Comments on: Caught in the Crowd

By: Julie Mackenzie

Julie Mackenzie — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:07:27 +0000

Beautifully said. I especially liked your description of how he mirrors the positive will and the inclusive nature of Americans. He truly reflects the American Dream and your face shows the heart warming, inspiring transformation that his election has had on so many people all over the world.

Thanks for sharing.

By: l.a.otieno

l.a.otieno — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 18:26:29 +0000

I could not have said it better even if I had been been there in Chicago. Thank you for sharing your experience with our friends and family members all over the world. Dady Otieno

By: Mike Owuor

Mike Owuor — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 18:06:03 +0000

Nice that Ann represented many of us !!

Just want to say that running a country is not running a corporate body !
President-elect Obama has the right ideas and vision for this country;
i believe he will identify (as he's doing) the right people to execute
plans and way out of this economic mess !

Even the most experienced politicians never run a country without consulting experts from different fields,it's also the choice of experts and pple around them that gives us the best glimpse into their judgements!!

The picture of last minute squables within and
amongst the republicans come to mind when you think of choices and the judgement some experienced leaders can make !!!

All i see is an excellent sign of an experienced leader with wrong choices emanating from poor judgement !!
Haven't i heard lately of Gov. Sarah Palin trying to defend herself over allegations that she messed it up..?

The President-elect with his little or no experience; knows the right buttons and seems to understand Organizational drill and current needs of this country that many experienced leaders lack !!
He's our President for the next 4 or 8 years
We're proud to have him on board with or without experience!!!

By: Imani

Imani — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 17:12:12 +0000

your illustration of change still sparks the spirit to fall over me. indeed, Obama's words reminded me of a sun shower and your depiction of the grant park moment was the rainbow. bravo and look forward to hearing your follow up of the forthcoming CHANGE very soon. Oui, nous pouvons!

By: Joe

Joe — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:18:35 +0000

It was a defining moment in history. And even if one wasn't there, one could still be "caught in the crowd". Our new president will be facing extraordinary and daunting challenges. But one thing is certain. He will automatically be a better president than the one that's been sitting on the job for the past seven years.

By: Tim Wheatfall

Tim Wheatfall — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 04:45:40 +0000

As i watched history unfold and develope toward a new hope for the American people on the nite of Nov. 4th along with millions of other Americans, , , my heart was move socially and polictically like never before. With all that was felt and witnessed by many and all that the evening meant for some and what it didnt mean for others, , , AS I LISTENED TO SENATOR McCAINS SPEECH, , , AS HE ACKNOWLEDGED SENATOR OBAMA'S PRESIDENT ELECT NOMINATION SOME IN THE GROWD BOOED AS HE MENTIONED OBAMA'S VICTORY. . . SENATOR McCAIN GAVE RESPONE BY SAYING PLEASE! PLEASE! WHAT A GREAT ADDITION TO THE MARK IN HISTORY THAT WAS BEING MADE, , , HAD SENATOR McCAIN ADDRESSED THE BOOES WITH AN OPEN, FIRM YET PASSIONATE PLEE THAT THOSE ARE THE KINDS OF ACTIONS AND ATTITUDES THAT WE WANT TO MOVE FROM, OUR COUNTRY HAS MADE GREAT STRIDES OVER THE YEARS AND TONIGHT CAN BE ONE OF THE FINAL STEPS TOWARD CLOSING DECADES OF STAINED HISTORY DUE TO RACIAL DIVIDES, FEAR AND IGNORANCE. IT'S NOT WHITE AMERICA OR BLACK AMERICA, , , IT'S THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. AS A RESPECTED SENATOR, WAR HERO AND FELLOW AMERICAN I BELIEVE WITH MILLIONS WATCHING, , , MR. McCAIN MISSED AN OPPORTUNITY TO SET A NEW STANDARD FOR YEARS TO COME. ANY RESPONSE WOULD BE WELCOME. THANK YOU.

By: Gillian

Gillian — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 23:54:51 +0000

Well done cousin. You said it all. Now we all need to play our part by continuing to be responsible citizens of the earth and willing to be positive change makers as well and praying for him and one another. My heart goes out to your bereaving friend in CA.

By: Caroline Okorie

Caroline Okorie — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 20:11:14 +0000

Beautifully stated Anna! You were able to put into words what I can only manage to shape into a tearful smile.

It was a powerful night even for those of us watching in AZ (yes, we almost managed to turn AZ blue that night!) So there I was, in a room full of jubilent, tearful and silent Obama supporters hanging on the every word of our next president when I screamed "Ohmigosh! there's Anna!" They were all excited with me and for you.

Thanks again for sharing your experience.

Here's to what lies ahead!

By: Patty

Patty — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 14:40:40 +0000

It's probably too late for anyone to read this but I watched a video from Philly on Tues Night. People were yelling and screaming in all parts of the city for Obama. And then there was one person with a McCain/Palin t-shirt and he was arrested because he would not leave the area. He was not doing anything. Is this what happens if you do not support Obama????

