the votes are in…
yes we did!
For those who don’t speak Italian, this sign means the Way of Hope:
And now, after eight LONG years, it feels like America is on it again.
Congratulations President-Elect Obama and Vice President-Elect Biden.
Do us proud.
50 Beans of Wisdom to “the votes are in…
yes we did!”
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[...] 7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? November 4–Gobama! [...]... bleedingespresso.com/2008/12/2008-end-of-the-year-meme.html
Michelle Kaminsky is an American attorney-turned-freelance writer who lived in her family's ancestral village in Calabria, Italy for 15 years. This blog is now archived.
Calabria Guidebook
Recipes
yes we did, yes we did, yes we DID!!! WOOHOO!!!
And I’ll add a WOOOOOHOOOO!!!!! 🙂
I can hardly breathe!
Sun is up in Italy–guess I’ll sleep tomorrow!
WE WON WE WON WE WON
What a night!!!!
What a great outcome of a great race! Thank you PA for your help.
I’m so proud of my state even though my county *did* go for McCain. At least my family didn’t!
This has been such an emotional night. So historic!! So exciting! Still a little unbelievable!! 76 more days and Bush is gone!! Woohoooooo!!!
girasoli’s last blog post..land of hope and dreams
It is pretty hard to believe at this point. First the Phillies, now this?!
YAY!!!!!! i’m not a citizen, but i voted for obama in spirit! what a night!!!!!
Woohoo Odessa!!!!
All day I had to remind myself to breathe. Literally. I would catch myself holding my breath. When they called it and announced Obama the winner, I almost started crying. YAY!!! I am so happy!
PS I think the Obama dogs really helped the cause also. 🙂
I like to think so Trina 😉
What a night! We did it!!!!
Anali’s last blog post..It’s A Brand New Day
An amazing night around the world! Whee!
Sono felice per voi e con voi, speriamo che il cambiamento ci sia per tutti!
Grazie Angela; lo spero anch’io!
YES WE DID!
Woooohoooo!!
The whole world is celebrating, Michelle.
casalba’s last blog post..Tears & Laughter
It’s so wonderful that finally there is something that unites the world…let’s hope the feeling continues.
Hooray Michelle, hooray U.S.A! A great day dawns!!
Kim B.’s last blog post..A Beautiful Day
Yes, Kim. Yes!
I am so tired, and so relieved, and so emotionally spent. Yes we did. A new day is dawning — it is true.
Emotionally spent is definitely a good phrase to describe me as well, Diana. Onward and upward!
We are united in hope! This is a happy day indeed!
Beatriz’s last blog post..That’s the true genius of America: that America can change.
Woohoo Beatriz!
After 2004 I lost faith in the American public. It is rebuilding now. Now if they will all take up grooming and dress better, we can be one.
I didn’t do the all nighter! I haven’t done that since I was a teenager. So when I turned on the TV first thing this morning, I had a huge emotional response unaffected by the ups and downs that were still the norm when I fell asleep.
Hah, I think you may be waiting a *long* time on the grooming and dressing better, but baby steps are good 😉
Woohoo!!! What a great day for the the whole world. Even the school kids here were full of it this morning.
amanda@A Tuscan View…’s last blog post..With a little help from our friends…
Love it, Amanda! Thanks for sharing your experience on this historic day 🙂
After that acceptance speech, how can you not be pumped now? As long as GWB doesn’t mess things up even worse in the next two months.
running42k’s last blog post..Thank you!
Indeed.
Finally people get it. We have to unite and help each other. I can’t believe how happy I am about this event. The way of hope, indeed.
I’m *so* happy that people get it, and that they didn’t let this one slip away. Phew!
Whoohoooo!!! What a night, what a day – talk about historic and already one can sense the change in the air.
Good for all Americans who stood up and made a difference. The rest of us thank you.
Yes, thank you thank you thank you to everyone who got out and voted! And I’m so happy to read in these comments that change in the air is palpable. Wow.
