Amen, and amen. I no longer have to be embarrassed by the president of my country. It is nice to feel like we are moving forward and not backward. You said it so nicely, Tara.

AMEN! I With ya on this... excellently said!

Right on, Tara, I couldn't agree more, there is a feeling of hope in the country. The last 8 years have NOT been good.

This is wonderful. Your words are powerful, poignant and eloquent, and I echo your sentiments,(in spades!). I look forward to yet again embracing friendships with my southern neighbours withOUT my 8 years of resentment bubbling to the surface....(sorry, but it is true). You are as erudite as your new Chief, and I congratulate you whole-heartedly! At least 10********** for this beauty!

Very very true words! Your poem/words are as inspirational as the President's! I've downloaded the speech he gave and I read it very carefully. I found hope and inspiration, of understanding and compassion, of honesty and sober thought. Everybody, if you get a chance please at least read it - it is worth doing. I cannot rate this high enough 5++++++++++++

CMolsen, have you ever heard Obama talk without a teleprompter? He's no better than Bush was.

Coming from the great white north, I breathe a sigh of relief. Thank the Gods America has woken up from the nightmare it has inflicted on itself and the world for the past 8 years. Finally there is hope in the free world, and the not so free world.

Wonderful, Tara! It is almost as exciting for us over here! (did he really say misunderestimated? Blimey!)

Beautiful words, Tara and may they all be a reallity for the future of USA. Best wishes for the country.

AAAAAAMEN !!!!!

Ditto everyone, ditto Mina! Lotsa "a"s in that amen! I come from Chicago, and with our history of machine-politics, the progressives really had to fight to be heard. That's the world Obama came from—they learned how to overcome all odds. He ran the best campaign in our history & he's got fine people around him, and he listens. You couldn't have covered it better. Amen, let the new day begin!

I so agree warm hug, Linda Kaye

Very well written It is an interesting element of what features contrast between the two Presidents that has caught peoples imagination. Both are very skilled in the realm of politics. I would never say that one believes in himself less then the other does, something that should be a requirement of anyone who becomes president. President Clinton helped set the stage for the election of President Bush as much as he in turn has set the stage for the election of President Obama. On secrets I absolutely agree its been the biggest failure of the government (all levels), press and citzens. Fear of what if became stronger then the belief and faith in a way of life.

you have said it all...Amen too

I think you hit the nail on the head. This is exactly how I feel. And, being from Hawaii, I think he will be very open minded and a great leader. It will take time, but I know it can be done. Great words of wisdom. Aloha

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope so...I need a job or I'm going to fall off the face of the earth...nicely written

wonderful ... Canadians as well really like President Obama ...

As you pass the joint around might I remind you that Obama is a product of the Chicago political machine, the most corrupt political operation in America. Its players are ruthless, cold, dishonest, ego ridden, corrupt, greedy, and vicious as hell. You learn early on how to make dirty deals and smile in the face as you twist the knife in the back. To survive you make others fear to tread on your territory. Those who do survive in this system must thrive in all the above. Not only did Obama survive in this environment, he excelled there and rose to the top in a very short time! And it wasn’t because he beat the system; rather he excelled in the game sliding by with an unassuming demeanor and a smooth talk. And everything else the general public never had privy to. Other than all that, we know more about Clark Kent than we do about Barack Obama. Except that he’s also a socialist. Now let’s see. . . . in how many countries has socialism ever worked and inspired the populace to actually take charge of their lives with a personal responsibility to better themselves rather than ask for a handout? None. Period. So where does all this quixotic, dreamy-eyed, unfounded optimism come from? Drugs? Ignorance? Hope? Hope is but an excuse for a lack of action. I wish the man no harm, but here’s one politician I’m counting on to NOT keep his campaign promises. Peace.