Wednesday, November 5, 2008

God Bless America

I woke up exhausted this morning, but with a smile on my face. President Barack Obama. I turned the words around in my mouth, getting used to how they feel, knowing that this is for REAL. President Barack Obama. The man who broke all boundaries, who has the innate ability to inspire and bring people together as Americans. The man people will listen to, who can set an example to the world. I am in awe of this country, of its ability to change and overcome. I am so proud to live here, and call myself American.

I will always remember where I was when history "happened." I was in the throngs of hundreds of jubilant people in downtown Seattle, as they chanted "yes we can", running through the streets carrying Obama signs. Strangers gave each other hungs and high fives. People's voices shook as they yelled, their eyes shiny with tears. I forgot my camera this historic night, but luckily, the Seattle Times was there.


I heard the chanting from three blocks away, and when I drove my car toward the sound, 3rd avenue was flooded with people, running to Pike Place Market. I sat there through several light cycles, watching this yelling mass converge in the heart of Seattle. Police officers stood on the periphery, smiling, protecting these happy people from traffic. It felt amazing to be in the middle of this rally, to see and feel what its like when Americans come together, all races and types, all ages, celebrating one cause.

On Capitol Hill, an entire intersection was blocked. House music blasted and people sang and danced, showering each other with champagne and shooting off fireworks. People drank booze in the street, men with no shirts chest-bumped and yelled. What other election of event has made people celebrate like this? The energy was contagious, vibrant, enthusiastic, people everywhere smiling. I will remember that day forever. Yes, it's finally real. President Barack Obama, I love you!

5 comments:

andrea said...

Man, I wish I'd been in a large crowd, but alas, I was with people that I cared about, and a few bartenders who cared.

Dan-Eric Slocum said...

Lovely piece of reporting, Kristin. Remember the moment, the feelings, the sounds-- as you have a long career as a writer and journalist ahead.

One day you will be an old timer and you will be a living witness to an amazing piece of history.

Contact Travis said...

amazing, truly amazing. and we were lucky to be part of it!

Colleen said...

I think the celebrations that went on in the streets of cities around America is truly amazing. I have never seen this big of a celebration over a president. FINALLY! We can be proud of our leader and look up to him. I'm excited to see the change in this country. Change we saw the moment his name was announced as President-elect!

Anonymous said...

Yes, he will be good for the country on many levels. My supplier from Japan said, quote,
"His ideas welcoming throughout the world,
including the peoples of us Japan", which I think is representative of what most countries think. It is the final vindication of racial tension - not that there will not be pockets of racism both ways - but all the feelings that black people can't succeed, or that white people try to keep black people down, should now finally evaporate and we should all be unified as one people. He is half white, half black and an inspiration to all.