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I've sort of been in a daze since last night. I wasn't prepared for such an early and clear Obama victory. After having my hopes sorely dashed in the last several elections, I was afraid to get them up again, so I didn't. I steeled myself for loss, for recounts and court challenges. I assumed we'd go to bed Tuesday night still unsure who our next president would be.




So when I was sitting in the Elks Lodge -- Dem central in downtown Missoula last night -- and the crowd started cheering and hollering wildly, I stood up on my barstool to get a better view of the big screen. I vaguely remember seeing and hearing the words "Obama" and "won" and although I was screaming at the top of my lungs, I couldn't really believe it. I thought, "What if they're wrong? What if they're calling it too early?" But I saw Katie Couric's face and I thought, "Katie wouldn't get it wrong, would she?" And I turned to my friend Rebecca and saw that she was bawling her eyes out.

But I still didn't quite believe it.




After the initial shouting died down, we walked down the block to the Wilma and entered the crowded theater to the sound of champagne corks popping and John McCain giving his concession speech on the big screen. (Very graciously, I might add.) Finally, I started really believing it.





I didn't cry until Barack Obama came on stage with Michelle and their girls before his acceptance speech. There is something about Michelle Obama that resonates with me. Maybe it's that she's a strong woman who has endured the attacks on her character with grace and dignity. Maybe it's because of the sacrifices she has made and will continue to make so that her husband and the father of her children can be President of the United States. Maybe it's just that it's about time there was a black family in the White House.

Let the healing begin.

posted by Patia  8:36 PM