President Obama Gets Emotional Thanking Campaign Staffers

Once upon a time, when I met President Obama, back in 2002, long before he was President and before he was a U.S. Senator, I was impressed by his humbleness and his authenticity. I was impressed by his belief that we can all change the world. That by holding onto hope and faith, we could each create ripples that went far beyond us, maybe even to places and people we never imagined.

On Wednesday, after winning a second term as President of the United States, President Obama stopped by his Chicago campaign headquarters to speak to the campaign workers who never stopped believing that their efforts, no matter the size, would have enormous impact on the campaign and they would be victorious. When he spoke to them, he didn't talk about himself, he talked about them and how they remain his source of inspiration. He spoke about how their futures are in front of them and to keep doing the work they believe in because they will change the world.

The one thing he didn't say explicitly, although I suppose it was implied was that no matter how the Right demonizes community organizers, great and lasting change has always started at the grassroots level and community organizers make that happen.

Watch President Obama thank his staff and watch him wipe tears from his face. If you don't get misty, I don't know what to say. This is authentic. This is who our President is.

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President (Elect) Obama's Victory Speech

I'll have more to say on the election later tonight, but this morning, I wanted to make sure my dear readers who probably didn't stay up until the wee hours of the morning to see and hear President Obama's Victory Speech had a chance to see it.

It won't surprise you that I stayed up. I was chatting with old friends via text messaging and instant messaging. And then I fell asleep mid-speech. It was a very late night and this morning I'm exhausted, but oh so happy.

I did see Mitt Romney's complete concession speech and have to give him kudos for a great speech.

I hope that no matter what party you identify with, you'll take a few minutes to hear President Obama talk about unity and how he is the ENTIRE President of the United States. He understands there is healing that needs to happen in our country and I believe he's committed to making that happen. It's my fondest wish this morning that all of the newly elected or re-elected officials will take a deep breath, look across the aisle, work to make peace. I hope they also all take a few minutes to examine their own responsibility for why we are so divided, because this is a problem we all caused, not just "the other guys."

Watch the video and be inspired. And, as always, if you're reading this via the daily email, you'll have to visit the blog to watch the video.

Congratulations Mr. President!

The Electoral Map according to Huffington Post at 11:46pm CT. 

These numbers don't include Florida or Alaska. If Florida goes for Obama and Alaska goes for Romney, then the final tally will be 332 Obama to 206 Romney.

President Barack Obama has won a second term.

But what does that really mean?

It means that quality, affordable health care for all won. It means people with pre-existing conditions won. It means that the War on Women lost. It means that equal pay for equal work won. It means that marriage equality won. It means that civil rights for all won. It means that the auto industry won. It means that the stimulus package won. It means consumer protections won. It means that college students depending on Pell Grants and affordable student loans won. It means that science won.

It also means that fear, hate, distortions, and lies lost.

So what do we do now?

We need to get down to work. We need to demand that our Congress and President work together and do what's right for the country. The facts are the facts. There are going to have to be some cuts and some tax increases and they can't all be borne by the middle and lower classes. Let's stop the bickering about whether or not President Obama is a "real American." He is a real American and he is the President of 100% of the country.

Congratulations, Mr. President! Now get to work.

Just Let It Go

My newish blog buddy American Girl over at She's an American Girl has written one of the most poignant blog posts I've read in a long time. Maybe ever.

As we sit on the cusp of history about to inaugurate our first African American President and on the day we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., you simply must read this post on racism. It will touch you deeply.

It embarrasses me to say that I know people who are racist (hell, I'm related to a few). Although these people are not part of my day-to-day life, I have been around them and heard some of the most vile words come out of their mouths and not called them on the carpet for it. Instead, I've simply walked away. That was the wrong response. It was the wrong response because it didn't address the problem and because my silence (even as I was walking away) could have been construed as condonement.

I vow that from today forward, I will call out hateful behavior of all kinds.

I'm fairly certain that each of us has had this experience. If we all spoke up to hate speech, we might affect change in some people. The ripple effect could be enormous.

Now go read She's An American Girl.

The Bush Countdown Clock Has ZERO Days Left!

We have all been eagerly awaiting this day and I admit that sometimes I wondered if it would ever arrive.

But it's finally here.

We have less than 24 hours left of President George W. Bush's Reign of Terror.

At 12:00 noon (11:00am CT) on Tuesday, we will inaugurate the 44th President of the United States, Barack Hussein Obama. God Bless America.

We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial

If you've been reading Little Merry Sunshine for any amount of time, you know how much I love music and how it influences my life.

Unfortunately, I missed today's concert at the Lincoln Memorial because I don't have HBO, but I discovered that HBO is showing it on their website!

