I sat down last night to watch the election coverage. I thought I’d be in and out, but I ended up watching for three and a half hours. This truly is a significant moment in American life. I thought both candidates’ speeches were acts of leadership, McCain’s with his gracious words of concession, and Obama’s with his inspiring words connecting past, present and future. I was watching PBS’ coverage, and anchor Jim Lehrer mused at the end about his own journey from growing up in Texas and seeing separate drinking fountains and waiting rooms in the bus station, to the election of an African-American to the presidency.
Robert Parham of Ethics Daily, wrote an interesting article today called Theological Realism Is Needed about President Obama, suggesting that Obama is neither a savior nor a demon.
On another note, I was struck also by the interest my 18-year-old son and his friends showed in voting for the first time. They were not only paying attention to the presidential race, but were discussing the Oregon ballot initiatives among themselves, and considering how best to vote. This gives me hope. The thoughtful engagement of citizens of all ages will help us all.