I can honestly say I'm proud to be an American tonight....

[papapi]

From the very first time I heard him speak on an Oprah Winfrey show sometime back in late 2005, I knew Barack Obama was going to be our next President. I had heard the name before when he upset the race in Illinois. Unfortunately I missed his speech at the National Convention in 2004. I only caught the tail end of the Oprah show but what little bit I heard inspired something in me that has never been inspired by a politician before.

Here he was telling me that what this country needs is real change. Yeah, I had heard that line through the years from other politicians - yet here was someone convincing me that it was actually possible. Not the same old political rhetoric, but brave new ideas about everyone helping each other to achieve the American dream. And I actually believed him.

When my friend walked into the room I pointed at the TV screen and said, "That's gonna be the next President of the United States." Then a few months later Obama's name starts popping up in conversation between political pundits and I thought to myself each time I heard it "Yep, he's our man."

Of course the low hum of an Obama campaign over time became a gentle rumble and eventually grew into a loud roar. I realized, "Everyone is starting to catch on. Well good 'cause I knew this was going to happen all along."

Now tonight, after months and months of grueling battle, I sat transfixed, listening again to those inspiring words I had heard so many months before. Hope. Change. Belief. Patriotism. Family. I am so happy that Senator Barack Obama has become the presumptive nominee of the Democratic Party. The Party from which I have never wavered since I first voted for George McGovern in 1972, when I was eighteen years old. Now At fifty-four years young, the candidate that I have no doubt will be our next President has cleared one last hurdle and is being propelled by a grassroots initiative into the position where he will be able to help us all achieve a better future for every individual and their children.

Go Obama '08!

[smoogatz]

1. Proud to be American, and proud to be a Democrat.

Nice work, Democratic party. You done good.

[MNBrewer]

2. It was amazing in person

I was one of the 17,500 people there to see Obama in St. Paul, MN tonight. WOW.

[papapi]

3. I am envious. I haven't seen him yet in person.

[aquart]

4. Yeah. One word slogans are so easy to swallow.

Wouldn't want to try any complicated thoughts with you guys. Might be too wonkish.

[Vickers]

5. Hope

you feel better tomorrow.

[papapi]

9. self delete.

[Vickers]

10. Chicken

[nadinbrzezinski]

6. Presumptive Nominee and a week

all I have to say

[papapi]

8. How about two words...

Get lost.

[NYC Liberal]

7. We are taking back the People's House!

As the good Dr. Dean would say: YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGGHHHHHHH!!!

[Wizard777]

11. This is one of America's greatest moments. No doubt,

NOW I feel like singing Proud to be an American!