Yes, I'm Ready, President Obama

I stayed as long as I could last night at Bill’s but finally at 10pm I had to call it quits. I was frustrated that a winner still had not been declared: that was a moment I really wanted to share with my friends. (And here in Idiotana, it may still be disputed: Obama defeated McCain by about 13,000 votes; less than half of one percent. A record 2.7 million votes were cast here, and it took until 2am for the state to declare for Obama.)

Around 11pm, sitting here on my sofa with my eyes propped open, I had the absolute thrill of seeing and hearing Barack Obama declared the next President of the United States.

I sat amazed and dumbfounded as I listened to McCain’s concession speech. (Transcript here.) Who was that sincere, patriotic, gracious man...and where has he been the last two years? I’m glad I got to see it because I believe it was absolutely John McCain’s finest moment. It was a relief to see him end his campaign, and begin Obama’s term, really, on a note of bipartisan conciliation and... we keep saying it... grace.

I managed to keep my eyes open a little longer, because I was determined to hear Obama’s acceptance speech. (Transcript here.) It was quite a bit more subdued than I expected, but in hindsight, that may have been a wise choice. There were thousands of people in Grant Park and I’ll bet that most of them, like me, were close to hysterical already. Whip them into a lather? hmm ....maybe not!

I think this is one of the most exciting, most historic, most moving moments of my life. I’m so proud to be an American today. (See Jamie Lee Curtis' eloquent "Thank you, Barack Obama.") It’s kind of a strange feeling; it’s been a long time since I felt this way! I’m absolutely ecstatic that Michelle Obama will be First Lady, that we will have smart, lively, young children in the White House. I’m flying my flag, and ready to serve.

I’m ready to start the protests if Obama and a Democratic congress still can’t get anything done. I believe that Obama was elected to institute change, not just talk about it, and the congressional old-timers need to get on board or get packing. WE HAVE VERY HIGH EXPECTATIONS FOR YOU. I’m ready to start persuading the few Republicans who still admit it that Tax & Spend is better than Borrow & Spend.

Whatever Obama wants from me, I’m ready to help, to sacrifice, to serve, I'm even ready to try and get over the fact that the President of the United States might be younger than I am.