A historic election. A brilliant campaign. A champion for change. The culmination of a century-and-a-half-long fight for civil rights. That’s what everyone was saying today. I feel like this is one of those days I will look back on and try to remember exactly how I felt and what I was thinking.

As Oprah took the stage for her show today, her shirt read, “Hope Won.”

When I logged in to my facebook and twitter accounts this morning I was met with enthusiastic bursts of “Gobama” and “Finally” and “I’m proud!”

Even Condoleezza Rice made her voice heard this morning, calling Obama “inspirational” and making note of this “extraordinary step forward.” 

As Obama inherits a nation troubled in many ways, his tone was one of humility, gratitude, and unification; all things necessary to heal a broken and divided citizenry. 

I don’t want to downplay the immense tasks ahead or submit to an elementary idealism. But as I listened to John McCain’s concession speech I felt a wave of chills come over me as he both recognized the historical significance of this moment and urged Americans, divided as we are over this election, to come together for the prosperity of “the greatest nation on earth.”

That was then followed a few minutes later by Barack Obama’s powerful acceptance speech in front of millions of supporters in Chicago. It moved me from the start as he proclaimed, “If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.”

I cannot do it the justice he did, but it was a call for unity and emphasized not not only his supporters, but also those whose vote he did not earn, and how he will be their president too. And perhaps most importantly he spoke:

To those — to those who would tear the world down: We will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security: We support you. And to all those who have wondered if America’s beacon still burns as bright: Tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope. 

After following this election, one that (I just have to say) seemed to go on forever, then voting, and then listening to these powerful speeches, I felt a resounding sense of pride. Proud to be American, proud of Americans for coming out in record numbers and sensing the gravity of this election. Naturally cynical when it comes to politics and bureaucracy, its easy to say it is impossible to make the change Obama has proclaimed, and yet it somehow seems possible. I think we are all yearning for something different, something new to hope in. And I think last night we got a shot at it. No gaurantees, but its a step in the right direction. 

#44 will be one to remember. I only wish his grandmother could have lived to see it.