“I have always believed that hope is that stubborn thing inside us that insists, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that something better awaits us so long as we have the courage to keep reaching, to keep working, to keep fighting.” – President Barack Obama, from his acceptance speech in the early morning of November 7th, 2012.
My husband and I woke up around 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday, and headed out to our polling station. By 6:45 a.m. we were done, and I was SO proud to announce that I voted for the first time ever, as an American citizen for President Barack Obama! All day I saw the posts and tweets pouring in, from friends and peers who went out to vote, braving inclement weather and long lines. And at the day’s very end, we knew the outcome. Our President, Barack Obama, was re-elected for four more years. He announced it with a simple tweet, which immediately became the most retweeted of all time.
For those who share my belief that Barack Obama is the right choice for America, it is a time of celebration and jubilation. WE DID IT!
For those on the other side of the political belief spectrum…it’s gonna be another long four years, and the level of bitterness and anger I’ve been seeing from right wing pundits and their fans has been truly disheartening. How do we achieve goals in a bipartisan way, when politicians who reach across the aisle are criticized by their peers for doing so?
Now isn’t the time for gloating or schadenfreude. It’s a time for unity and love, a time for coming together despite our differences. For my friends on the right, I hope it can also be a time for reflection and understanding. I don’t know if my head thinks that it will, but I have to keep hope in my heart. Without hope and optimism, I’d be lost.
Congratulations on another four years, President Obama! The people have spoken and we are with you. Now let’s ALL move forward!
I, too, find the vitriolic response by some of Romney’s supporters disheartening. I was disappointed both times Dubya was elected, but I don’t remember mourning as if his presidency was going to bring about Armageddon. It’s childish and ridiculous. Talk about your misplaced sense of entitlement.
Congratulations on voting for your first time as an American citizen!
Pretty soon Trump & other Romneyites will be saying that the Peruvian Shamans who prayed/did ceremonies to keep Obama in power were doing VOODOO! 🙂
The world needs a US President who is cosmopolitan in outlook – not insular – a President that garners respect internationally not just because of his skin colour But because he is intelligent.
Obama met a terribly disadvantaged economic system and it would take more than a mere 4 years to get things changed 100% – he’s not SuperMan.
So glad that you got to be a first time voter. So glad you and your husband voted together – it did not have to be for same candidate. So glad that you use your blogging power to inform and encourage civic duty and national pride.
I too am hopeful that Obama can turn our economy around. I believe Obama is working hard to keep his promises to us—it will take both sides working together to make it all happen. Unity is important during this difficult period that many Americans are experiencing.
Very nice post. And also nice photo you choose for it.
I was on a layover in Nairobi, Kenya when I heard the news of President Obama’s win. I can bet I was the only American standing around the large TV screen in the airport as our President began to speak. I looked around at the different races, skin colors, and nationalities and they all gleamed with happiness and joy as they made phone calls to share the news. They didn’t care what color he was….they just all seemed hopeful and proud at what he had just accomplished. It’s a beautiful thing to be given a second chance to continue to make things right. Take away all of the negative backlash from naysayers and there is so much more to be learned and celebrated about this election than the media has highlighted.
Congratulations Mr. President!!
I love your article and the other comments made. This following election has been an opportunity again for us to remember and be grateful that times have very much changed, and that as a black, white, yellow or green person in the world, anything is possible.
Obama=Positivity.
He would be one hell of a happy man 😛