Commentary

What Does this Historic Election Mean to You?

This is an historic election – no matter whether the Democrats or the Republicans win. Just look at all the dramatic quotes concerning the 2008 election:

Here’s what CNN had to say:

“No matter how they vote, Americans will make history today. They may pick the first black U.S. president. Or the oldest first-term president and the first woman vice president. Record voter turnout is also predicted.”

The NY Times this:

“Whoever wins on Tuesday — Mr. Obama, the Democratic nominee, or Mr. McCain, the Republican — the election will make history. If Mr. Obama is elected, he will become the nation’s first African-American president. And if Mr. McCain wins, his running mate, Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska, will be the first woman elected vice president.”

The Washington Post had this slightly different word combination on tap:

“In a landmark election being closely watched around the globe, Obama, 47, is vying to become the nation’s first African American president. If elected, McCain, 72, would be the oldest American to win a first presidential term, as well as the first veteran of the Vietnam War. His running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, 44, seeks election as the country’s first female vice president. “

So, it’s unanimous – history will be made today. The long and arduous campaign watch will have been worth it. America will either have one giant first with a Barack Obama victory: the first Afican American president. Or, we’ll have three less giant firsts if John McCain wins: the oldest president and first Vietnam War veteran to call the White House home, and the first female vice president, America’s favorite hockey mom, Sarah Palin.

What does the history-making 2008 election mean to you? Can you elaborate on what it means for America to elect Barack Obama, who would be the first African American president? Does John McCain’s age and health issues make you worry at all? And what do you think of Sarah Palin becoming the first female vice presidential – which takes on added significance given McCain’s age and health.

We’ve seen the headlines for months now as election year politics sank to depths that surprised even the crustiest pundits. Has anyone had the time to dig underneath the slogans and sound bites? I’m thinking of this election in terms of personal history, and I’ll be writing about this later in the week. I think it’s a good idea for everyone to think about what really motivated their decision once the voting booth curtain closed behind them. If you have a minute, leave a comment on how this makes history for you – or whether you think this is all just media hype.

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© 2008 Splendid Marbles.