If you've read any of my comments, you've known that I am a self-professed Chicken Little. I have openly admitted it and have had no shame in doing so. I have indeed been afraid--terrified of losing this election. I have PTSD about 2000 and 2004. I have had night terrors about election night, with Obama going before the cameras to congratulate John McCain. I've envisioned myself forever with the remote control in my hand, ready to click away from President McCain--or, God forbid--President Palin if McCain does indeed croak in office. And so yes, I've been afraid. I've chimed in and wanted blood. I have wanted (and still want) us to fight and fight hard. But I have a renewed sense of hope today about this entire thing. And I know for sure we are going to win.
I live in the ruby-slipper red state of Kansas, and I cross the state line every day to work in Missouri. I have watched my neighbors--good people--vote against their interests in two elections now. Their Bush/Cheney bumper stickers and signs were everywhere. I can remember my one friend--and very young guy at the time--saying how "cool" he thought Cheney was. Since I am a California transplant, I felt literally surrounded by fools. But I think this is different. Yes, Palin has brought out the crazies, but when I look at my neighborhood, and as I drive to work, I see a very different story.
The route I take to work is lined with Obama yard signs. They stand almost in defiance to all of the lunacy that has been a part of Kansas and Missouri politics. When I see these signs, I'm reminded of the thousands of folks who showed up in dismal, freezing weather to caucus and vote. I have seen ONE McCain yard sign. But yard signs are only one indicator of enthusiasm and support. My informal research shows that we also strongly outnumber McCain in bumper stickers as well. But what really did inspire me today as I drove in was WHO had the Obama bumper stickers on their cars.
I could not help but smile as I passed an Obama-supporter car and saw two people who had to be at least 75 years old each--and white. This seemed to be proof of what my husband (a geriatrician) has said ALL of his patients believe--that John McCain is too old to be president. These are old folks who don't think McCain has what it takes. His patients also feel that Bush has been a disaster and they are ashamed of him. But it was also very solid proof that not only is everyone not an idiot, but that we've gotten to a place where an older white couple from Kansas is openly supporting an African American for president. I know this may not seem like much to you, but I am African American, and it's a big deal to me.
I went to a show with several white women last week who are disgusted with Sarah Palin. Two are actively involved in volunteer work for Obama. Their attitude has been echoed too many times for me to count. Since I have my own Obama bumper sticker, I get lots of "feedback" about it. Everyone--from my daughter's school librarian to parents at cross country meets to just people at the grocery store--say "Hey, I love your bumper sticker!"
I also teach at a local university and my class of freshmen is enthusiastically looking forward to voting for Barack Obama. I specifically did not ask whom they supported, but they readily volunteered the information. It made sense to me to make sure they had time to vote--with potentially long lines and delays--so I gave them election day off to do so (provided they come back the following class with proof that they voted). Just doing my part. :-)
I have no statistical evidence to support my new found optimism. It's just a feeling I have that the country is ready for smart leadership. This doesn't mean we don't fight like hell and donate as much as we can, and I'm sure I'll have plenty of comments saying how much I want to take McCain down in a real, punishing way, but again, I'm looking around my immediate world, and I see plenty of reasons to smile and be hopeful. Never forget that we've had the kitchen sink thrown at us--we've been through very desperate days and we've survived them. I don't know that Kansas itself will turn blue, but that almost doesn't matter nearly as much as knowing all of humanity is not lost. And I think Missouri really is up for grabs, and it's where I do my volunteer work.
So, hey, fellow Chicken Littles! On this day when we remember what we really are fighting for, take heart and believe. It's really going to happen. Barack-Chalk, Jayhawk!
UPDATE: WOW!! This is my first rec'd diary!!! Thanks everyone!!