After volunteering at a MD precinct I headed down to Front Page, a Dupont Circle bar where a bunch of my work friends were gathered. I’d also been there for the first debate and as then, the place was packed and each CNN projection for Obama was greeted with cheers. I put enough faith in Nate Silver that I rested easy after Pennsylvania was called, but it was still exhilarating to stay through the whole process. Being without a watch or cell phone, I was actually in the bathroom close to 11 eastern when I heard some cheers from upstairs. Rushed up after I heard cheers starting. Thankfully, I managed to get there while they were still calling states, got back to my friends in time for it to be come official. President Elect Barack Hussein Obama.
Stuck around for the speeches, McCain’s gracious, Obama’s inspiring. While we were waiting it was thrilling each time I heard President Elect Obama. Everyone was hugging one another, taking pictures with themselves and the announcement, toasting the results, and of course cheering like mad. Normally staid think tankers were in tears or waxing poetic about the moment, this is our chance to wipe the slate clean, the chance to awaken from an eight year national nightmare.
When we spilled out into the streets the city was alive. Cars driving in the circle were honking their horns and drawing cheers in response. Chants were being started at any giving minute. First time I’ve ever high-fived a passing stranger and I think I did it at least a dozen times. One image that will particularly stick with me was a passing Mack Truck blowing his horn to a "Yes, We Can" beat. On the streets people went with that, "Yes, We Did" or just a simple "Obama!"
I’ve never seen anything like it in person. I didn’t tend to participate when UMD had post-victory sports riots celebrations, but I doubt those weren’t as oriented on the country and they certainly weren’t as broadly based. The closest I’ve seen on TV were World Cup victories or the celebration of a newly emerging, or reemerging democracy after the fall of a hated leader.
For me, the occasion was only slightly dampened by the realization that the Metro closed, I had no easy way to get back to Silver Spring, and there were scores of people in the same predicament trying to get taxis. Fortunately I was able to get a hold of a friend who was kind enough to let me crash on her couch. Thanks again!
I didn’t bring my camera, but check out the DCist (via Monica) or Joel Achenbach for a description of the gathering at the White House.
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