In which I’m no prophet
Five years ago, a Utah senator suggested amending the U.S. Constitution so that instead of requiring presidents to have been born in America, foreign-born naturalized citizens could be eligible too. The idea never got much traction, but it did create a brief controversy in Utah, where it brought the foreigner-haters out of the woodworks.
I wrote a column about it. I made the point that simply letting foreign-born naturalized citizens be eligible for the presidency doesn’t mean one would ever actually get elected. I wrote:
“Do you honestly think anyone with an Arabic name or ethnic look about him could ever be elected president in this country? Please.”
And now, only two election cycles later, we have elected as president a black man named Barack Hussein Obama.
I’ve never been happier to be wrong!
It’s interesting to note how many other elements of that five-year-old column came into play this year. I mentioned that one of the objections some people had to foreign-born U.S. citizens running for president was that a Muslim terrorist could come to America, become a citizen, win the White House, and destroy us all! Which actually sounds like some of the crackpot ranting you heard a lot of in the earlier stages of Obama’s campaign.
I’m glad that in the end, all the nonsense didn’t matter. I think most of the people who didn’t vote for Obama made that choice based on perfectly valid reasons such as not liking his tax plan or preferring a candidate with more political experience. My general feeling is that the ignorant voters — the ones who couldn’t get past his name, or his race, or some other molehill that they made into a mountain — were relatively few.
There is reason to be upbeat even if you didn’t want an Obama presidency. Obama has unquestionably inspired more enthusiasm and optimism, particularly among young people, than any candidate in recent memory. And as any political, business, or military leader can tell you, positive morale among the rank and file can make all the difference in the world between an operation that slugs along inefficiently and one that hums with energy and vitality.
Obama has been elected by a constituency that is genuinely passionate about him — and, by extension, about America and her potential. People who were once apathetic or cynical about government have found a reason to be interested and hopeful. Increased hopefulness and positive thinking is good for the country, regardless of who inspired it.
I don’t think they will follow Obama blindly. The honeymoon will end, the daily grind will settle in, and even Obama’s supporters will find they don’t agree with him on every subject. The point is that we love our president. We’re proud of him. We like what he stands for. We like the idea of him representing America to the world. It’s been a long time since we’ve been able to say that about our leader.
Just this once, I’m going to ask that there not be any thread-crapping in the comments below. If you didn’t support Obama and are grieving over his election, please keep it to yourself in this thread. Let’s let the rest of us enjoy it.
November 5th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
I was in Chicago for the rally, and it was stunning, wonderful to experience, how all several hundred thousand of us were not just peaceable during the event but afterwards as we filed home, dancing and celebrating with our friends and with each other. EVERYONE was like this. Everyone liked everyone else. The man is inspiring in a way I have never seen before.
November 5th, 2008 at 10:39 pm
I got to vote for both McCain and Obama. You’d be so proud of me, Eric.
I think he was the wrong man for the job, but the majority of the American voters disagreed with me and I respect their decision. Like I said earlier, I’m giving him a chance. Let’s see what he can do.
November 5th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
Well said. You articulated a lot of what I have been thinking and feeling over the last few days. Today I’m still pinching myself.
November 5th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
Well put Mr. Snider. It’s not easy being a democrat in Utah but this election has been one to provide a lot of great discussions with my republican co workers and other aquanitances. A lot have switched sides which is always a pleasure to see. All I can say is keep on buh-rockin’ in the free world!
November 5th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
All good points, and when you put it that way I feel better about it.
It truly is amazing the amount of passion he (Obama) garners.
November 5th, 2008 at 11:32 pm
I had the pleasure of living in north Philadelphia last night when the first black U.S. president was elected, and the energy on Broad Street has probably only ever been rivaled once, last week, when the Phillies won the Series. This election has seen more passion on both sides than any other presidential race I’ve witnessed in my short life, and I’m glad it had a happy ending. Hooray for Obama!
November 5th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
Orrin Hatch suggested that constitutional amendment, didn’t he? Figures.
I too am very happy with the Obama election. Not just because I agree with his policies and think he’s the best man to run the country, but because he’s inspired many people to care about politics and to have faith in their president. Let’s hope he uses this honeymoon period to get some work done.
Tatiana, I’m jealous you got to go to that rally. It looked awe-inspiring on television.
November 6th, 2008 at 12:43 am
I don’t particularly understand why people feel inspired by him, but I am glad that they do. It was hard to be disappointed that my preferred candidate lost in the face of last night’s historic celebrations.
November 6th, 2008 at 4:23 am
I am always so glad when there is high voter turnout and I do think Obama inspired that. I think that is great even though I don’t agree with him politically.
November 6th, 2008 at 5:03 am
Good post Eric.
November 6th, 2008 at 6:24 am
I’m happy with the results. Its not easy being a Republican for Obama. Having to avoid snickers everytime people talked about how great Sarah Palin is (please, let her disapear forever), looking sad when they bring up the election, etc…
I was impressed by Obama, as well as McCain, but there were three people that swayed my vote: 1. Sarah Palin. 2. Colin Powell. 3. Joe the Plumber (McCain’s pick for economic advisor, rather than, say Mitt Romney).