I encourage you to grab a cup of tea or a glass of champagne and watch this wonderful celebration. It's about each of us and we worked hard for all that we're celebrating these next few days. So get cozy and be ready to laugh and cry and dance. You've earned it.

Click here to watch it now (clicking on the picture won't get you there).

I Miss DC

Maybe it's because of the bottle of wine I've had tonight. Maybe it's because we're about to inaugurate the 44th President of the United States and a man I truly admire. Maybe it's that time of the month (it's not). Maybe it's because I feel one door closing and another opening (in more ways than one). Maybe it's . . . . just because . . .

But tonight I miss DC more tonight than I have in the almost 9 years since I moved back to Chicago. And I guess, over the next few days, it's just going to get worse.

What Is Obama Saying to Bush 1?

American Girl has given me a brilliant idea!

In a comment to yesterday's post "Picture of the Day," American Girl mentioned that she likes to imagine what people are saying to each other in pictures like the one of President-elect Obama and the former Presidents.

American Girl thinks Obama is whispering to Bush I "You're lucky you don't have to clean up after him this time."

I think Obama is saying "WOW! Compared to your boy Chimpy over here, Dan Quayle was a f*ing rocket scientist!"

What do you think? The best suggestion will win a virtual prize.

Picture of the Day

The President-elect and four living ex-Presidents all together in one room. Wow.

The collective brainpower in this picture . . . well, it's brought down significantly by the Bushes, but otherwise, it's pretty awesome.

But why won't anyone stand near President Carter?

Be The Change You Wish To See In The World

I'd say President-elect Barack Obama epitomizes this phrase by Mahatma Gandhi perfectly and evidently I'm not alone.

The Inauguration Committee has just released the official Inauguration Poster, which is available for purchase on their website. Someone should have told the Committee about the recession. At $100 that poster is a bit rich for my blood. I wish it weren't.

Today's Favorite Picture

This is my favorite picture today.

I happened to flip on CNN as President-elect Barack Obama's plane was landing at Andrews Air Force Base just outside Washington DC. While the plane that was used is not Air Force One, CNN mentioned that this is the first time a President-elect has flown on a plane from the fleet of planes available to be used as the back-up for Air Force One.

Although I was in Grant Park on Election Night and it was very emotional for me, I think seeing President-elect Obama arriving in DC tonight and departing the plane with the Presidential Seal behind him was the first time it really sunk in that Barack Obama is about to become our President. I actually shed a tear and can only imagine I'll be a basketcase on January 20th.

Favorite Moments of 2008

After reading Ellen of the Tenth's favorite moments of 2008, I have been inspired to reflect on the year and write my own. Like the sexy men post, these are in no particular order.

Certainly no "favorite moments" post would be complete without mentioning November 4, 2008. I've never been so proud to vote in my life. It was a sunny day and I felt hopeful from the moment I woke up. Standing in line, waiting to vote for now President-elect Barack Obama, I was proud to be American. (Note: This was not the first time I was proud, but it's a moment of pride that stands out.) I was proud that we have a tradition of orderly change of power in our country. I was proud of where we'd come since Martin Luther King stood at the Lincoln Memorial telling the world of his dream. And even though the candidate was African-American (and in spite of Sarah Palin on the GOP ticket), I felt, for the first time, that it's possible for a woman to become President in my lifetime. The soundtrack I heard in my head all day was inspiring.

Fast forward a few hours when I was standing in Grant Park with my dear friends Tim, Tony, and Colleen and we were part of history. We weren't close to the stage and we couldn't see anything not broadcast on the jumbotron, but we were there. We were there when Barack won the presidency. And damn I was proud. My heart was overflowing with joy and I don't think I ever got to sleep that night.



This year I also went back in the water at Watervale. I got over my fear of kayaking and faced the icy waters of Lake Michigan like a woman. My brother Dave pushes me out of my comfort zone and I'm always a better woman for it.

2008 also brought me quite a bit of professional success. I was selected to join the Board of Directors of the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce and asked to be the co-chair of the Professional Women's Council. Being introduced to the Professional Women's Council as the co-chair for 2009 (and the chairwoman for 2010) was a moment of pride I'll never forget. And I'm sure it will be the same when I'm inducted to the Chamber Board in front of the entire Chamber in January.

For the second year in a row, I was #1 in sales in my area in Mary Kay. I was also named Miss Go Give, again for the second year in a row, in our area. This is a really big deal and the highest award in all of Mary Kay. The Miss Go Give Award is awarded to the consultant who most emulates Mary Kay's principles of working by the Golden Rule, and caring and sharing through her business.

