it's all connected--and all has the distinct and toxic odor of "you're either with us, or against us."

We're already seeing the post-election continuance of "it's ok if Obama does it" -- not a good sign.

i've never really understood that saying "Democrats fall in love; Republicans fall in line" -- but now it seems like Democrats are required to fall in love--and in line--all at once.

(The candidates people "fell in love" with in the past were liberals and didn't make it to the general--or at least more liberal than the eventual nominee. No one demanded Clinton love or said "shut up about your issues/problems and love him unquestioningly".)

I woke up on Wednesday and felt...completely indifferent. I felt Obama got his nomination through unjust and undemocratic means so his election was a validation of those means. On the other side, McCain wasn't someone I wanted either so I wasn't upset that he lost. I now completely understand the apathetic and nonvoters.

as the day JFK was elected, but mostly because it's the same day I turned 11.

I don't recall being teary eyed or proud of my country on either account. I thought it was kind of cool (on both accounts), just like I think having a black President is kind of cool, but that in itself won't bring the troops home, fix the economy or provide health care to everyone.

Maybe if we'd do some of that last stuff I'd be more proud of my country.

I have to agree with Krugman on the stirring part of it. I was profoundly affected and I'm a teetotaller where Kool-aid is concerned. I can still celebrate with the nation while thinking that Obama is a corrupt politician who doesn't deserve this.
But as for something being wrong with the people who couldn't feel it? The only thing wrong with them is that they were robbed. If Obama had won the nomination fair and square, those people would have been the ones cheering loudest. But Obama won by throwing women and gay people aside.
Yep, we wuz robbed.

Come together at The Confluence

no matter whether they're right or left or on-air or in print--

Greider in The Nation-- President Obama: This Proud Moment -- http://www.thenation.com/doc/20081117/gr...

"... Obama's success is more shocking. We can see it as a monumental rebuke to tragic history--the ultimate defeat of "white supremacy." ..." --

no. it's not. (and this "proud" reaction is entirely based on skin color, which is the opposite of real progress.)

not the package that make us proud.

I'm very suspicious of anyone who cries at an election.

I love this job!

I was moved, I was even more moved by the joy which spread across DC. It was a thrilling night, and none of my serious misgivings about Obama prevented me from feeling the same pride that we crossed this particular line.

Someone in my building put a flag outside, it is that kind of good feeling. It won't last, but it is wonderful while it does.

Obama began his concession speech by praising McCain's service. It was classy.

I just saw his press conference. It is going to be very good for the country to see this tremendously poised black man stand in front of the cameras day after day.

It is such a relief to no longer have such an embarassment for a President. I feel joy, real joy.

I'd rather sleep at night than sell my soul to the kewl kidz. Somerby's a trooper!

And, goldberry, I'm glad to see the nuance in your view of the stirringosity! Perhaps you can now see my Tuesday decision in a little better light?

I haven't forgiven nor forgotten what happened during the primaries. I just netted out that my vote had more symbolic value to me as a way to condemn Bush and Klansmen to hell than the symbolic or strategic value any of the alternatives offered.

If it's because of the color of someone's skin, I disagree. And it shouldn't be because of what that color represents, those changes should be made through actions and achievements not symbolic gestures that have no meaning in and of themselves. This is not a new world because of 11/4/08, it will be through the actions of those leaders.

I love this job!

and that's the "If not now, when?" question. I realize that also applies to both Clinton and Palin, and applies to many other demographic groups as well.

While I still think performance and ability are the most important considerations, I think "when" and "how" are serious considerations as well. How do we create a pool of black or female politicians qualified to be President? How do we prevent society from stymying that project? How long should blacks or women have to wait for "the one" to come along?

This election is supposed by some to exonerate this nation from the racial sins of its past. In fact Obama's election was an aberration in how our political system operates (just as Hillary's would have been) and it won't be surprising to see subsequent elections contested by mainly old, white guys just as in the past.

We haven't fixed anything with this election - we've just made one exception, and it required extraordinary circumstances - the most unpopular incumbent in history, a weak opponent and a tanking economy - to accomplish.

by implication.

Be joyful all you want. But Somerby's got it right that Krugman's out of line. No one's stopping you from being happy, or saying "there's something wrong with you", or that you're pitiable and misguided because of it.

And no one is advocating running around harshing anyone's mellow (talk about strawmen arguments).

One of the worst things about the Obama campaign (yes, there are many to pick from) was the faction that resorted to pesterbotting, bullying and deriding the less enthusiastic into submission. Let's not contribute to the Emotional Blackmail Strategy of Campaign Sucess, hmm? It just opens the door to more elections won by fauxrage and divisiveness.

around as a potential presidential candidate. What was your first thought? I know mine was, "What are they thinking?" Not for any other reason than he was and is untested and inexperienced. No artifice, no bias. Too green, plain and simple.
Over the subsequent two years these feelings have been labeled by some as biased and racist.

If Sarah Palin had been on the top of the GOP ticket and through some strange twist of fate elected the first female president, would there be cause to celebrate the enormity of this achievement? Would there be tears?

I love this job!