Ladies and Gentlemen, President Elect Obama

A New Day

In case you are Rip Van Winkle: Just in case you missed it, there was an election yesterday. Today we have a new president-elect, a new first family, and within a few months we’ll have the transition team in place and hope will fill the air. The burden will be a heavy one, as our country is in fiscal chaos and has a $ 10 billion dollar per month war festering. President-elect Obama is our new leader and every American must pull together to heal the wounds from which our country and its citizens bleed.

Some excerpts from President Elect Obama’s speech: “If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer… It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled. Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of red states and blue states… We are, and always will be, the United States of America…

Sen. McCain fought long and hard in this campaign. And he's fought even longer and harder for the country that he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine. We are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader…

(He then thanks all who have played a role in his life’s journey) But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to. It belongs to you. It belongs to you… (This victory) drew strength from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on doors of perfect strangers, and from the millions of Americans who volunteered and organized and proved that more than two centuries later a government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from the Earth. This is your victory.”

Some excerpts from Senator McCain’s speech: “My friends, we have -- we have come to the end of a long journey. The American people have spoken, and they have spoken clearly… In a contest as long and difficult as this campaign has been, his success alone commands my respect for his ability and perseverance. But that he managed to do so by inspiring the hopes of so many millions of Americans who had once wrongly believed that they had little at stake or little influence in the election of an American president is something I deeply admire and commend him for achieving…

"Senator Obama and I have had and argued our differences, and he has prevailed. No doubt many of those differences remain. These are difficult times for our country, and I pledge to him tonight to do all in my power to help him lead us through the many challenges we face… I urge all Americans who supported me to join me in not just congratulating him, but offering our next president our good will and earnest effort to find ways to come together, to find the necessary compromises, to bridge our differences, and help restore our prosperity, defend our security in a dangerous world, and leave our children and grandchildren a stronger, better country than we inherited… It is natural -- it's natural tonight to feel some disappointment, but tomorrow we must move beyond it and work together to get our country moving again.”

“I would not be an American worthy of the name, should I regret a fate that has allowed me the extraordinary privilege of serving this country for a half a century. Today, I was a candidate for the highest office in the country I love so much. And tonight, I remain her servant. That is blessing enough for anyone and I thank the people of Arizona for it... Tonight, more than any night, I hold in my heart nothing but love for this country and for all its citizens, whether they supported me or Senator Obama -- whether they supported me or Senator Obama, I wish Godspeed to the man who was my former opponent and will be my president.

“And I call on all Americans, as I have often in this campaign, to not despair of our present difficulties but to believe always in the promise and greatness of America, because nothing is inevitable here. Americans never quit. We never surrender. We never hide from history, we make history.”

Turning off the passion is difficult: Two strong candidates ran for the office of president of the United States. Both sides had their supporters and both fought for victory in their party. But just as the sportsmanship that comes with the end of a conference football game, win or lose, both sides shake hands, congratulate each other for a battle hard fought, and leave the field as allies in the same conference. So must the passions be set aside that were so strong just hours ago. That is what makes us a civilized country. We vote, and then we all support the winner. Such must be the case with our new president. We must rally as Americans to support our president to rebuild the economy, the healthcare system, and all the other challenges that must be met. Should the President Elect seek my counsel I would advise him to invite Senator McCain to join his cabinet. Regardless of who you endorsed for president, I urge you to follow that person’s exhortation and become a true American.

We are not alone on this planet: Leaders of countries around the world watched the U.S. election. Below are a few of their comments:

NICOLAS SARKOZY, FRENCH PRESIDENT
"With the world in turmoil and doubt, the American people, faithful to the values that have always defined America's identity, have expressed with force their faith in progress and the future.

"At a time when we must face huge challenges together, your election has raised enormous hope in France, in Europe and beyond. France and Europe ... will find a new energy to work with America to persevere peace and world prosperity."
STEPHEN HARPER, CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER

"I look forward to meeting with the President-elect so that we can continue to strengthen the special bond that exists between Canada and the United States.

"In the weeks and months ahead Canadian officials and diplomats will be working closely with members of President-elect Obama's transition team. Ministers in our government look forward to building a strong working relationship with their counterparts in a new Obama cabinet."

HELEN CLARK, NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER

"Senator Obama will be taking office at a critical juncture. There are many pressing challenges facing the international community, including the global financial crisis and global warming. We look forward to working closely with President-elect Obama and his team to address these challenges."

PAKISTANI EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON

"President (Asif Ali) Zardari expressed the hope that Pakistan-U.S. relations will be enhanced under the new American leadership that received a popular mandate in Tuesday's poll."

A little blogging music Maestro… Replay yesterday’s tune: “A New Day” by Celine Dion.

Dr. Forgot
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