We’re watching history in prime time
The Democratic National Convention already seems like it
happened a million years ago, even though it was just last
week.
In the few short days since Barack Obama was named the
Democratic candidate for president of the United States, news has
been breaking out all over.
We’re watching history in prime time
The Democratic National Convention already seems like it happened a million years ago, even though it was just last week.
In the few short days since Barack Obama was named the Democratic candidate for president of the United States, news has been breaking out all over.
It’s been a breathless jumble of stuff coming at us. John McCain picked a female running mate! She’s governor of Alaska and mother of five! The Republicans are having their convention, and by the way, there’s a big hurricane heading straight for New Orleans! Oh wait a minute, make that a little one.
And did we mention the GOP vice-presidential candidate’s 17-year-old daughter is pregnant?
So with all the hubbub, last week’s momentous events have receded from the national consciousness. But I’d like to revisit them if I may.
The election has been a big deal at our house for at least two years now. My older son turned 18 in April, and what he was most excited about was getting to vote in his first presidential election.
And of course, this has turned out to be the most dramatic, history-making, precedent-breaking, weirdest election that has ever taken place in modern history.
I vaguely remember the 1968 presidential election as being interesting. Clinton’s election was, too. But this year beats all that, hands down.
To have an African American and a woman vying in the primaries – such a remarkable time, and so long overdue.
Add in such things as an unpopular war and the Internet, and there are all kinds of factors that are influencing the race that are new and unique.
I keep trying to tell Ross this, but I don’t think he quite understands how boring presidential elections usually are, and how rare this one is.
“I hope you don’t think they’re all going to be like this,” I told him.
Ross is really into all this. He turned out to be amazingly political, much more so than I am.
He actually made Hunter turn off his video game so we could watch Joe Biden’s speech the other night. Now that was a first.
In the past, I haven’t been one for watching either the Olympics or any political conventions. This year, I broke the mold and watched big chunks of both.
Typically, I find convention coverage to be a snoozefest, full of self-important politicians congratulating themselves and lots of long-winded speeches.
This year, the Democratic National Convention seemed to be much more exciting than usual, but then again, here’s our first African American candidate ever in the history of the United States.
Everyone’s speeches seemed genuine and heartfelt. And when Obama accepted the nomination, I choked up.
It was an amazing moment. No matter how you feel about Obama or McCain, you can’t deny that this was history being made before our eyes. I was so proud just that this has finally happened in our country.
For kids and young people, this is the most important lesson of all. The United States has plenty of flaws, but also contains all the promise in the world. No matter what the past has been, it can be changed.
And there’s no denying the hope that brings.
