So many things... The pundits who doubted the youth vote, the time I spent growing up in Chicago, the number of friends I have living there now (celebrating at Grant Park right now), the way celebrating tonight reminded me of New Year's Eve, the superstitious caution I took in buying a half bottle of champagne, the relief in every black commentator's expression, the honesty, the history, the hope, and the change.
It's not that people my age haven't cared about elections in the past, it's just that we haven't had a reason to care enough. We haven't believed the "bubblegum machine" politics of "I promise you this, I promise you that. I promise to be different." Different has been easy to say, but in the face of "terrorist" accusations, "who are you" questions, and "why trust you" complaints --we have seen an honorable man lead an honorable, steady campaign ending in front of the podium he stands in front of tonight. If we believed there was such change possible in the past, we would've listened, more of us would've voted, and we would've believed. Now I believe. I believe that change has come to America.
"All things are possible."
Tonight as I text my friends, half-jokingly I ask them if it is too early to pop the champagne cork, it feels like New Year's eve. With my friends and family gathered around, I feel an unequivocable sense of new beginning. And it has only just begun.
What an incredible, fortunate time to be alive.
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