A new day.
Edited: I know many people out there may strongly disagree with the new choice for President and I fully respect your personal decisions. In the same vein, please be respectful of my desire to document certain parts of my life from time to time on this blog that may not fit with yours. At this time I am closing the comments as there is a fair mix of positive and negative that is most likely representative of the mixture of emotions that people are facing today.
Thank you for all the birthday wishes yesterday. It was quite a day around here as I am sure it was for many of you throughout the United States.
For me it was exciting and stressful and emotional and amazing.
Chris and I spent some time checking-in at local election headquarters for Obama, Jeff Merkley (US
Senate candidate) and Kitty Piercy (local mayor). Witnessing the energy and the excitement of the volunteers who were tirelessly calling and walking and continuing forward was a really cool way to spend the day.
In the early evening I watched the returns coming in on CNN up until the announcement that Barack Obama will be the 44th President of the United States. The three of us then headed down to the Lane County fairgrounds to watch the local and statewide returns, listen to Obama's speech, and celebrate with others in our community.
Here's to looking ahead to the future.
[ obama rally at university of oregon : may 2008 : photo by local news photographer ]
I will never forget waiting in a room at the Oregon Convention Center back in September 2007 for the opportunity to meet Senator Obama. Meeting him that first time will always be one of the most memorable moments in my life.
Yes we can. A new day has begun. Let's get to work.
Two giveaways coming in a new post later today.
I'm a Canadian...but none the less...Cheers to a new Era for the United States of America. I was glued to the tube watching all the updates, love that Katie Couric (spelling?). What an exciting time for EVERYONE....I could feel his energy, and it was a great acceptance speech.
Well done!
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WOO HOO! I can't wait until Jan 20. I'm really hopeful.
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Wonderful, wonderful results! :D
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YAY!!!! Congratulations on your new president!!! I'm so happy!
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I agree, what a night, hoping Merkley pulls it out by morning. I was in Clark County, WA celebrating with the Democrat's there. Oh what an amazing feeling to be with everyone in celebration.
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I like listening to him talk, he's a great orator, although I always find with the American politicians that they use alot of words (rhetoric) but don't actually say anything?! It sounds great but what does it mean?
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Can't help but think this isn't just going to mean a new America but brings hope to us here in the UK too!! Bring on the new - loving this whole "YES WE CAN" thing!! His speech inspired me as a person - as a Single Mother who most of the time struggles - I needed to hear it I think lol Roll on January 20th!!
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I am an Australian and for the first time (at age 43) I took a real interest in the USA elections ... what an inspiring man!
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As a South African, I remember our own memorable elections.
We have been following your elections closely. It has been wonderful to see you embrace chance like this.
Congratulations!
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I have never been so terrified of anything in my life, as I am of Obama. As the mother of two daughters in the Navy, I've had enough of a commander in chief without any actual battle field experience. And I recall the way John Kennedy left troops to die on the shores during the bay of pigs, and how it is John Kennedy who embroiled us in Viet Nam. Senator Obama voted for Partial birth abortions, that is all I need to know. Change for the sake of change isn't necessarily a good thing. I hope with all my heart, I'm not able to say for the next four years...told you so.
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Happy belated birthday Ali! I guess Obama's victory was one of the best presents you could get yesterday? I'm truly happy for all Americans and the rest of us on this earth - I'm glad to be around on this historic day!
Joyful best wishes from Sweden!
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I'm from New Zealand, where we have our own elections this coming weekend. If only NZ was as lucky to have an inspirational leader like Barack Obama. Congratulations on your new President - I'm sure he will do well!
... and how exciting that you got to meet him! :-)
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I was deeply touched with president Obama's speech. Was a bit teary eyed & felt goosebumps all over me while he was talking. I am not from the U.S. But I follow the happenings there every now & then. I do hope this new beginning will all bring us a better future. The U.S. has a big influence in our country (Philippines) and with your new president I believe & join the millions of people in saying "Yes we can!"
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Best night ever! We need this.
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yes.good morning america.good morning world.
as a french girl, I'm proud that you guys voted for a change :)
this is good, my friend. this is good.
:)
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Happy birthday Ali and congratulations on your new President!
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Yes we can!
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Barak had 75% support in Australia a few days ago. Everyone has been watching with great excitment today. We still can't get over the result from 4years ago (and please don't mention 2000). i hope he is able to put into plan all the hopes of the world - no pressure. Congratulations, a truly historic day for both the US and the rest of us out here.
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Happy Birthday Ali!
It will be amazing to see what your new president brings to your country - and how that impacts the rest of the world.
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FANTASTIC picture with your son holding the flag.
Really outstanding !
And the picture with Obama is a true keepsake too.
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Happy birthday! Hope it's a memorable one! :)
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Hi Ali! Happy Birthday and wasn't it great to hear those speeches? I mean McCains too - and not that he conceeded, but that he did it so gracefully. And the "Yes We Can" is something, an ideal, that I am trying to pick up on personally, espec as my partner is away from home for work.
Kirstie, haven't you heard our Helen speak?!! She's fantastic at our league club prizegivings!
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Wow, just checked Google News and had goosepumps! What a historic day! Could anybody send me or post a link to the complete speech? Would love to listen to it! I was still asleep when he spoke, since it was 6 in the morning here ... .
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i'm a fench girl and I'm so happy for the américa !!! Congratulations on your new president.
ps : i love your blog
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I'm Belgian (Europe) and I also I can say, with most of the other countries out in the world, that this is a day to be proud of the United States!!!
We had a dream, and it came true today
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