By: Cassandra

Cassandra — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 09:57:56 +0000

I was watching "CNN After Party-Where Do We Go From Here" early Sunday, 11/9/08 and I found the host and his guest panel specifically Amy Holmes to be very shallow and biased. Suggesting that she and others have very low confidence in President-elect Obama. Where were all the nay sayers during the Bush Administration. No eyebrows raised, no judgements passed, no criminal charges taken againist the no child left behind act, CEO getting major payouts for poor performance, high healthcare, and the list goes on. Now, people want prejudge President-elect Obama without even giving him a chance to govern this country. No one even speaks about Bush, which is an injustice and a insult. I support our next President. I support our next President. I would like to commend Hillary Olsen for remaining fair and impartial.

By: MPalalay (California)

MPalalay (California) — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 07:35:48 +0000

I very much agree with "Victoria," and I'm sure she was referring to "Nelson" also, as I reacted the same way when I read the latter's very denigrating and demeaning comments. It seems to me that for myopic, pea-brained people like Nelson, no matter how driven, highly accomplished, self-made, brilliant and experienced a person of color such as Pres.-elect Obama gets, he will never be qualified. I'm sure he thinks McCain, Palin, Joe the Plumber, himself or any member of the "superior" race are better qualified.

Guess what, Nelson, with your comments you had just insulted the intelligence and wisdom of the majority of American voters of all colors, creeds and credibility. No proof, no logic, and no argument will ever convince you otherwise, because your IQ and EQ could never grasp the lowest bar.

Pres.-elect Obama represents every American, and I'm confident the voters saw that, too. The actions and judgments that he has made hitherto were so right on the mark, unlike his opponents. The more I see, listen to him, and hear about him, the more that my decision to vote for him for the highest position in the land–is reaffirmed and reassured. He is someone who would not only rise to any occasion, but thrive in every occasion.

By: Victoria

Victoria — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 04:41:25 +0000

For those who say Obama is not qualified: I am just wondering what would qualify him to be Presidential material? This is not attacking, but naysayers always say that Obama is not qualified or does not have enough experience. What is enough experience and what are these qualifications? Is it his age? His history as a community leader and politician in Chicago? His ability to move an entire generation of young people in America into action and make them proud of their country? I really do not understand and I would really appreciate if you would explain his lack of quality to me? Even though I sound somewhat attacking, I would really appreciate an honest and detailed answer because I really do not see what you see.

By: Aynes

Aynes — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 01:25:10 +0000

All that warm and fuzzy feeling is great but Obama has no experience. Feelings are not going to get the job done, folks....

By: Tasha

Tasha — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 21:06:15 +0000

It is important to realize that Obama's election does not mean that American has left its racist past behind; it means that we are on a new chapter to the end of that story.

And I couldn't have said better what Anna wrote; American families are more and more diverse. Coming from a family with multiple races, ethnicities, and religions is not only the norm for me, but it is becoming the norm for the majority of Americans.

Excellently said.

By: Drew

Drew — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 16:53:11 +0000

Where was Rev. Wright ?? Oh -with Bill Aires both where in a dark room making plans for our lady liberty !!

By: Dionne Rushin

Dionne Rushin — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 16:52:45 +0000

As the camera scanned the crowd, I found myself sitting on my bed crying. Was this really happening? As each face was broadcast on the screen, I slowly started to realize that we did it! We elected a man who stood for everything the American dream consisted of. We elected a man who is just like us, born to a single mother, supposedly doomed to failure but rose above his birth status to become a great person, a family man, the American dream. Our president elect gives me hope. His election renews my faith in our countrymen. It lets me know that tomorrow will be a better day.
I was so happy to see your face in the crowd. I screamed, "Oh my God, there is Anna!" and then began sending everyone text messages. Seeing you there made me cry harder. It made me smile harder and your skin was flawless!

By: Jone

Jone — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 16:35:22 +0000

It is wonderful that such a historic accomplishment was celebrated. However, a life is to be celebrated as well.

Does anyone know when Madelyn Dunham, the president-elect's dear grandmother, was put to rest? Did/will the president-elect attend her services?

By: James

James — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 16:21:54 +0000

Well done Annakin. You articulated the emotions that you felt so heartily and eloquently. I am so glad that you were there to witness history and the dawning of a new era. It is now our duty and responsibility to help and support Obama effect change. I am so proud of you sis!!

By: Steph So

Steph So — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 15:43:43 +0000

Beautifully written, Anna! To think that you and our new President share the same story...

I'm remembering when we were two college students, headed to DC with Prof Blacker. We were so inspired to learn... and now look where you've ended up!

It was such an inspiring and exciting night. Glad you got to be there in person.

By: Lily

Lily — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 14:12:58 +0000

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, fellow DAWNer!! Great job!