Worth the Wait

Wow, what a speech!  Seriously, I mean it.  Obama did not disappoint.  And it was well worth the wait.  The speech was clear, focused, and powerful.  He spoke to a crowd that erupted -- and by now you all have heard his speech. 

What you can't see are the smiles, the happiness of people who were at the event.  And yeah, I know... many of these people were working for Obama but I tell you there was a sensation in the air.  Something about this was different.  It was more than a victory speech. 

Some of the people all around me in the normally jaded press corp even seemed genuinely moved.  Well, except Joe Klein who apparently was moved in a different way; but that is between him and his proctologist.

The call for unity, reconciliation, and political change were met with thunderous applause from the crowd.  Obama spoke to dreams rather than fears.  He understood the critical historical juncture in which we find ourselves after several years of the criminal gang of Bush and company in Washington. And he wants to restore something that has been violently taken away by them. 

He gave a speech that outlined several meaningful policy initiatives that will be difficult to pursue but are worth the effort. Isn't that one of the most important qualities of a politician? Being inspirational?  How many politicians are truly moving?

Because from inspiration in a common ideal that is more than crass "let the market decide" or "government is the problem" mantra, we build community.  And in trying to build community, Obama seemed different.  He seemed like something we have not had in a while, something that I would call... Presidential.

Postscript

We will add pictures from our big Iowan adventure soon.  There are more stories to tell and pictures to share with all of you.  Check back again soon, ya hear?