i could have written so many more words, but the one thing that kept coming to mind was “thank you.”

in the Washington Post today, they had a section in ‘opinions’ that consisted of things that people – pundits, politicians, executives, military, and even a comedy writer – thought should be Obama’s first course of action.  each writer mentioned something different, from the war in Iraq to healthcare to taxes to the economy.  there are so many important causes on this list of necessities for fixing, and it’s going to be a quite some time before each can be addressed.  to be strong to the world, we need to be strong at home first – and a long road of repair lies ahead of us.  but even still, we have hope.

and with hope, anything can happen.  with hope, there’s motivation.  and with motivation, there’s individual contribution.  and with this contribution, even as simple as remembering to turn the lights off before we leave the house, or by helping our kids with their homework, we can begin to create change.  it may be small on an individual level, but start adding up those little bits on a national level, and now we have a tidal wave of positive change.

so, thank you.

thank you for giving us hope in these tumultuous times.

i, like millions of americans tonight, just watched a speech that some analysts are calling “a political masterpiece” (as stated on CNN’s broadcast).  not only was it moving, powerful, and poignant, but it was full of hope – hope for the future, hope for the United States, and hope for each and every American.

Barack Obama’s acceptance speech delivered real ideas and real plans for the direction of our country, and pointed out the most important issues we need to address:  the economy.  healthcare.  foreign relations.  energy.  education.  the list goes on.  these are achievements we’ve only dreamed about in the past – and now, we have a voice that will fight for them and make them a reality.

to paraphrase an age old concept, we must be strong for ourselves before we can be strong for others.  we need to rebuild and regroup.  we need to re-establish ourselves and grow strong again.  we need to set these independent ideas, ideas that helped found our country in the first place and create the land of the free, in motion.

we need change, and we need it now.

friends, together we can make this happen.  let’s see it through to November!

:: www.barackobama.com ::

Ted Kennedy and Michelle Obama.

***

i am the least political Washingtonian around. i’ve never wanted to follow politics, nor have i ever wanted to work in it. how i ended up in the most political of towns, i’ll never know. (actually, i do know – thanks, theresa.)

but tonight, i watched two of the most amazing speaches at the Democratic National Convention. yes. me. watching the most polarized political event of the year, of the last four years, and of the next four. and twice, i was brought to tears.

if there were just two people in the world to look up to, two people who shine without a spotlight, it would be Ted Kennedy and Michelle Obama. tonight, i learned that they both have worked in their careers for the betterment of the average American. they speak from their hearts, and they truly believe in their words and work. they can inspire those who have never turned an ear to policy, and inspire those numb to the status quo of Washington.

they’ve inspired me, and i hope they’ve inspired others like me as well.

i feel confident in putting my faith in the world as it should be, and in those who can get us there.

the possibilities are endless.

Barack Obama + Joe Biden

i made my donation [albeit small]. have you invested in our future?

i saw Barack Obama today, coming out of a fundraiser at the Mayflower Hotel.

this was my view from behind the police tape.

everyone wanted to get a photo.

even the press wanted a photo . . . but of us?

ooh, ooh! here he comes!

obama comes out to greet the cheering onlookers.

i couldn't see the screen on my camera, so i used everyone else's to aim.

obama heads off to his next meeting.

only in DC can someone head out to grab a sandwich and see a presidential candidate.