When Obama was running for president, I refused to listen to any of his speeches on the grounds that it was completely unfair to John McCain. Have you heard McCain give a speech? Pain. And I'd heard about Obama's electrifying speeches, so I purposely avoided them in order to obtain a more unbiased perspective on both men. (As an aside, I did listen to a few debates, just no speeches.)
Unfortunately for John McCain, he had lots of other things working against him besides Obama's speaking ability. Like the fact that McCain is sort of creepy looking while Obama is quite attractive. And that McCain is like 100 years old while Obama appears to be a youthful 33. These two things probably attributed more than people want to admit to Obama becoming our President Elect on Nov. 4, 2008.
That night I listened to both men give their speeches. I drug myself through McCain's speech (which was quite graceful, even if he can't deliver a speech to save his life (or get himself elected President)) so that I could listen to Obama's. It was on at midnight our time, or just past. I was watching this huge crowd of people gathered to hear the speech, wondering why they were all out there. I wouldn't have shown up for it, that's for sure.
And yet there was this sense inside me. I don't know what that sense is. But this sense that something was happening. Something important in a way I can't define.
Obama started speaking and they kept showing this 20-year-old white girl crying over his words and looking at him (or more accurately, looking at the big screen with his face on it) with those dreamy I'm-in-love-with-you eyes. I was almost laughing about this, except it wasn't just her. It was the entire crowd! Oprah looked so happy, and she also cried. And the crowd was bursting with excitement. It was unreal. It certainly conjured up images of a President before my lifetime: a young, good-looking Kennedy, capturing the nation's imagination and affection.
And by the end of the speech, almost without my approval, I found myself wanting to shout along with the crowd: "Yes, we can!" I wondered if I had that same dreamy love look in my own eyes. And I kept looking around me, thinking, "What's WRONG with me?" ... Whatever's wrong with me, apparently, is the same thing that's "wrong" with most everyone else in our country.
Yesterday's Inauguration found that same expectant, hopeful crowd. Elijah found the whole proceedings very boring (can you blame him? He's 4), so I didn't get to listen to Obama's speech. Elijah kept asking me why I was watching this. I found myself saying, "I dunno. I've never watched an inauguration before. But I ... want to this time." But I didn't have to listen to Obama's speech to know his message. I know what he represents, even though I still can't define it exactly. I know what he does to people. What he does to our nation.
He's created this Obama frenzy. I was walking through Wal-Mart the other day, cruising down an aisle to get to the crayons (why do kids break crayons? Says Elijah: "Then there's 2 crayons.") when I saw the poster section. You know, where they normally have the High School Musical 2 posters and the Spider-Man posters. To my near-shock, there were multiple OBAMA posters! One of them sported a lovely picture of the man (is there any picture of him that's NOT lovely? I think not) with the phrase: "Yes, we can!" I chuckled at the fact that this poster even exists! And yet, even more to my surprise, I thought about buying one! Why? I don't know. I felt compelled by that same undefinable Other Force. I resisted, though, and walked on. What would I do with an Obama poster? Goodness gracious, I must be losing my mind.
But I feel like I'm in good company. If I've lost my mind, then so have many, many other people.
And I know now that I will be watching Obama's inaugural address, even though I feel like I already know what it's about. Because Obama's message is about the people. He brings hope, change, and a charge for Americans to Be Americans! I find myself wanting to believe his message. I find myself looking at a sincere man instead of a political swindler. And I find myself wondering what's wrong with myself?! I am a political cynic, for crying out loud!
But that Other Force is telling me that I should watch his speech. Because for some reason, it's important.
2 comments:
I think half our country is in love with this man. But I think it's a good thing. Of course he can't possibly live up to everyone's expectations, but I think just the fact that people are excited for change and a better country will lead to just that--change and a better country. If people believe the economy will soon get better, I think it will happen.
I think there's a lot to say for people being positive and coming together. And, of course, the fact that this is such an important step for our country. Whether people like Obama or not, they can't deny that this is big. To go from a country in which all black people were slaves to a country that has a black president is huge.
So I think it's okay that everyone is glossy-eyed and star-struck. People are excited, and I think that's just what our country needs right now. Great post!
Thanks Tamra! I really enjoyed reading this post.
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