Yes We Can.

The world is responding with jubilation at a new chapter in the incredible story of this great nation. It's time for America to once again be seen as a land of hope, opportunity and equality. This is the greatest nation on earth... one designed by God to lead the way and set an example for others. We can do that together.

Tuesday night, we did just that. Whether you voted for President-elect Obama, or not... we must unite together to make this country and this world a better place for us and all Americans of every race, culture, creed, age, sex and religion... today and in the future. Yes we can.

Watching and waiting... and CELEBRATING!!

As a total news hound, former full-time journalist and political enthusiast, I've been waiting for this day for... well, for the last four years. I voted for John Kerry in 2004 and was disappointed when he lost to George W. Bush.

Ever since the 2004 Democratic National Convention, I've been excited about Sen. Barack Obama's political career. When he announced his candidacy for the U.S. Presidency in 2006, I got excited and started following his path toward the Democratic nomination.

Senator (and almost certainly soon-to-be U.S. President-elect)
Barack Obama is ready for the White House! Are you ready for him?

The last few weeks and days have been pretty exciting as Obama has taken a sizable lead in the national polls. Emily was a Hillary Clinton supporter and we both agreed that we'd vote for whomever ended up winning the Democratic nomination. I also put up Obama signs on our house and vehicles, including these:

This one went on the Outback, Emily's car.


I wore this to the gym today to celebrate my Hispanic heritage!

Almost my entire day today has been focused on the election. CNN is my network of choice, as I love Wolf Blitzer and the network's politically diverse team of dedicated journalists, analysts and pundits. Plus, CNN is the only place to see John King and his famous "magic wall"!

"And Oregon here... well, now it's in the ocean. Yep, I can do whatever I want with this thing," said CNN's John King,
in a quote he'd never, ever actually say.

They also tend to wait a bit longer to make projections than other networks.

Sarah Palin was disappointed that John McCain conceded Michigan
to Obama a few weeks ago.I guess she didn't realize that Michigan
is apparently part of "fake America."

Plus, CNN has the coolest projection video intro in all of television (seriously, it gives me chills whenever it comes on...)!

In another CNN Projection, Senator John McCain has beat Barack Obama in the category of "number of times using the slightly creepy (coming from a 72 year old man) phrase 'my friends' during campaign appearances," by a count of 468,398 to never.

I also went to Krispy Kreme Doughnuts where they offered free, patriotic doughnuts for anyone who could prove they had voted; Here in Oregon, it's actually illegal to offer anything as a reward for voting, so Krispy Kreme gave out free doughnuts to anyone who asked.

In other election day offers, Starbucks gave voters a free cup of coffee, while Ben & Jerry's stores was giving out free ice cream cones from 5-6 p.m. (As Mormons, we don't drink coffee, and the closest Ben & Jerry's store is in downtown Portland... not quite worth the drive during rush hour!).

Two delicious "O's" for two votes for OBAMA!!

Assuming Obama wins (and as of 7:46 p.m. PST, it looks almost certain that he will), it will be a new chapter for citizens of the United States of America. I'm very optimistic that he'll be able to improve the world's view of America, hopefully get us out of the disaster that has been the Iraq War and inspire Americans to care more about the world and society in which they live. I'm excited for his presidency and very proud to have supported his historic run!

OK... time to get back to watching CNN and watch Oregon's seven electoral votes go to OBAMA!!

UPDATE: CNN has called the election for Obama!!!