One for the history books...

It's been a long time coming...with an estimated voter turnout of nearly 134 million (including many many young people) the United States of America elected it's first black president, BARACK OBAMA!
"Momentous." "Historic." "Extraordinary."...only some of the words associated with the presidential campaign and now, the results...and by no means hyperbole. Yes we can.
As what CNN's Anderson Cooper jokingly described as 'a 20-year campaign' came to a grand cinematic, fantastic and extremely satisfying conclusion, beginning with McCain's fairly gracious concession speech and peaking with Obama's own speech...it was hard not to feel (even if that might last only for a few moments) that suddenly everything would be alright. The sense of optimism that radiated off of my tv screen and streamed into my living room half a world away made it hard for even the cynic buried deep in me to not feel renewed, refreshed and reinvigorated by his words. Yes we can.
From the background scores that sounded like they came out of a Hollywood epic to the color coordinated Obamas (red and black seemed to be the chosen colors)...it was quite a moment to experience.
In a great speech, Obama thanked his "best friend of the last 16 years, rock of his family, love of his life...the next first lady, Michelle Obama," and promised his adorable young daughters that they had "earned the new puppy that is coming with us to the White House..." (Will it will be living in that White House replica that Ellen gave Michelle?)
Throughout his campaign and even during his speech, Obama's rhetoric has focused on issues of
social justice, inclusion, diversity - clearly, the concerns of a younger generation. In McCain's defeat and Obama's win, a real generational shift has been witnessed. This just means that the pressure is definitely ON for young people in the US and also around the world.
The kind of energy seen among young people is reminicent (to me, at least) of the turbulent 60s, but instead of protesting 'the man,' and revolting against 'the system,' it feels like this generation has decided to work within the system and elect 'the right man!'
Yes, Obama promises change but it is the duty of each American now to really come through and demand that this new administration to follow through on their promise
Yes, the expectations are high and Obama will claim an extremely messy inheritance (a couple of wars, a few natural diasters, the economy) from Bush...but we believe, no, we know, he can!

- P