I am not expressing a political opinion here, or inviting political debate; there's a reason why I've posted this in the History forum.

We've all heard the broadsides from both camps- no need to repeat that stuff here- I think even staunch political opponents of the senator from Illinois cannot argue that America has been true to the intentions of its founders this time around.

We have all witnessed an event of major historic significance, something that transcends partisan politics.


I predict today's victory for Barack Obama, the first American of non-European descent ever to gain the highest office in the land, will have an enduring and much-needed symbolic power that will resonate around the world, regardless of how things pan out for him in the next four years.


  I honestly often doubted I'd live to see this, and it's very encouraging. I hope others abroad will be similarly encouraged, especially those who've been wondering what happened to the ideals that get so much lip service in this country, but are not always upheld so clearly.


Just an average American feeling a little less cynical than usual... don't mind me...

beaky wrote on Nov 5^th, 2008 at 1:23am:

He is of European descent on his mother's side.

WebbPA wrote on Nov 5^th, 2008 at 12:41pm:


I know; I didn't say "entirely".

It's possible that some former US presidents were not 100% "caucasian", either, but if they knew, they weren't advertising the fact.

Remember, it wasn't long ago that a Catholic US president  (JFK- an Irishman to boot!) was considered a quantum leap; revolutionary. People were shocked; amazed- many were outraged.

So this is a big deal for the US, and yes, it should reap diplomatic benefits abroad from those who have never had any reason to trust WASPs.

beaky wrote on Nov 5^th, 2008 at 1:23am:


The world has turned a corner.