November 6th, 2008 at 8:45 am
Hooray! I have high hopes not just for Obama’s presidency, but that this can be a new era in America. I was (am) drawn to Obama because he seems so willing to let a lot of different voices be heard. I believe that he truly wants to be EVERY American’s president, not just president of those who voted for him. Hopefully we can move past partisanship, even just a little. I think he will be good for the nation. The tax hike will be a killer, but I’m willing to pay a bit more if we get a great environmental policy, sane foreign policy, and get back to that America that sets a standard for decency. I really believe Obama can restore America’s reputation.
And most of all, hopefully soon Firefox won’t think “Obama” is a misspelled word.
November 6th, 2008 at 8:48 am
It almost feels like a leap of faith to hope in a politician again. I don’t agree with many of his policies either, but I do feel inspired when he speaks and will be very interested to see how his presidency unfolds.
November 6th, 2008 at 8:53 am
If you ask me, this is the perfect time for America to grow up as a nation. Regardless of whether we voted for or Obama or someone else, we have the ability to put differences, bias and hate aside to make our nation strong again.
This week, one man superseded all odds and became the president of one of the most powerful nations in the world. He made his dream come true because he worked for it. I think it’s time that we, as a nation, have a dream and work towards making it come true.
Thank’s to Barack, I have hope… for all of us.
November 6th, 2008 at 9:24 am
…and even Obama’s supporters will find they don’t agree with him on every subject.
I think most of us already figured that out. Hell, I’ve known that I’m more liberal than Obama on abortion and gay marriage since he announced his candidacy, and I still cringe every time he mentions biofuels. I still happily voted for him (despite being a waste of time in Texas) because I disagreed with McCain on pretty much everything, especially his taste in campaign managers and VPs (assuming Palin was his idea at all, which I doubt).
I also must say that it’s nice to actually vote for a candidate I favor rather than disdain least.
November 6th, 2008 at 9:27 am
Don’t look at me, I voted for Pedro.
November 6th, 2008 at 10:09 am
I just have to say, in regards to the “Do you honestly think anyone with an Arabic name or ethnic look about him could ever be elected president in this country? Please.” quote, that it seems like everyone used to think that they were in a minority in a group of open-minded people.
You saw that with the Democrats crying “racists!” the whole race. It’s like everyone was convinced, up until now, that everyone else is close-minded about people of color. I’ve always thought that was ridiculous, because most of the people I know aren’t like that. I would be proud to vote for an african-american, hispanic, asian, or anyone of any race as long as they embodied my ideals. I think a vast majority of people are that way. Of course there are still people out there who hate black people, or hispanics or whatever, but they are in the minority.
I just wanted to say, that even though I really don’t agree with Obama’s ideals, I am glad to see that everyone finally realizes that this isn’t a country of colored hate anymore. I knew that all along, but I’m glad that everyone can see the proof of it now. I am proud that he was able to be elected by our wonderful democratic process. I wish him well, and I hope he does a good job. I hope he helps make life better for me and my family.
And I will respect his office, without necessarily agreeing with his positions and what he does. I hope other Republicans can do the same.
November 6th, 2008 at 10:34 am
It should be an interesting ride. I think the bipartisanship that the dems are talking about is probably more “we have to get enough repubs in congress to vote on our agenda” since they have a majority in congress and now the white house.
I think Obama will probably be a competent president, but he has a tough road ahead of him. I didn’t vote for him, but I am hopeful he’ll do better than the last two presidents, which shouldn’t be hard. I think that the media’s portrayal of him as the savior of mankind will ultimately be a thorn in his side whenever he stumbles while President.
November 6th, 2008 at 11:43 am
I did not support Obama, but I echo Christina D’s sentiment that one of the most important messages of Nov 4, 2008 is that racism is dead in America. Obama’s ethnicity did not lead to defeat, and I don’t believe that his success was a result of ethnicity either. The American people judged Obama not “by the color of [his] skin but by the content of [his] character.” And although I disagree with that judgment, I can’t help shedding a tear of pride over the fulfillment of Martin Luther King’s dream.
November 6th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
I too am excited and happy. Here in Utah, I havr sour grapes all around me sprewing Socialism and tax hikes, who think this country’s government is broken and will just get worse, wait and see. It could be a self-fulfilling prophecy. Quick, while we’re still proud to be Americans again, start working to make this country better.
November 6th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Steve: For what it’s worth, I don’t think that this win is really evidence that “racism is dead”. Obama got 64 million votes–just over a sixth of the U.S. population voted for him. While it’s certainly a good indicator that racism is weakening, there’s no proof that it’s dead.
In the last two days, for example, I heard two people make appallingly racist comments: one neighbor declared yesterday–in a public forum–that she would never hire a Mexican because they “don’t like to work”. Also, on election day one of my extended family said that she doesn’t like Obama because “his lips are purple”.