I’m so overwhelmed with happiness.
jen of a2eatwrite’s last blog post..November 4, 2008 11:01 PM
So with you, Jen 🙂
Yes, we certainly did! I was overcome when I watched his acceptance speech, it was a thing of beauty and grace.
Now, this morning as I watch the talking heads on the news, and hear them talk about all the expectations being heaped upon Obama’s shoulders from around the world, I’m hoping we haven’t set him up to fail. My hope i s that those in Washington will finally set aside their petty issues and actually knuckle down to help him achieve his goals!
Kate
shiborigirl’s last blog post..Will it be the Democratic Voice of Reason, or Political Hysteria?
I don’t know, Kate. I think that Obama has always tempered his Yes, We Can with an air of…but it’s going to take time and hard work! I hope the latter part has also sunk in with his legion of followers, because if not, as you said, disappointment is guaranteed.
Hehe. You said “do.”
I watched the (surprisingly early) returns with friends, so i was looking at a TV screen for once. I definitely enjoyed the speech at Grant Park (which will probably be one of those speeches that will be studied by generations to come), but most of all the expressions on the faces of his supporters: particularly African Americans of a certain age.
McCain, IMHO, spent entirely too much time in his otherwise gracious speech talking about the end of racism in America. I don’t think it diminishes Barack Obama’s victory in any way to say that it’s WAY too early to start doing end-zone dances on that one.
America feels different today. May it truly be so.
paul of the clue-by-four’s last blog post..Cluesday November 4th: on non-voting
Agreed, agreed, agreed. I thought Obama’s speech was simply perfect–not celebratory in tone, but sober and serious. And *not* Yes, We Did (although in one sense “we” did) but STILL Yes, We Can, and we must. And, not surprisingly, I loved the puppy line. Now I hope the Obamas go to their local shelter and adopt one from there.
McCain’s speech (and even to an extent Bush’s speech the next day although I have to admit I wasn’t paying *that* close attention) pushed the “we’re cured!” stuff, indeed; one or two lines about the historical nature of the day would’ve been plenty, but hey, this was probably McCain’s best speech ever, so points for that. I would’ve loved to have heard Palin though.
Politics is something I NEVER talk about, but deep down I had always wished that Ohama would win the election and I’m glad my prayers were answered. 🙂
It was an honour to watch him this morning (I’m in Germany) on CNN when he gave his speech after he had won. It really is time for a change … not just for the US but also for the world.
As a Canadian, I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next.
Rosa’s last blog post..Chicken Schnitzel with Bavarian Potato Salad
Yes, what happens next will be most interesting to watch. I’m hoping all this excitement in the political process will keep up!
Ciao MIchelle, it’s my first time here and I like it very much !
EVVIVA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A lot of people are happy about Obama victory, also here in Italy !!! Little drops of hope for everybody in the world…
Benvenuta, and yes!!!! I’ve seen a lot of excitement here in Italy as well. So lovely to see 🙂
Si, si può. E si, l’abbiamo fatto.
Peter’s last blog post..Oh HELL Yeah.
Sììììììì!!!!!!!
Yay!!! I still sort of can’t believe it. I don’t remember the last time I felt this happy and relieved.
Hope it’s sinking in….
This is the most fabulous thing I think I’ve ever seen. I have to agree with so many of your commenters….
with Gil, in thanking Pennsylvania for their help…
with Trina on reminding myself to breathe all day…
with Ally Bean on people finally getting it…
with Paul on McCain spending too much time talking about something that didn’t need to be said.
and with all of you for your happiness.
I am in Nova Scotia and I have to say, even the Canadians are thrilled!!
Last night my eyes were glued to the television; part because I felt like I couldn’t believe I was actually SEEING it happen and part because I didn’t want to miss a word, a moment. When the announcement came, I actually cried. I feel emotionally overwhelmed at this. I can’t explain the feeling, but I think many of you know.
I feel we may just be on our way to a more fantastic country and a more amazing world.
