A Night for the Ages

On one of the most significant nights in our nation's history, Barack Obama became the first African American to be elected President of the United States of America.

He won in comfortable fashion over GOP candidate John McCain and was declared the winner around 11pm Eastern time. Senator McCain conceded the election with grace, congratulating Obama and urging that all Americans put their support behind him, no matter who they voted for. 

An hour later, Obama gave a stirring victory speech, highlighting the historic significance of the election, the greatness of our nation, and the challenges that lie ahead. 

Key moments on Tuesday were Obama's victories in Pennsylvania and Ohio, two states that McCain had hoped (and maybe needed) to win. Obama also won Virginia and Florida, all but sealing the end result. 

In addition, Democrats gained seats in both the House and Senate. As of today they have a 57 - 40 advantage in the Senate and a 259 - 176 majority in the House of Representatives. 

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No matter how you feel about Mr. Obama's ideology, no one can deny the significance of his win. Only 60 years ago African Americans had a difficult time voting in this country, but now we will have an African American in the White House. We are far from an end to racism in America, but surely Tuesday was a giant leap in the right direction.

Tuesday night was significant in another way in that it likely signaled the dawn of a new era in American politics. In a startlingly consistent demographic trend, the younger the voting block, the more heavily it supported Senator Obama. The election in this way seems to be an ushering in of the younger generation. 

But the greatest gift that President-Elect Obama has bestowed upon America is inspiration. Not since JFK and MLK has America seen a leader with such ability to inspire and unite a people. Not convinced? Watch his speech. If it doesn't give you goosebumps, check your pulse. 

Clearly, we now have a great opportunity to bring about great change in our country. But in Mr. Obama's own words, "This victory alone is not the change we seek - it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were." Our next President cannot bring change alone - it is up to us to make it happen.