Yes He Can

My over-riding emotion yesterday was relief - pure and simple relief. After such a long campaign, with some many hopes riding on a single day, the weight of expectation was crippling. A few commentators were still entertaining thought of an upset, waxing lyrical about The Bradley Effect – but most of all the Republican fear factory had left more than a few voters with Obama related doubts. So, when Ohio was called for Obama early on, and the 2004 map shattered, all I felt was relief. President-elect Obama. It’s got a hell of a ring to it.

In the end, it was an Obama whitewash, like few of us dared to hope for (though one which 538 astutely predicted). The Dems won in Ohio, Indiana, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico and crucially Virginia and Florida (all states that went for Bush in 2004). North Carolina and Missouri are yet to be called, but Obama could squeak home there too (not that it matters: his 349 electoral votes far exceed the 270 he required). The Dems have also extended their hold on the Senate (was 49-49 and 2 independents, now its 56-40 with 4 undecided) and House of Reps (won about 20 extra seats and hold their clear majority). Reaching the magical 60 senate seats (which stops Republican stalling tactics) would, for the first time in a long time, give the Dems complete control of all three branches of government.

The bad news from Election Day, to temper my celebrations came from the ballot initiatives in several states. California’s Prop 8 seems to have been passed (52-48%), banning gay marriage in that state (Florida and Arizona did the same). The benevolent people of Arkansas also saw fit to enact a ban on gay couples adopting, while Nebraska agreed to end affirmative action. All very, very disappointing. It was some consolation to see the passing of some more liberal initiatives in Michigan (medical marijuana and stem cell research) and Washington (euthanasia) – but still a bittersweet day.

Overall though, I’m glad that Obama (and Biden) will be given his chance to enact some of his vision. The doubters failed to deny him the highest office and he can now let his actions speak for him. The reality that he’s not a secret Muslim, or a communist, or just a fancy speaker will be plain for all to see. I have great faith that the much (if not all) of his agenda will be hotly pursued: battling climate change, ending the war, mending health care and turning the economy back from the brink. Already the world is more receptive to the US following the change of leadership – and me, like many others have a really good feeling about the next 4 years. Congratulations, Mr. President (elect).