Well, it's been two days since Barack Obama became our President-Elect. It's been an amazing year.
In my circle of friends and co-workers in Milwaukee, a common theme has begun to emerge. I call that theme Cautious Optimism. Personally, this is the first time I've felt absolutely sure that we have the right person headed to the White House.
My original choice was Edwards, and I think I speak for the bulk of his primary supporters when I say that it's a relief that Plan A failed.
Obama was my Plan B, and I feel silly for not having backed him from the very beginning.
When I survey the width and breadth of Obama's journey to the White House, one word comes to mind that I haven't heard attributed to him during this campaign, and that word is Discipline. I've just watched a candidate go from Point A, which many Americans would have considered nothing more than a pipe dream, to Point B while employing a paradigm that up to this point I had been unfamiliar with in my lifetime. I didn't see recklessness, mean-spiritedness or the overarching need for simplicity so prevalent in the modern breed of politician. I saw what should now be considered the model for discipline and organization with regard to message, strategy and purpose.
Once he had Hillary Clinton in his rear view mirror, I knew that he was going to be the winner. When the handwringing began about who he would choose as his running mate, I watched as he continued his disciplined approach by picking Joe Biden, a perfect compliment to his strengths and partially-weaved narrative. As McCain pitched and tossed at sea as the economic crisis overwhelmed him, Obama once again brought forth a reasoned and disciplined approach that showed the world how a true statesman operates.
The road ahead, thanks in large part to the land mines buried upon it by the current resident of the White House, will not be an easy one. Yet I have never in my lifetime felt more secure knowing who our next President will be. Obama has shown his leadership style to the world. For once, the discipline that he has shown on the campaign trail should translate well to guiding the Ship of State. As an American, I am humbled to be at his service and call him my leader.