Robinson: Win or lose, Obama's candidacy gave America something to be proud of

[maddezmom]

Robinson: Win or lose, Obama's candidacy gave America something to be proud of
Eugene Robinson, THE WASHINGTON POST
Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Whoever wins this election, I understand what Barack Obama meant when he said his faith in the American people had been "vindicated" by his campaign's success. I understand what Michelle Obama meant, months ago, when she said she was "proud of my country" for the first time in her adult life. Why should they be immune to the astonishment and vertigo that so many other African Americans are experiencing? Why shouldn't they have to pinch themselves to make sure they aren't dreaming, the way that I do?

I know there's a possibility that the polls are wrong. I know there's a possibility that white Americans, when push comes to shove, won't be able to bring themselves to elect a black man as president of the United States. But the spread in the polls is so great that the Bradley effect wouldn't be enough to make Obama lose; it would take a kind of "Dr. Strangelove effect" in which voters' hands developed a will of their own.

I'm being facetious but not unserious. In my gut, I know there's a chance that the first African American to make a serious run for the presidency will lose. But that is precisely what's new, and, in a sense, unsettling: I'm talking about possibility, not inevitability.

For African Americans, this is nothing short of mind-blowing. It's disorienting, and it makes me see this nation in a different light.

You see, I remember a time of separate and unequal schools, restrooms and water fountains — a time when black people were officially second-class citizens. I remember moments when African Americans were hopeful and excited about the political process, and I remember other moments when most of us were depressed and disillusioned. But I can't think of a single moment, before this year, when I thought it was within the realm of remote possibility that a black man could be nominated for president by one of the major parties — let alone that he would go into Election Day with a better-than-even chance of winning.

more:http://www.statesman.com/opinion/content/editorial/stories/11/11/04/1104robinson_edit.html

[ailsagirl]

1. Damn straight. I'm proud of us-- thanks for posting

Eugene always hits the nail on the head :applause:

[maddezmom]

2. yes he does

I love reading his stuff, he's spot on.

[tucsonlib]

3. Nice, But "Win or Lose"?

The only way Obama could "lose" is if the Republicans once again steal the election. The difference this time, though, is that the crime would be so blatant, so transparent, that the American people would NOT stand for it.

Remember, remember the fifth of November......