Barack Obama is now the president-elect of the United States. He has made history throughout his journey to the White House. He has also gained the support of many people who seek a change from the Republican rule of George W. Bush.
In the days leading up to the election, many people knew that he would win the election because of the many polls, the early voting numbers and their “gut feelings.”
It wasn’t always that way. I can remember sitting at the dining room table a year ago with my grandmother and my father. My grandmother was so optimistic about the upcoming election. She really believed that Obama would be the next president.
My father and I were not convinced. We were sure this was all a hoax. People were saying they supported Obama, but when they stepped up to vote we believed that they would surely choose John McCain. I heard about the polls that showed that many people said they supported Obama and would vote for him on Nov. 4, but I didn’t believe them.
I couldn’t wrap my mind around the thought that America would vote for a black man. I thought that no matter how good his economic plan, his charisma or how much the country is suffering, they just wouldn’t do it.
I thought that racism would prevent him from being elected. I didn’t think he could overcome the lies about his religious beliefs or the attempts to associate him with questionable people.
I have to thank my dad for making me think about things, never believing everything that I hear. So far, it has served me well. I have come to believe that if I didn’t ask for reasons and proof, I would be a lost person.
Another reason I didn’t believe was because I didn’t want to be disappointed. Although it was nice to see my grandmother glow at the thought of a black president, I could only imagine how much she would be hurt if he lost. I didn’t want to get my hopes up only to be disappointed.
I always supported Obama, but I never let myself get excessively into the election. As November drew near, Obama seemed to be gaining more support. He gained support after every speech, every debate and every interview.
The results of more polls were released and it became clear that he was ahead. But even with all of that, I still thought it was a long shot.
But when I went to vote on that Tuesday and I saw the long lines of whites, blacks, old and young, it felt different. It wasn’t like the last election. There was so much excitement. Voters waited patiently refusing to leave until their vote was cast.
I sensed that everyone knew how important this was. It was at that moment that I finally believed it was possible.
I love being right just as much as the next guy, but I was happy to be wrong in this case. My grandmother was right. The polls were right. America actually did vote for Obama.
This shows just how far this nation has come and it offers hope for a better future in the United States of America.
Be the first to comment on this article!