The long, twisted marathon that was the 2008 presidential campaign is now over, and Barack Obama has been elected our next president. I am writing this with a profound sense of relief at the outcome, and I am heartened by the reaction of people around the world.
In one day, the United States has earned a tremendous amount of worldwide goodwill ... and it didn't even take a tragedy for us to get it. I am confident that President Obama will be a better steward of that benevolence and that America will once again be seen as a beacon of hope around the world, not the font of disappointment it has recently been.
Mr. Obama's opponents frequently criticized the messiah-like treatment he was receiving, so one would be wise to use caution in lavishing praise on our new president before he has even taken office. Instead I will praise the tens of millions of Americans who used this election to vote their hopes instead of their fears. And for those whose votes went the other way, I urge you to stay tuned and give the new president a chance. You might be pleasantly surprised.
In one day, the United States has earned a tremendous amount of worldwide goodwill ... and it didn't even take a tragedy for us to get it. I am confident that President Obama will be a better steward of that benevolence and that America will once again be seen as a beacon of hope around the world, not the font of disappointment it has recently been.
Mr. Obama's opponents frequently criticized the messiah-like treatment he was receiving, so one would be wise to use caution in lavishing praise on our new president before he has even taken office. Instead I will praise the tens of millions of Americans who used this election to vote their hopes instead of their fears. And for those whose votes went the other way, I urge you to stay tuned and give the new president a chance. You might be pleasantly surprised.
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