Thank you all – like Obama said, this is OUR victory.
Yay!!!!
Salena of The Daily Rant’s last blog post..Yes We Did!!
OUR victory. Yes! And now there is a lot of OUR work to be done 🙂
pretty sweet
Indeed 🙂
Wahoo!!! ” People get ready for a change is coming….don’t need a ticket you just get on board!!” Yes!! Yes!! Yes!! It is a new day!! I am so proud of our country!!
I’m with you Sandy!
AHHHHHH i can’t wipe the smiles off my face and the tears out of my eyes! i’m so beyond happy and proud, and gahhhh this just feels so great!!!!!!
i was literally doing Obama Cheers last night. This is a GREAT day!
Eryn’s last blog post..Yes We Can…and Yes We DID!!!!
Thanks for sharing your joy, Eryn. Woohoo!
I’m sooooooo happy for you all 😀 😀 :D. He is going to be a good President for sure! Let it shine!!!!
Thanks bella!
YAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That was one of the most incredible nights this country has ever seen. An EPIC moment in the worlds history. Fantastic!
The thrill and excitement is still tangible everywhere!
He said it last night, we have a LOT of work to do to get our country back where it should be.
GO OBAMA!
Scarlett & Viaggiatore
Wanderlust Scarlett’s last blog post..Art Isn’t Easy
Let the work begin! I’m still feeling so energized today, Thursday….
Whoohoot!! Yes. We. Did!!!!
Indeed 🙂
Phew … just the most enormous ‘phew’.
It was like waking up to the very best Christmas gift over here in Belgium.
I’m missing Italy so much though. Enjoy it for me please, I loved being there so much …
I’m doing my best, Di!
Our west coast polls had barely closed when the announcement was made. Oh YES we did!!!!
Susan’s last blog post..Fun at the Voting Booth
I think the election experience must be quite different on the West Coast…I mean it’s not that votes don’t matter or count, but it just must be so odd to go to vote already knowing how some states have gone!
Now we (italians) have to massively vote lega nord at the next elections. Just to get a leghista premier.
Leghisti are known for xenophobic behaviors, like getting on a train and spraying the africans with disinfectant (that was Borghezio, currently in the european parlament. Nice specimen).
It would be fun watching as they try to do the same on the president of the us.
Of course repercussions would probably include carpet bombing all over the peninsula, but then, a boom in the bomb shelter industry (quite an appropriate industry for a boom, after all) might be just what it takes to revitalize the economy.
I always love your comments, Luigi; you may be onto something with this bomb shelter idea….
NOBODY does cynicism like the Italians, Luigi. Ti ringrazio!
paul of the clue-by-four’s last blog post..WTF Wednesday: a President named “Obama?!?!”
I’ll second that!
oooh! I love the little obama logo heart! too cool
I cant ever remember, and I don’t think I’ve ever heard of, Americans dancing in the streets after an election
what a night!
judy haley (coffeejitters)’s last blog post..What Fuels Your Vote?
Me neither, Judy; truly a special night 🙂
So proud and happy today!
Pat’s last blog post..In Our Lifetime
I hear you Pat! Woohoo!
So seldom are we united in joyful hope and connectedness, so often it is just the opposite. What a delight to read all the comments here. It is truly wonderful to savor the global euphoria and renewed hope just a little while longer with the rest of the world.
Marla’s last blog post..Salone del Gusto & Terra Madre 2008
It’s truly a special time, Marla. Enjoy!
I know my vote counts whether my candidate wins or not… but it’s pretty groovy when my candidate wins. 🙂
Chel’s last blog post..Jewelry wishes…
I hear you. It’s a feeling I haven’t felt in *long* time, Chel.
This is my proudest moment as an American (became one in 1991)… YEAH!!!!
YEAH it is groovy! Great choice of word!
Groovy is a great word 🙂
Sorry, but I am not proud to be an American with him as our leader. Big mistake America!
