A line of voters stretches around the corner as the polls open Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008 in Surfside, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
by Frank James
Election Day is finally here! And what a most historic one at that. The nation will either elect its first African-American president or its first woman vice president. Most of the reputable polls in recent days suggest it will be the former.
We had expected long lines at polling places and those expectations are being met judging by reports we are seeing from the East Coast and southern states already open.
Besides whether the next president will be Barack Obama or John McCain by the end of the day (we hope), we should also know whether the Democrats will fully control Congress, with a Senate majority large enough -- 60 seats -- to allow them to pass legislation and approve judicial nominations over the objections of Senate Republicans.
An exciting day. An historic day. There are moments that are milestones; this is one of those times.
Make sure you get out to vote if you haven't already. That is a right too many Americans have fought, bled and died for on foreign shores as well as our own, for it to be taken lightly.
Comments
The Grant Park Generation
Tonight as one million gather for peaceful change a new generation has been born and that generation is the Grant Park Generation. Its definition will be known for its collective effort to reify the words of George Bernard Shaw: “Some men see things as they are and say why? I dream things that never were and say 'Why not?"
Posted by: Remy Germain | November 4, 2008 9:18 AM
As a White, Jewish American I cast my vote this morning at 6:00AM proudly for Barack Obama. I know that he will win and I am beaming with pride about America and I am very proud today to be an American. We've come a long way and we still have a long way to go but every American should be thrilled that we chose the content of someone's character rather than the color of his skin in deciding who our next President should be. I am fifty-eight and have grown up during a time when Blacks could not drink from the same water fountains as whites, use the same bathrooms as whites or eat at the same restaurants as whites. Finally, at long last, America has been transformed into a nation where we judge someone for their ability and not their race. I believe the greatness of America that so many people around the world admire and love will be restored by President Obama. Rejoice America!!!!! We did it right, we did it well, and we just elected a great President!.
Posted by: Mark Jeffery Koch | November 4, 2008 10:19 AM
Today's presidential vote certainly is historic. We will either elect one of the smartest presidents in history, or by far the dumbest vice president in history. Your choice, America.
Posted by: My Aunt Fanny | November 4, 2008 11:23 AM
One positive legacy from the last 8 years of Geo Bush is the record turn out to vote....for hope... not fear. How soon can you be packed for your exit to Crawford Geo? Can't be soon enough.
Posted by: golfball | November 4, 2008 11:38 AM