proved wrong

Thank goodness.

In 2004 I saw Obama at the Democratic Convention and was very impressed. I said peevishly to my husband, "He should have changed his name so he could have a run at President."

Like millions, including some high profile pols like the Clintons, I greatly underestimated Obama. Not only did Obama prevail, he did it on his terms, with authenticity, civility, grace, and calm.

Here are a few reflections on the election that captured its essence for me:

Peggy Noonan observed that in defeating Clinton, Obama "brought down a political machine without raising his voice."

Obama took a page from Howard Dean and cranked up his technology machine right away. John Dickerson in Slate wrote, "Obama inspired a host of new voters and young voters, who helped make him the first post-baby boomer president. They all call him Barack, and he responded by texting them on victory night: "All of this happened because of you. Thanks, Barack."

Barack, I love it.

Even my original home state of Ohio went for Obama. Thanks again Dean for the 50 state strategy! Here's one of my favorite images from the campaign.



(If you have not seen Midwestern barns, they are really big, and it must have taken a lot of work to paint the image.)