I thought about responding in a mature, thoughtful way, but that was taking too much energy away from my amazing happiness, the likes of which I have *never* felt after an election before, so I’ll leave my response at:
Sucks to be you!
Nah, I can’t. I’ll also add that I would hope that McCain supporters would at least follow the lead of their candidate in getting behind our new president and give him a chance to lead. And I will also add that I had people come up to me yesterday who I didn’t even know knew me or that I’m American and congratulated my country on its decision, especially happy in most cases, that this could finally mean an end to the war in Iraq. That’s saying *a lot* for southern Italy, which is not the most accepting of minorities, to say the least. And I beamed with pride; I’m sorry you don’t get to have that experience, as for my five years in Italy, I’ve found myself in your situation, only I had the president’s actions to base it on.
Well said, Michelle! BRAVA.
I voted from Italy as I would not be home in time to vote in person. On my way back, my son who was celebrating at Lafayette Square in DC, called to give me the news. And as Chel said, it was groovy! (We must be of the same generation, she and I.)
The impact of having elected Obama as our President reaches across the world. One needs only to read the comments from people all over, out on the net, to see that their hope and joy matches ours.
May the exhilaration we feel on this day move us forward in continued, participatory support of President Obama’s dream for a better USA and a better world. Our work is just beginning but “Yes we can.”
I love the last part of your comment especially; Obama supporters and non-supporters alike must realize that this doesn’t mean participation in the political process ends here…if this election is what got you inspired to get involved, great, but our responsibility continues!
Make *sure* Obama pursues the issues you found important enough to base your support on, or alternately, if you were against his proposed policies, fight against them!
Do not let another four years go by where our government goes largely unchecked by its people. That is *not* American.
Ya did me one better :-). Love it.
Thank you; I’m already planning a more substantial post about this to coincide with Inauguration Day 😉
The US could not afford to vote in John McCain. It would have been seen as a reward for the incumbent and incompetent Bush administration. Sometimes it takes rock bottom for really radical change to be possible.
Obama’s election is one of the most remarkable events of my lifetime. I’m not American, but I was just as jubilant as the hundreds of thousands of Americans partying hard in the streets of the US, hugging strangers, dancing, crying, cheering and applauding.
The wow factor is 10 out of 10.
You’re right on about rock bottom, Helena. Thank goodness the American people was smart enough to want to pull up from that.
this guy answered me this
—
paul of the clue-by-four on 05 Nov 2008 at 8:39 pm #
NOBODY does cynicism like the Italians, Luigi. Ti ringrazio!
—
I’m unworthy of such praise. I wasn’t cynical enough. I assumed it would take a leghista to be really stupid.
That praise should go to our beloved premier belusconi, for idiocy above and beyond the call of duty.
Can’t argue with that.
wow, seems like everyone’s happy with the result. As someone from across the pond, I can’t help thinking that a lot of people have been hoodwinked. I just hope that evreyone that voted for this man has looked at his policies, or should I say lack of.A great future for America? Not if you are currently in the womb.
Great recipes, poor judge of character.
Sorry, McCain and Palin’s accusations and implications didn’t scare me off of believing in Obama’s visions and proposed policies for a better America, and you don’t either. War, nuclear bombs, isolationism, millions of Americans without basic health care, continued primary reliance on oil, more tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans while the rest pay even more, women continuing to receive less pay for equal work, 12-year-old victims of rape being forced to carry a baby to full-term? Those things scare me, and I (and a majority of Americans) feel that Obama is the best person to deal with these issues.
Hope you enjoy the recipes!
This is great news for Americans everywhere. I voted by absentee ballot from my university in Pennsylvania (citizen of New Jersey) and was happy to see these results. My connections in Italy have been looking forward to this election for a while as well. The most inspiring part of this election is how many people actually voiced their opinions before, during, and after. Let’s keep the momentum going and make some positive changes in our country and the world.
I’m with you Amy; the sheer increase in participation should be enough to get anyone inspired to do more and more! Thanks for sharing your experience 🙂