EricHoefler.com

I had planned on writing a series of reminders to the president elect: that we didn’t elect him so much as the ideals he gave us courage to hope for; that he must now face the future with humility, fear and trembling; that his power is not his own, but belongs to the people he now leads; that as a result, he must reach out to us, involve us, and help unite us. But then he gave his acceptance speech and reminded himself–and all of us–of these things and more, with eloquence, honor, and presidential stature.




My greatest concern right now, besides ensuring that he is given the chance to attempt what he intends, is that we find a way to undo the bitter divisiveness that this long campaign encouraged. My hope is that, though we may fight over the best methods, we can all agree on the purpose:

To those who would tear this world down: we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security: we support you. And to all those who have wondered if America’s beacon still burns as bright: tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.

If we can agree on this, and remember that this is what we’re fighting for, then the difficulties we face as we move toward that purpose will be worth the effort it will take to overcome them.

I’ve never felt as encouraged or inspired by a political leader. I’m eager to get involved in the hard work of building a better community, a better nation, and a better world. But I’m not foolish enough to believe there will be any magic to this, or that we can achieve all the things we hope to achieve in a few short years. However, I’m greatly relieved to finally have a leader whose stated purpose is something with which I can agree, who acknowledges the need to listen to those with whom we disagree, who asks that the people work hard and make sacrifices while inspiring them to seek hope and unity rather than fear and division.

This victory alone is not the change we seek, it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen … without you. So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism, of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other.

And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn: I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President, too.

It is our work, though, not the work of Barack Obama or the Democratic Party or any other individual or group. It is our work, and all indications are that Obama understands this and has the ability to lead and organize in a way that directs our work to best effect.

This is our time … to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth: that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope; and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: yes we can.

Update: Tom Hoffman points to this quote from Ezra Klein, who better summarizes what I feel:

My basic emotion is relief. The skill of an Obama administration has yet to be proven. The structure of our government will prove a more able opponent of change than John McCain. But for the first time in years, I have the basic sense that it’s going to be okay. Not great, necessarily. And certainly not perfect. But okay. The country will be led by decent, competent people who fret over the right things and employ the tools of the state for recognizable ends. They may not fully succeed. But then, maybe they will. At the least, they will try. And if they fail in their most ambitious goals, maybe they will simply make things somewhat better. After the constant anxiety and uncertainty of the last eight years, maybe that’s enough.