Election 2008

Tom Perriello was one of the candidates I most wanted to win...but who was definitely a long shot. I figured it was a case of someone I HAD to support because he was so good, but I'd probably lose.

Why did I like him so much? His diplomatic experience was superb and I figure we need some of that right about now. You can read about the context of his diplomatic experience with regards to Sierra Leone in my book review of a book about the Sierra Leone civil war.

Well, with the recount all done, it is now official: Tom Perriello won the Congressional race for the VA-5 district. He won by about 750 votes. Yet ANOTHER example of how EVERY SINGLE VOTE COUNTS, and why YOU should be active in your local politics. You matter!

Here is Tom's comments on officially winning:

We are still fighting for one more Senate win. Jim Martin is running to unseat despicable, anti-Vietnam Veteran sleaze ball Saxby Chambliss. Here is Jim Martin's latest ad:

Anyone can help win this Senate seat and stand up for our Veterans. If you want to help, you can phone bank to get out the vote. Win this one for Max Cleland! Win this one for our Vietnam Vets!

The Indigenous Democratic Network (INDN) is the only grassroots political organization devoted to recruiting and electing Native American candidates and mobilizing the Indian Vote throughout America on behalf of those candidates. INDN's List was officially launched Feb 28, 2005, in Washington DC in conjunction with the National Congress of American Indians Annual Meeting. We are dedicated to making a unified Indian voice heard at the local, state and national levels by helping Indians build and run effective campaign organizations and to win elected offices across America.

Their Stated Agenda:

* Economic Justice: Prosperity should be accessible to everyone, not merely the few.

* Civil Rights: Every individual's civil rights must be protected; discrimination and harassment based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or physical and developmental ability should be banned.

* Health Care: Every individual should have affordable, quality health care.

* Education: It is essential that we invest in quality public education for all.

* Environment: We must commit to restoring and protecting our environment.

My son jumped up in bed when I woke him yesterday morning and immediately wanted me to carry him out of bed. Normally he likes lounging half asleep in bed for 15 or 20 minutes before getting up. But today was election day and he was excited.

"We don't want to see ANYMORE of George Bush and John McCain," he keeps saying.

About a month ago he asked for an Obama button. Well, I figured he just wanted to be like mom and dad. But it went beyond that. He was PROUD of that button and showed it off at his childcare. He'd quiz people on who they supported,

He has been dreaming about election day with an excitement that rivals his anticipation of his birthday.

Joy, Jacob and I all went to vote together (Sarah had school...her main concern is that she no way, no how wants Sarah Palin to win). We voted at PS 282 in Park Slope. We expected a line but WOW! It was much longer even than the long lines in 2004. When we got there it went out the door, around the corner, down the street, around another corner onto 5th Ave, then we got in line at the restaurant Kiku. When we left we checked again and it went around yet another corner and halfway up another block. And everyone was eager to vote. No one complained about the line. Everyone realized that it was an amazing day and the long line was a part of that day.

The line in Park Slope, Brooklyn:

Jacob was patient through the whole wait. We had food for him so eating kept him busy for about half the way. Then he played with Joy's camera.

Jacob and me in line:

McCain is conceding. And is giving the best speech of his campaign.

Obama is winning with over 300 electoral votes, as predicted by Chuck Schumer, and is on his way to a landslide.

I have heard for all my life the question, "Is America ready for a black president?"

TONIGHT, the answer is: "YES, by a fucking landslide."

Thank you McCain for a wonderful concession speech. Thank you Obama for one of the best campaigns in history. Thank you America for making history.

MSNBC declares Florida for Obama.

Mahoney loses (good riddence even if he was, nominally, a Republican)

FL-24 a pick up for Dems. Feeney out.

Colorado called for Obama on MSNBC. Along with New Mexico, called much earlier. So much for the "Hispanics will never vote for a black man" that we heard from Republicans.

The most kick ass quote of the evening:

"Oh, Virginia Went for Obama, By the Way."

Oh, by the way, a formerly slave holding state that included the capital of the Confederacy just was declared for a black man for President.

History HAS been made and Virginia just made a huge statement for progress.

Wow. Just wow.