Racism is weakening, but there are still people with very strongly racist opinions.
November 6th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Well I hope you’re happy, you LIBERAL. I know I am!!!
You said what I’ve been feeling very eloquently and I plan on directing my conservative friends in mourning to this blog. Thanks, Eric.
Bobby Kennedy was right. In 1968 he said that he felt that this country would have a president of African descent in the White House within forty years.
I am proud to be an American for the first time in years. It feels GREAT. I was in Seattle when his victory was announced, and of course, being the liberal city it is, people were literally celebrating in the streets, cheering, crying tears of joy, hugging and dancing. Myself included. It is a very exciting time to be alive.
November 6th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
It was indeed Senator Hatch who suggested that foreign-born, naturalized citizens be permitted to run. The biggest reason for that is the foreign-born, naturalized citizen who is currently governor of California, but who will never, under current law, have his chance to “terminate” a Democratic presidential contender.
November 6th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
I didn’t vote for Obama, but it was hard to remain unmoved by the outpouring of joy I saw all over the country, and by his acceptance speech. If nothing else, he’ll be a much more pleasant president to hear speak–I am sick of 8 years of Bush’s twang.
I have my doubts about his abilities and many of his policies but I can’t deny his optimism & zeal. It’s refreshing & not a little inspiring (even for this mostly-Republican). I hope he will be a great president. I hope he will be able to unite the country (I’m talking some bipartisan work, here).
And, for what it’s worth, I though McCain’s concession speech was very gracious (too bad not everyone in his crowd was!), & reminded me of the McCain I used to like. Here’s hoping we’ll see him again, working with our new president as an ally this time!
November 6th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
I had the privilege of going to Obama’s last rally before Election Day in Manassas, Virginia, and I was struck by how much the crowd reflected Obama’s statement: “All of us — black, white, Hispanic, Asian, native American, Democrat, Republican, young, old, rich, poor, gay, straight, disabled, non-disabled — all of us are in this together.” You could really see Americans, all Americans, coming together there and it was beautiful.
November 6th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
Amen, Eric. I differ from Barack Obama poticially so much that I would never vote for him, but I just can’t help feeling happy about his election anyway, and it’s entirely because he’s a black man named Barack Hussein Obama, and he has that beautiful family, and he seems to be a genuinely decent (albeit sadly misguided, LOL) person. I wish him the best.
November 6th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
And if there was any justice in the world, the Jesse Jacksons and Al Sharptons of the country will fade into obscurity in the face of such overwhelming evidence that America is not a racist nation.
I, like many, disagree with Obama on many things, but I think he is a good man who will try to do what he thinks is best for the United States. Difficult to begrudge him that.
November 7th, 2008 at 6:22 am
I wish it meant racism was dead. I hope it helps in that respect and it is another reason to be happy with an Obama presidency.
I think it does indicate our country is not racist as a whole.
I’m afraid there are still too many stupd racist idiots.
November 7th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
I voted for McCain, I think a little Arizona pride played into my choice, but in the end I’m not disappointed. For about the past 3 years (that’s about how long campaigning was going on for right?) I’ve always been of the mind set that no matter who wins there isn’t going to be some trageic, sudden, paradigm shift for better or worse.
While we’re on the topic did anyone catch the South Park that showed Obama and McCain as Ocean 11-ish diamond theives who only ran so they could steal the Hope Diamond? HILARIOUS!
November 8th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
Asur, I indeed saw that and felt that it was one of the best episodes of the last three seasons.
November 9th, 2008 at 4:32 am
It disturbs me that so many are ready to signal the end of racism in America simply because Obama was elected. Racism is not dead. While Obama’s election as our next President transcended race and will itself will help to heal some deep-seated racial wounds, we still have so far to go. We are all right to feel inspired and proud of America (and to pat ourselves on the back for looking beyond the race of an extremely talented, poised and intelligent candidate), but we should also guard against complacency. Obama made it easy for us to love him. He is special. But subtle forms of racism still affect regular folks, who are not nearly as golden-tongued, compelling and visible as President-elect Obama.
Dave Hill said it better than I:
“Hopes that Barack Obama’s win means defeat for racism are both legitimate and naïve. Their legitimacy derives from the most basic observation of history: no “brown-eyed handsome man” of the type Chuck Berry described could have occupied the White House in the age when he wrote that piece of rock ‘n’ roll code. Their naivety lies in the exaggerated significance invested in stars – of politics or anything else – and assigned to the slow rise of a black middle class. But while Obama’s win doesn’t mean that race is as dead issue as deniers of racism would like us to think, he’s already helped us imagine what a post-racist society might be like. ”
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/nov/08/race-usa
November 9th, 2008 at 11:03 pm
Great post, Eric. Ever since Tuesday night I haven’t been able to stop smiling
November 11th, 2008 at 11:19 am
So happy he won. It felt amazing to color in the circle next to his name on the ticket. Good post!