Early in 2008 I was asked to join the Alumni Board at Lake Forest College. I remember when that phone call came, I really felt like I'd "made it." I remember being a college student there and feeling very much like an outsider. I received a ton of financial aid and it seemed like everyone else was from an uber-wealthy family and attended boarding school. I was never quite sure I belonged there, even though I had a great experience and made some of the best friends I've ever known. My education and lessons I learned at Lake Forest College have served me well and now through my service on the Alumni Board, I am able to give back in ways other than just writing a check.

As part of my volunteer work for the College, I was the chairwoman of my 15th Year Reunion Committee. Our reunion was in October and a huge success. I remember standing in the back of the almost over-crowded room watching people reminiscing, renewing old friendships, and making new ones. Yes, I had a committee and they worked hard. But I know that my leadership played a huge part in the success of the night. I'd be lying if I said that night wasn't a favorite moment of 2008.

Finally, after all the writing I've done about it, probably my favorite moment of the year was "my book." Well, okay, it wasn't MY book, exactly. But I did have a small (very small) part in The Book of Lies by Brad Meltzer. I loved that he mentioned me in the Acknowledgments, which was a huge surprise. And then when Brad was in Chicago on his book tour, he called my mom to wish her a happy birthday as he signed a book for her. She's a huge fan of his and was really touched that he personally called her.

As we move into 2009, I am filled with hope that President Obama will lead us into better economic times before millions more people lose their jobs and homes. I am hopeful that we are able to finally provide all Americans will equal rights in every area of their lives and that healthcare becomes a right and ceases to be a privilege. I am hopeful that as a nation, we will come together and support our new president and that the hatred will subside. Personally, I'm hopeful that my business continues to thrive and that Mr. Right and I finally meet.

Here's to 2009.

Oh My! Obama!

This is what I like to see first thing in the morning with a cup of coffee and the newspaper. It definitely filled me with hope or something like that.

It IS About The Economy, Stupid.

Okay, maybe that's kind of a snarky title for a post about President-elect Barack Obama's Weekly Radio Address, but it fits, so I'm using it.

This week's address is all about the economy and how President-elect Obama will work to fix it. He's got some exciting ideas for job creation.

Barack Can Call Me Anytime And I Won't Hang Up On Him

This is hysterical to me. I love the fact that President-elect Obama had a sense of humor about being hung up on twice.

And it reminds me of an awesome scene from The American President. President Shepard and Sydney Ellen Wade have met earlier in the day and he's quite taken with her, so he attempts to call her up and invite her to attend a State Dinner as his date. She hangs up on him a couple of times, insisting it's a prank call. If I could have found a YouTube clip of it, I would have posted.


Fla. [GOP] congresswoman accidentally hangs up on Obama [twice]
by the Associated Press in the Daily Herald, December 4, 2008

MIAMI -- When a man sounding remarkably like President-elect Barack Obama called a Florida congresswoman Wednesday, she assumed it was a crank call.

So Republican Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen hung up. But, the Miami Herald reports, this was no prank.

"I thought it was one of the radio stations in South Florida playing an incredible, elaborate, terrific prank on me," Ros-Lehtinen told the newspaper. "They got Fidel Castro to go along. They've gotten Hugo Chavez and others to fall for their tricks. I said, 'Oh, no, I won't be punked.'"

The call came about 1 p.m. Obama congratulated her on her re-election, saying he was looking forward to working with her as the ranking Republican member of the House Foreign Affairs committee, Ros-Lehtinen told the newspaper.

The conversation lasted about a minute when she cut Obama off, telling him she wasn't falling for the hoax and that he was a better impersonator than the guy on Saturday Night Live, she said.

Then Rahm Emanuel, Obama's chief of staff, called the congresswoman to tell her it wasn't a joke. But she hung up on him, too. It took a call from Rep. Howard Berman, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, to persuade Ros-Lehtinen that Obama really did want to talk to her.
When the two finally talked, Ros-Lehtinen said she and Obama had a good conversation and she congratulated him for his victory despite how hard she campaigned for his opponent, Sen. John McCain.

He didn't even blame her for mistaking him for a radio-station prank, she said.

"He laughed a lot, saying in Chicago they do it all the time," Ros-Lehtinen said. "He said, 'I don't blame you for being skeptical.'"

Repeated calls by The Associated Press to two office numbers for the congresswoman rang unanswered after hours Wednesday. An e-mail message to an Obama spokeswoman after hours wasn't immediately returned.

Obama Wants to Stay In Touch With People

For the last 8 years, we've had a President who got all of his news filtered through his staff. President Bush (43) is probably the least intellectually curious president we've ever had. The isolation he has from the "real world" frightens me and I believe is at least partly responsible for the economic crisis we are currently experiencing as a nation.

Luckily, we were smart enough to elect Barack Obama to be the 44th President of the United States. And his campaign made a big deal of keeping the communication lines open throughout the campaign. But that's the kind of guy he is.

