A Super Tuesday

I voted for Barack Obama tonight, and it was one of the most profound experiences of my life. I take politics very seriously and have a lot to say on the topic- and I have a lot of love for Hillary Clinton, so this was not an easy choice for me. Nor is this the final word that I have to say on the matter (in fairness, I was moved and excited by every victory Hillary tallied tonight- including my own state- and she gave a great speech).

People who tend to vote Democrat currently have two AWESOME candidates, and I can't remember the last time we had even one...

Anyway, my little perspective...

I showed up at my polling place and was directed to the machine that represented my district. The man who took my name and looked me up- and then opened the curtain and let me in- was black. When I stepped in and closed the curtain behind me, and then flipped down the little switch for Obama, I felt like I was doing something amazing to contribute to the evolving history of my country. I'm an upper-middle-class white dude, and I'm going in there and pulling the lever for the black guy because I honestly feel that, all things considered, he represents what our country needs right now and the best way to get there.

When I walked out, the guy who let me in gave me a very subtle- but noticeable- closed-first pump in the air. I swear to God, it was like he was giving me the "black power" signal- but not in the context of black power, more in the context of people power in the sense that I believe in my country and the importance of "real" people in my country. He had no idea who I voted for- he was just winking and nodding at the process.

The fact that I had just pulled the lever for a black man, though, really resonated with me in the context. It brought tears to my eyes.

Now, I realize that for women, Hillary represents the same thing, and an even more fundamental choice.

I'm not going there, because I can't. So I won't even pretend to.

I fully respect it.

But all I can say is, wow. Between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, tonight I have hope for our country.

PS: And if John McCain ends up as the Republican nominee, which sure looks likely as of now... well, we could be a lot worse off.