Superior oblique myokymia

Important Announcement

The MSN Groups service will close in February 2009. You can move your group to Multiply, MSN’s partner for online groups. Learn More

Franklin Roosevelt

Lyndon Johnson

And, now, Barack Obama, who has won the U.S. Presidency by the third largest mandate by a Democrat in our history.

As of 11:00 p.m., US Central Time, Obama had 338 electoral votes to McCain's 156. Only 270 electoral votes were needed to win. It appears that results are still forthcoming from Alaska, North Carolina, Missouri, Indiana and Montana, with a total of 43 votes still to be determined, if my math is right, which it probably isn't. Significant is that the popular vote is divided nearly equally between the two candidates. For me that means that finding a way to work together is more important than ever. Party lines be damned, we're all in this together.

I was hoping that we would have a Democratic winner, but I am stunned.

The Democrats also have won a majority of seats in both the Senate, 17, and House, 260.

So, it comes as no surprise that I'm pleased with the outcome, but my favorite guy better manifest as a president who brings both sides together. I'm just saying.

Unity between all of our elected officials is essential, not just in the administrative sense, but, as individuals, with our own lives and issues, we really need to acknowledge that we're all in this together and that we must be able to count on one another to work for the common good, whatever the hell that turns out to be.

On the other hand, I am thrilled that Sarah Palin was cleared of wrong-doing in her state's trooper-gate fuss. If that finding had come down later this week, it would have become lost in other news and she deserves to have her name cleared without encumbrance.

So, groovy Michelle is the new first lady and the kids get their new puppy. Nice speech, and I would like to hear from McCain tonight, but I'm going to bed, and will catch him on the news in the morning.

Congratulations and blessings to everyone who won, everyone who did their best and will be around to try again, and especially to everyone who voted.

Good night and good news.

Wher's the other nightowl? Nursing her old, decrepit and sore behind after a day on a folding chair at headquarters, probably.

Oh, I'm here. Talked with a good friend--then my daughter for an hour--some tears and some over-the-phone hugs. Woke the mister up because he said I was only to do that if Obama won and he was sleepily thrilled. Quietly quaffed some of that Pinot Grigio, and tried to believe that our country had actually answered such a challenge in such an overwhelming manner. How fitting that Lincoln was a poor man from Illinois, and his brilliance and his humility allowed another man of less than noble birth to emerge from that same state to become president--a man of African heritage. I am stunned by the whole thing.

McCain's speech reminded me of the person I thought was running at the start of all this. It was sincere and warm.

I have no illusions that this is going to be an easy ride or that there will not be some mistakes along the way. But it is a start. I can only wish Obama Godspeed.

I guess I win the "night owl" badge for this particular evening. But I wanted to hear the whole thing. Being a part of history--even if it is just seeing it on the TV is something you can't re-create.

I can only say this....in all honesty...Obama was my first choice when all this started (even before he decided to run). He gave a very nice speech (I missed McCain's). I found him to be very humble, yet eloquent with a sense of calmness and coolness about him. Absolutely amazing to see all those people in attendance, and even though they called in the police, not one officer seemed to be necessary. All races, all ages, all pulling together...eyes full of hope. That was worth watching right there. It won't be an easy road, and one doesn't know what kind of president he will prove to be, but he is our president. That and my son the soldier asked me to vote strictly democratic this time...before he went to play in the "sand box". Good Luck Mr. President!

Kel, happy to oblige your son!!!

I hope that you get to hear from him often.

We never know what kind of a president a candidate is going to actually be. We listen, read and learn all that we can and make the best decision, hoping for the best. It is such an imperfect system, but it's ours.

I liked the bit in Obama's speech last night where he addressed that. Very moving, and fortunately very short. I was totally beat and needed to get to bed. I was hoping to catch a bit of the BBC for that perspective, but missed the chance.

Important Announcement The MSN Groups service will close in February 2009. You can move your group to Multiply, MSN’s partner for online groups. Learn More
Superior oblique myokymia	[email protected]