I really didn’t want to put my clothes back on and go out again at 11PM. But the yelling and screaming was so compelling that I just had to see what was going on, lest I miss a photo opportunity I might later regret. I live in the heart of New York University, so a moment’s reflection was all that was needed to assess that the hoopla had to be over an announcement that Barack Obama would be the 44th President of the United States and that there was an end to the 8-year Republican hegemony.
So out into the night with camera in hand. It was quite amazing on the streets. I don’t recall ever witnessing this kind of fanfare over a presidential election. There was all manner of revelry, including the occasional firecrackers. I was fortunate to overhear a directive from one of the students: “Let’s head to Union Square.” A brilliant idea, since Union Square would most likely be a downtown nexus for celebration.
One block from Union Square on University Place, I overheard someone say, “They have no idea what they’re in for when they turn that corner.” And right he was – an enormous crowd had already gathered, and an impromptu tent had been created with a huge American flag. The general feeling in Union Square and the streets was quite exuberant. I overheard one young person conclude a conversation on his cell phone, “I’m so happy, Mom. I love you.”
Leaving blame aside, there has been a malaise over this nation and desire for change. The unpopular Middle East policies and the recent banking debacle and resultant market crash are adequate reasons to galvanize the public. This was a vote for change. From today’s New York Times:
The election of Mr. Obama amounted to a national catharsis — a repudiation of a historically unpopular Republican president and his economic and foreign policies, and an embrace of Mr. Obama’s call for a change in the direction and the tone of the country.
Optimism and hope for a renewed America and improved policies and international relations was echoed in the media around the world. I do hope that the change will be good for this country and that President Obama proves to be an able captain.
For a time, the voice of change should buoy the spirits of our ailing country. And time will tell if Mr. Obama can deliver on the promises of hope…
President Obama said:… a new spirit… a responsability…”
Quite a picture you have here!
Thanks for going back outside! Great post.
Where the heck did they get such a huge flag?
I have been at Union Square countless times but no longer live in NYC anymore -I can just imagine how wonderful that was! Great pic.
That’s so exciting to be in a city as great as New York on a night as great as last night! Do you have any more pictures of Union Square??
Ohhh I would love to see more of your pics of last night!
I can’t tell you how immensely ecstatic I am and I’m a New Zealander living in eastern Europe..
Congratulations, this is one step forward for the future good.
A superb photograph of last night. You’ve really captured the energy, the excitement,the crowds. Such a moving and important decision for America and the world. As I said on my blogs, Thankyou America! Change has come and it’s GOOD.
A fantastic shot and also a great post! Congratulations on your new president! I’m really happy!
I like looking at your pics, but I gotta say your commentary is sometimes really pretentious. A “dictum”??? It makes you sound foolish to reach for a word like that and then not use it right.
This is a fantastic shot! So glad you did venture out again. Congrats to our new President, Mr. Obama.
A great day today, superb shot.
haute – thanks, you are right – dictum is a poor choice and misused. I don’t even remember typing it this morning – it’s a word I never use. I replaced it with “directive” (a little more benign sounding than “order” or “command”).
Great shot capturing the spontaneous reaction last night. I’m glad that you headed out and shared this amazing time with us.
And if you thought voting for President was fun, wait until you see the January theme day ballot just waiting for you to make your voice heard! 8^)
I echo everything you have said. In the Uk many of us stayed up to watch the result. The world’s eyes wereon w on America, and you delivered. So glad you went back out and lapped up the atmosphere.This is a remarkbale time.
Great photo Brian!
I strongly supported Sen McCain, but with the election over, I sincerely congratulate Sen Obama and hope that he will be a successful President. We only have one Constitution and only one President at a time.
Interestingly enough, I checked all the center-right blogs I follow, and even some of the more right-wing blogs, and they all posted sentiments very similar to what I just said. Check them out for yourself – redstate.com, righwingnews.com, varifrank.com, instapundit.com, pajamasmedia.com (I can’t think of the others just now.)
This is very different that the reaction of blogs on the left in 2000 and 2004, and I hope it is a new tone that will not be lost of the currently-victorious Democrats. Frankly, I have more hope that President Obama will reciprocate than for the Dems in Congress, but you never know – maybe some of them will come around.
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Congratulations from Spain!!
I started reading your blog a couple of years ago, and I think I had never made a post on it before… although I don’t miss one single day!
I’m glad USA chose Obama, I have family living in Arkansas and I hope the best for your country.
The gathering must be wonderful.I hope I would have chance to experience that once in my life too.
From HK
You make me wish I lived in NYC instead of just visiting whenever I get the chance! I would have loved to be a part of that!!! Thanks for sharing it.