A Black Sheriff?

Why not? It worked in Blazing Saddles.

Just when my faith in the American people had bottomed out, they made the right choice for President yesterday. It hasn't really set in for me yet, but what we all witnessed yesterday easily ranks in the top five amazing things to have happened in American history. We might not have been the first developed, industrialized, G-7 country to elect a woman as Commander in chief, but by God, we were the first to elect a person of African descent. For a country whose own historical image is so blighted with racism, this is the ultimate redeemer. Pat yourself on the back, America. You done good.

That said, we done good more so because we picked the better candidate. Period. His resume may be paper thin, but his ability to inspire us is truly amazing. Unlike 2000 or 2004, elections that were so tainted with acrimony, in 2008 I have been receiving calls from some of the staunchest Republicans saying things like "He's our President now and I respect that. But, Goddammit, he better keep that bitch Pelosi on a short leash!"

To all of those Republicans out there (God love 'em), I think you can rest easy. Number one, the Senate is not filibuster-proof, so I suspect we'll see the cots rolled in a few times. Number two, the organizational juggernaut that was the Obama campaign demonstrates how meticulous this guy is in surrounding himself with people who know what they're doing and do it well. In stark contrast to his predecessor, who once wanted someone on the Supreme Court whose main qualification was to once say to him "You are the best President ever!", Obama has been surrounding himself with talented and effectual people from all ends of the spectrum. In this sense, he is Bill Clinton 2.0, so I don't think we have to worry about Communist re-education camps.

The only question mark is the House. While Obama is a healer and someone who, despite what his critics say, appeals to everyone, Nancy Pelosi is a stereotype of liberalism at its worst. She is an effete San Francisco liberal culture warrior who probably came to mind and subsequently caused hesitation in the minds of millions yesterday prepared to vote for Obama. Her time, and all of the other greater-than-or-equal-to Baby Boomers' time, has come and hopefully Obama will usher in new kind of politician, one not steeped in this 60's nonsense that is completely useless in the face of 21st Century challenges.

There you have it: despite the fact the guy is black (or half-black; either way, it's HUGE!), he is so anti-status quo. This election has changed American politics forever, from the players to the 30 minute infomercials, and for the better. And that's what I can't get my head around. There will be tests and there will be struggles, but hopefully we have been inspired to get things done and have inspired the world to once again get behind us.