President-elect Barack Obama wants to remain in contact with Americans. And to that end he is fighting to keep his Blackberry. That may sound a bit ridiculous with all the bigger issues we are facing, but he believes keeping it will make him a better President and I agree.

"I'm negotiating to figure out how can I get information from outside of the ten or 12 people who surround my office in the White House," he said. "Because one of the worst things I think that could happen to a president is losing touch with what people are going through day to day."

Thank you President-elect Obama. Thank you for living up to our expectations. Thank you for being intellectually curious enough to want to seek out the truth for yourself. Thank you for running into our economic crisis head on now and not waiting until January 21st. Thank you for understanding that being President can be isolating and there is a significant danger in having 100% of your news filtered.

You have many challenges ahead of you. One of them should not be worrying about if you have all of the necessary information. I'm certain that you and the lawyers can work something out with regards to your Blackberry. It's too important to give up on this issue.

Thanksgiving 2008

As Thanksgiving 2008 arrives, I have so much to be grateful for. Although it's been year full of opportunities that I had not anticipated and the economy has me worried, just like everyone else, I find myself looking at all the blessings in my life.

First, in the material category, I'm grateful to have a home, car, and plenty of food. That may sound incredibly simplistic, but with so many people losing their homes and unable to put food on the table, I truly feel blessed that these are not worries of mine.

In the priceless category, I say thanks every day for my friends and family. I can't imagine being on this roller coaster called Life without any of them.

My mom is truly my hero. That may sound silly, but I know all that she has sacrificed in her life and the challenges she's had to overcome. Her strength inspires me. She is selfless beyond words. I'm blessed that my mom and I have such a strong bond. I wouldn't have it any other way.

My friends keep me on my toes. And that's a really good thing. They keep me laughing and help me not take myself so seriously. And the lessons they've taught me . . . . oh, the lessons.

Betsey and Ross surely keep my blood pressure down. Betsey is laying on my desk as I type and her purring is my favorite soundtrack.

My business and my clients are second to none.

I'm grateful for an intellectually curious President-elect. We are in the midst of terrifying economic times and our President-elect has his feet firmly planted on the ground. He is surrounding himself with the best and the brightest in all areas. He makes decisions with thoughtful consideration, something we haven't seen in almost a decade. And he's hit the ground running and will be further ahead on Day One than any president in my memory. I believe President-elect Obama has the country's best interests at heart and not simply his own agenda. He's made it cool to be smart and hopeful again.

I'm sure that over the next few days I will think of more that I'm grateful for and I'll add them to the blog as I'm able.

What are you grateful for?

It Wouldn't Be Funny If It Weren't 100% True

From The Huffington Post:

Obama's Use of Complete Sentences Stirs Controversy
by Andy Borowitz, November 18, 2008

In the first two weeks since the election, President-elect Barack Obama has broken with a tradition established over the past eight years through his controversial use of complete sentences, political observers say.

Millions of Americans who watched Mr. Obama's appearance on CBS's 60 Minutes on Sunday witnessed the president-elect's unorthodox verbal tick, which had Mr. Obama employing grammatically correct sentences virtually every time he opened his mouth.

But Mr. Obama's decision to use complete sentences in his public pronouncements carries with it certain risks, since after the last eight years many Americans may find his odd speaking style jarring.

According to presidential historian Davis Logsdon of the University of Minnesota, some Americans might find it "alienating" to have a president who speaks English as if it were his first language.

"Every time Obama opens his mouth, his subjects and verbs are in agreement," says Mr. Logsdon. "If he keeps it up, he is running the risk of sounding like an elitist."

The historian said that if Mr. Obama insists on using complete sentences in his speeches, the public may find itself saying, "Okay, subject, predicate, subject predicate -- we get it, stop showing off."

The president-elect's stubborn insistence on using complete sentences has already attracted a rebuke from one of his harshest critics, Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska.

"Talking with complete sentences there and also too talking in a way that ordinary Americans like Joe the Plumber and Tito the Builder can't really do there, I think needing to do that isn't tapping into what Americans are needing also," she said.

Andy Borowitz is a comedian and writer whose work appears in The New Yorker and The New York Times, and at his award-winning humor site, BorowitzReport.com.

Piece of History

This is the actual letter of resignation submitted by Senator Barack Obama to Governor Blagovich.

President-Elect Barack Obama's First Weekly Radio/Video Address

As I reported yesterday, President-elect Barack Obama is bringing transparency in government to a level not seen in years (certainly not the past 8) by recording his Weekly Radio Address in a video format on You Tube so that we can watch it anytime.

Little Merry Sunshine is believes governmental transparency is fundamental and will bring you President-elect (and then President!) Obama's weekly You Tube radio address.