen. Hey--she's a woman, she wears pantsuits. Who cares about the rest, right?

[ofbbg]

Hope ?? Isn't that a backwoods town in Arkansas?? I thought I'd heard that word before...

[rnadna]

nabob...nabob...now where have I heard that before,,,,,??

[afed27]

So those in the media were biting at the bit to comment on Obama, the nomination, etc? They had their chances for over a year but nobody reported on any Obama item that was negative, no matter how good a story it would have been. Was there a fear of being called racist, as Hillary was called when she dared reporting some of Obama's negative actions? The media shut her words off, joined her in being mum, & Obama's victory is the result. I applaud the fact that our pols saw fit to place a black in this exalted position. I deplore the fact that it is Obama who is the recipient of the honor.

[SpaceCadet]

What on Earth are you babbling about? The George Mason University media survey proved that Obama was getting far more negative coverage than McCain. But that's been apparent to anyone with a TV set, subjected to wall-to-wall coverage of Rev. Wright. Obama has gotten no breaks from the media ever since he became the front runner for the nomination. The only reason he wasn't attacked before that is because Hillary was the front runner and she took the brunt of corporate media attacks. The media biase isn't against women OR blacks; it's against Democrats, apparently because they're the party less partial to thebusiness interests of the bosses who run the corporate media. McCain has a record of being a very good friend to the telecom industry.

And please don't tell me about Olbermann; MSNBC keeps him on because he's good for the ratings. People with more progressive views have few places to go other than MSNBC. Short-term profitability trumps even rightwing ideology for these people.

[quest44]

Don't take the bait ! Its over ! Obama and Biden 2008.

[quest44]

Sorry afed this was Obama and Biden's night he gave Hillary and Bill their night and the respect ! Give him a little too will ya !

[Janelynne]

As a devoted Hillary supporter, I find more than enough in Barach Obama. I am transformed by his candidacy, and by the task in front of us. HIllary supporters are convinced that Obama is our man, and the strength of the HIllary, Bill, Gore, Kennedy and the depth of talent and experience standing tall at Obama's back. We are in this together, and we arew united in purpose.

The media is speechless, because they just cannot believe their eyes.

As Obama said, this election is not about him, or any one person. This election is about the clash of civilization. There are two clear questions:

Do we want to go down the old road of self destructive politics that impoverishes the country, destroys the planet, ignores its citizens, and betrays what our forefathers codified in the Constitution?

Or do we hear the forward call of our children's children, to steward the planet, to honor the Constitution, and to uphold the dignity of free human beings?

We must together, bring about the greatest change on earth. Those who cling to the past will watch their children join us in our march toward the future.

[evolution1223]

Thank you Hillary supporter! Barack the vote!

[lgwenmurphy]

Amen!!!!

[quest44]

Well said Janelynne !

[rmc53x]

Anybody notice the "Is Obama Finished" ad?

it links to the ultra-right wing blog NewsMax.com and is a McCain v Obama "opinion poll". NewsMax says the results "will be shared with popular radio talk show hosts". So THIS is where Rush gets his "facts"!!

I urge everyone to vote in this 'poll' and slant it to the left.

(yes they will put you on their email list but you can unsubscribe right away)

[Ironfox]

Why do you believe they would publish the actual results if they support Obama?

[martykz]

Is there a substitute for experience? I think so. Consider two job applicants: Each claims 10 years of experience. In reality one does have 10 years and the other one year experienced 10 times. We need not apologize to the Republicans; we have a grownup prodigy of a candidate. By his intense intellectual inquiry informed with a rich open imagination Obama is able to accomplish that rare trick of anticipation. Not prophesy or prediction, but the ability to inform his imagination with the facts and paint the likelyhood.
This is a reality-based world view. Not the feverish faith-based fantasies of the evangelicals. I am sure that Obama is a closet atheist with the ability to empathize with certain believers. Fortunately there are enough of those to give him the edge he needs. I love the guy.

[geezee238]

Now this op under me is hilarious...can't even find the correct article to post under! NOW WHY DOESN'T THAT SURPRISE ME?

[Star2000dancer]

4 more month!! 4 more months!!! get it??? Thank you Nancy Pelosi.

[hopeless277]

I really hate to say it but a lot of harm can be caused in 2 months. Wars can be started, martial law can be declared, Blackwater helecopters can fill the skys. We will not be safe until Bush/Cheney are safely behind bars. Or exiled in Paraguay.

[Bladernr1001]

Think I'll put you on ignore.

What a stupid senseless comment.

[elmysterio]

It's not a stupid comment... it's a legitimate concern. Bush and Cheney have nothing left to lose... they could do some rather dangerous things between now and January 2009... Considering the crimes already committed, it's not a huge leap of imagination to think they may do something else.

[xenofile]

Agreed.
It is one thing to be without hope yourself. My condolences.
It is quite another to try to promote hopelessness to others. Shame on hopeless277.
Contrary to what many believe, pessimists are NOT "realists". But they are probably very unhappy people.

[MPeter]

Absolutely. As long as Bush and Cheney lark around, danger still exists. These two and now McCain, are our never-ending nightmare. Sending them to Paraguay to accompany Musharaaf would be nice.

[rubyrubyruby]

SARAH SARAH SARAH....YES YES YES

[geezee238]

Typical...can't even find the correct place to put this opinion. NOW WHY DOESN'T THAT SURPRISE ME...!

[Ironfox]

Because you are cognitivly impaired, and therefore confused. Poor soul.

[GOP4MoreTears]

ROTFLMAO... I mean seriously? A mayor of a little town in no-where's ville BS degree in jouralism, five children one a baby, Yeah she's ready to be President, with our Republic in danger, and a creationist to boot.

John McCain has *NO* respect for the American people or our beloved Republic, and Ms. Palin must not have any either, or she would have admitted she is not qualified for the V.P. slot, she's either all ego, or stupid. Jeeesh!

[sandpiper1]

I wonder if Romney and Pawlenty will be voting for him considering he gave them led them on believing they were the front runners. Maybe someday the truth will out why he picked her.
I think he choose her after seeing the success of Obama's convention and the record turn out and viewer 38M ratings. He's scared...

[mightyaphrodite00]

Wonderful article. Moving convention, definitely the best I have seen in my lifetime. I really would have liked to be there, I almost felt as though I was.

[DyslexicPalindrome]

Yes we can!

[customgreen]

Pat Buchanan is a speechwriter and knows a good speech when he sees one. Last night he saw one. There are those who say the speech didn't live up to expectations. Their expectations are impossible to meet and that is the way they want it. They set the bar then move it so no one can clear it.
I was just simply amazed at the entire convention from start to finish. It was impressive at every step. The use of the Mile High stadium in my mind was perplexing. When I saw how impressive it looked filled to capacity, I just sat there and said "amazing" over and over again. Doesn't it feel good to feel good?

[elmysterio]

A good speech is one thing... a responsible leader is something else. Many a brutal dictator or crazy fascist has given good speeches... really doesn't mean anything.

[evolution1223]

You really are a mystery

[sandpiper1]

Like Bush and Cheney? Get real. Obama has a genius IQ, he's passionate and believes in
American, the American dream and it's citizens.

[rnadna]

Roosevelt - Kennedy...M.L. King! What about those.

Small minds always denigrate anyone more capable then themselves!

Thats why they join the GOP!

[lgwenmurphy]

Indeed it does....