As I watched Fox News project a victory for President-elect Barack Obama in Ohio last Tuesday, I felt all the anxiety, excitement and hope that were caged inside me liberated by an all too sobering reality. Much to my chagrin, it was quite evident that Obama would become the 44th President of the United States. Sure, this whole time I knew in the back of my mind Obama would win, but never in my wildest dreams did I think that the election’s outcome would become apparent by 10 p.m.
Sitting in disbelief with my fellow College Republicans, I tried to cope with my bitterness and distress. Of course, knowing my vehement support for the conservative cause, I received a collection of both conciliatory and jubilantly obnoxious text messages from my friends. These little notes, regardless of their tone, made things all the more disconcerting for me.
However, as I sat alone in my room early the next morning, I dealt with any resentment I held and decided to rise above my immature pouting. Barack Obama is the next President of the United States, and he earned that privilege, whether I like it or not, through a mandate of the American people.
Now, do not get me wrong, I still disagree with the President-elect on nearly every issue and still hold the opinion that Sen. John McCain was far more suited to be commander-in-chief. Nevertheless, Obama’s holding of the office of the presidency demands my respect and allegiance both as a citizen and as a Christian. Though it pains me to say this, I am ready to support my new president, and I will do my part by praying daily he will be granted the wisdom and resolve necessary to lead the greatest country in the world.
In and of itself, the election of Obama is historical. It is a literal representation of the strides this country continues to make in transcending its dark past and also offers inspiration to every kid out there that anything, even being elected president, is possible. If nothing else, I can be excited about that.
To all the Republicans out there who continue to wear their disappointment on their sleeves: stop whining like you’re a Democrat, and start adjusting your message. Politics are cyclical, and we just happen to be on the backside of the curve this time. It’s not Gov. Sarah Palin’s fault or even McCain’s — it’s simply the nature of the beast that is American politics. Republicans have several redeeming qualities we have yet to shed enough light on, and we should focus on bringing these things to the forefront of any and every political discussion for the next two years.
That said, I also have something I would like to convey to all my friends who cast their ballot for Obama. With regard to change, the first thing to alter should be your blind trust in the messianic figure who has emerged as leader of the free world. Sure, be overjoyed about your triumph in this election, but if you continue this state of inebriation in which you currently exist, you will not possess the judgment to bring about real change. This can only be achieved through citizens’ increased role in holding Obama and all other elected officials accountable.
The path our country must traverse in the following years is paved with anything but gold. The man we elected inherits a dangerous financial crisis, two wars and — the most interesting issue to watch, in my opinion — an increased threat from Russia. All Americans should be compelled by the urgency of the day to ensure Obama is the moderate he portrays himself to be in his speeches and not the leftist that his record suggests. Further, we should demand that he delivers on a promise he made in Chicago on Tuesday-to defy the “partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long” and that he encourages his colleagues in the House and Senate to do what is best for the country and not what promotes their own political agendas.
Earnest is a business junior.
