Regardless of political alignment, thoughtful people were pleased about electing the first African-American president.  It was in many ways a show of what is best in the United States of America; that Americans can overcome, that we can make dreams a reality, that a man can truly be judged on his character, on his merits, no matter who he may be—even for the highest office in the land.

Unfortunately, it has also brought out the worst of America.  Associated Press has an article noting how Obama’s election has brought the ugliness of racism out to the forefront, with Obama inspired hate crimes all over America.  So much for the afterglow.

Lets hope that as time goes on, these crimes diminish in intensity and frequency.  They are a disgusting reminder of the disgusting minority of Americans still drowning in their own hatred.  Obama’s election was a bold and welcome step on the path to realizing the American dream, but its no way the conclusion of racism.  God knows Obama has had more threats against him than other presidents, lets hope that the American people who supported (or look like) him don’t become threatened…or worse, targeted.

It seems very implausible.  In fact, she herself has said in the past that she’s completely comfortable since the primary defeat being senator.  But Portico points out that Obama held a secret meeting with Hillary Clinton.  There are many reasons this could be a great move, if she wants to do it.  Of course, it would mean that Obama would have a “rock star” in his cabinet, and a former President looking over his shoulder.  But does that bother him?  31 of 47 people hired so far for his staff have ties to the Clinton Administration, so he’s clearly not afraid of having Clinton’s people nearby.

It will be interesting to see where this goes…

Does President-Elect Barak Obama have anything to learn from Dick Cheney?  In an article titled “What Barak Obama Should Learn From Dick Cheney” on the Huffington Post Steve Clemons seems to think son.  His point is that for good or ill, Cheney was able to communicate to his minons in a way that they all knew his will and implemented it loyally.  This is a trait that a president needs; Obama, he feels, may be “too smart”—as the smartest guy in the room, the tendency is to micromanage, and the President has simply too much to do.

But the real question is, can a President achieve the goal of informing a loyal staff as to his policy, program, and mindset without doing so in a draconian, Machiavellian way like Cheney?  Clearly, other leaders have been able to adequately deputize their cabinet and staff and avoid micromanagement without resorting to the sort of paranoia and bullying that became the trademark of Cheney’s rein.  So while Clemon’s warnings as to the pitfalls Obama may face ring true, there’s more than one way to avoid these pitfalls than the “Cheney way.”

Associated Press (via Yahoo News) offers a look at the graceful way in which Bush is handling the transfer of power.  Love him or hate him, credit where credit is due—he is going above and beyond simple duty.

One of the most intellectual and erudite voices of conservatism in America is New York Times columnist David Brooks.  In his current NYT column, Darkness at Dusk, he discusses what he sees as the civil war currently engulfing the Republican party, and the future of the conservative movement in America.  This is an excellent look at the two camps in the Republican party, what they stand for, and which camp is in control—and what that means for the future of the Grand Old Party.

Pulitzer-prize winning authress (is that a word?) Anna Quindlen wrote a moving essay in Newsweek magazine about the more existential ramifications of Obama’s election in the USA.  Titled What Obama Means to the Nation, it addresses the profound racial and moral implications of his victory.  Definitely worth a read.

The politics of personal destruction have lost.  The politics of cynicism have lost.  The politics of hope have won.  The fullness of time will reveal how the Obama presidency will fare.  But for now, the ubiquitous image of Obama captures the potential and optimism of this historic moment far better than words can.

It’s easy to become numbed to the attack ads and constant sniping during political campaigns.  But dirty tricks are a different story.  They should never become tolerable.  Especially when they are specifically designed to repress voters.

Associated Press reports myriad ways that Republican groups are trying to keep Jews, African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, and others who are likely to support Obama from voting.  This is not only illegal, not only deeply un-American, but deeply immoral and disgusting as well.  We must never allow ourselves to become desensitized to this.  This type of filth should horrify any and all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.  To tolerate voter suppression is to destroy the very essence of American democracy.

These crimes must be investigated and punished!  It doesn’t matter who wins the election, this type of disgrace must never, ever become acceptable!

An Associated Press—Yahoo News poll shows that while 43 percent of Obama supporters are excited about the election, only 13 percent of McCain supporters are (among other things, such as more McCain supporters being upset about coverage of the campaigns, etc).  This can have serious ramifications if McCain supporters decide to stay home out of a sense of discouragement.  It also explains why no matter how much McCain seems behind, he always paints a rosy picture of an upset victory to try and rally his troops.

While McCain supporters try and place the blame on the media, on Obama, on a poorly run campaign, on the choice (and behavior) of Palin, ultimately it comes back to John McCain himself.  He chose to allow his campaign to be run this way, he chose Palin as his running mate, and while he didn’t choose to run against Obama, he certainly chose how he would run against Obama.

In other words, Obama ran a campaign that sought to uplift his supporters.  It succeeded and his supporters are now feeling uplifted (in no small part from their likelihood of victory as well).  McCain ran a campaign that sought to vilify his opponent.  It too succeeded and McCain supporters dislike Obama intensely, but that negative focus drove the negativity of the campaign coverage, and doesn’t seem to be resonating with the majority of American voters.

Not long until Tuesday…

Well, as much as Obama ever does.  According to Reuters, Obama became annoyed when press swarmed him and his daughter as he was walking her to a Halloween party Friday evening. Of course, Obama being Obama, his annoyance didn’t take the form of a McCain tirade of swearing and streaming, but instead a calm but clearly irritated request to leave them be.  ”Come on guys, get back in the bus” was apparently the height of his rage.

Many parents would have gone into a forceful tirade against the intruding reporters.  It’s a sign of just how level-headed he is that his being irked is reported as a “flash of anger.”  And really, what American parent would not sympathize with a father who just wants to spend some fun time with his daughter?  In an odd way, this might actually help “humanize” Obama to some who find him too dispassionate on the campaign trail.  Clearly, he values his time and private life with his family immensely, and to remind voters of that is not a bad thing at all.  Especially since this episode also reminds voters that even in a “flash of anger” he is still cool and collected.