Yes We Did

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 had gone back to Alon Shvut instead of staying in an urban center like Emek Refaim, so I was unexcitingly following the election on my own. By 2:30 am here, it was only 7:30 pm EST, and the only states to have been called so far were not surprising. I decided not to stay up to see the results and just find out in the morning. I woke up at 6 and snuck a peek. It was awesome.

This victory alone is not the change we seek. It is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you. So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism, of service and responsibility, where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other.

Obama had already won the votes he needed, and even Montana was leaning toward Obama with some of the votes counted. I went back to sleep and woke up around 10 and spent the next few hours reading the results, analysis, and watching speeches. Obama’s speech was exactly as I expected: big, eloquent, inspiring. In contrast, I found McCain’s to be somewhat small, lacking the kind of universal vision and personal connection that lost him the election.

And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns bright, 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.

This day was not without setbacks. Three states including California voted to ban gay marriage (and it also sucks to be an unwanted fetus about now, natch). And from under the election coverage, the Palestinians were there to remind us that they are still here. I don’t know what tomorrow will bring. But I have hope that it will be better than today.

America, we have come so far, we have seen so much, but there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves, if our children should live to see the next century, if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made? This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time.

Good morning, America.