The Change We Need

“Obama has 297 electoral votes. He’s won.” My roommate sent me this text, and I almost dropped my phone. I was in the silent section of the library, painfully trying to contain my ecstasy.
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!
That’s what my mind was screaming, what my knees were bouncing, what my fingers were tapping. Oh my gosh, thank you. thank you Thank You THANK YOU U.S.A.! Maybe the U.S. can finally regain both dignity abroad and support at home.
I know a lot of politicians make many promises when they are campaigning and once in office only implement the policies that will retain them the most support, not necessarily what is the best for the country, the environment, or abroad. But, this time it seems different. This time it appears to me that the changes needed are supported by the majority. This might be because this was the first presidential election I was old enough to participate in. Maybe because I’m in Madison, WI, so the liberal seems like the majority. Or maybe it was the inspiration of the candidate, the times, and the volunteers. Some people took this semester off all over the country in order to entirely devote their time to the Obama campaign. Others sacrificed their homework time in order to Get Out the Vote. And others simply voted; something they had never done before, either because of choice or law. But for whatever the reason, Obama and Biden have brought this nation together at the level 9/11 did, but this time in tears of happiness.
Obama will be inaugurated with a fairly stable mandate which he deserves. He acknowledges those who he has yet to win approval, but he also openly stated in his victory speech that he is EVERYONE’S president. The bumper stickers that read “Not My President” are not the symbols he wants to project. He has made many promises of change, and I believe he will do all he can to follow through. Of course people will criticize him and point out all his mistakes, but I trust that more good will come than bad. I believe with my entire being that this is the Change we all needed. Everyone. I can’t wait to be part of the next four years of U.S. politics. Obama!