Comments

>I never imagined I'd see the day.

Yeah, but you always did think small. ;-)

Posted by g at November 5, 2008 7:15 AM

"A politician thinks of the next election; a statesman of the next generation." James Paul Clarke, 18th Governor of Arkansas. I think and hope you've elected a statesman. Best wishes from the UK.

Posted by Mark JF at November 5, 2008 7:56 AM

Yeah - A BIG WIN! However the real work relies on all of us. Change starts with each of us by taking ownership of our responsibilites as a father, mother, son, daughter, manager, worker, coworker, friend, competitor, etc each one of us need to do our part.

Posted by jb at November 5, 2008 8:17 AM

In the words of U2, It's a beauty day!

Barack Obama's speech was uplifting, but equally as so sobering. We have elected a great leader but he will need our help to lead. As I listened to his speech there was a call for personal and collective responsibility. This is the kind of president America needs and the statesman I believe the world will see.

The beauty of this moment is that it took so many of us to arrive at this place. It took so many to shed fears and embrace hope. It took so many to believe that all things are possible. E pluribus unum.

It is both the little things and the large ones that have brought us here. It is the teacher who taught children believed to be hopeless. It is the King who dared to fight non-violently. It is the smile of strangers in unwelcoming places. It is the president who signed legislation of affirmation.

Yes, there is much to do, but together we can do it. Yes, We Can!

Posted by Judith Ellis at November 5, 2008 8:37 AM

I've never participated in an election like this. Parties, tears, joy, hope. This is awesome.

Now, all we have to do is bottle up the positive energy for change, and begin to move forward with "Enthusiasm, Execution, and Excellence".

Posted by Todd Reed at November 5, 2008 9:10 AM

Never underestimate the power of words!

Life. Liberty. Opportunity. Hope.
Change we can believe in.
"Yes, we can!"

Words close to truth.

Words that indeed changed the world, this Autumn night.

http://ideaburger.blogspot.com/2008/11/november-4-2008-power-of-words.html

Jay, from Bangalore

Posted by Jayakumar hariharan at November 5, 2008 9:28 AM

Wow, the Kool-Aid is running deep and wide this morning.

Posted by Bruce at November 5, 2008 9:29 AM

TP - Does "King riots" seem incredibly antithetical? I am, however, very much appreciative of the sentiment here. By the way, I was very moved by your story in A Passion for Excellence that spoke of your mom's teaching style (MBWA) and the affect she had on so many kids of diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. I also remember her "bumbling assistant" who believes in the necessity of change and continues to lead in business management worldwide. She did good.

Posted by Judith Ellis at November 5, 2008 9:40 AM

I Never Thought that cynicism could be separated from politics.
I believe it might have been washed away last night.

Posted by zed at November 5, 2008 11:41 AM

I took my 5 year old to vote with me last night. He will most likely not remember it but when I'm long gone he can tell his children that he was part of this significant day in American history.

Although "we" voted for him, it's really less about President-elect Obama and more about the United States. One more hurdle crossed but we shouldn't celebrate before crossing the finish line.

There's lots of hard work ahead and we all need to do our part.

Peter A. Mello
Weekly Leader (http://weeklyleader.net)

Posted by Peter A. Mello, Weekly Leader at November 5, 2008 12:28 PM

Somehow the world seems a more optimistic place today - congratulations America. I was impressed with Mr McCain's speech in defeat too. Dignity in victory and dignity in defeat - both men appeared to display mutual respect and I guess at the end of the day that is the example we should look for in our leaders.

Posted by Trevor Gay at November 5, 2008 12:59 PM

The test of a great leader is not what he says he will do but the improvement in the lives of the people he or she serves. Do not expect too much of Obama, In the UK we thought the victory of Tony Blair and New Labour would be transformational. In reality the improvements didn't all live up to the hype.
For the sake of the world I wish Obama restores the reputation of the USA - then he can all benefit. Good luck America!

Posted by Ian Smith at November 5, 2008 2:31 PM

An old friend of mine use to say: "Intelligence and flare, are a penny-a-dozen. Jails are full of people like that...now talk to me about someone with character and you'll have my attention." Obama is the new CEO. Only his character will tell what will he be remembered for.

There will be many lonely nights with no glare, no CNN or Rolling Stone's covers...and worst all, those "patriots" comming to roost in exchange for their millions in "generosity". It's not easy, but this is the best country in the world. In other places, such results will produce riots, protests, etc.

Today, we all go back to work.

Obama, you are in my prayers.

Posted by ECarrero at November 5, 2008 3:10 PM

Tom...

I wish my all time American hero Bobby Kennedy had lived to see the election of Barrack Obama... So many people did the hard work that led to this victory - Bobby did a lot. Bobby had to overcome his wealth and privileged upbringing, his ignorance of black issues, and his impatience for immediate action - Bobby steadfastly overcame all these hurdled to become a well respected leader within the black community. Forty years ago Bobby was headed for the White House - he was shot dead along the way... When I saw Barrack Obama in Grant Park giving a truly unifying speech to all Americans I shed a silent tear for Bobby... Obama was as gracious in victory as Mc Cain was in defeat... America has been well served by both these leaders...

BUT the hard work now must be done by the American people - supported by the Obama Administration. With that purpose in mind I resubmit for you consideration my "rough draft" of an Inauguration Speech for President Elect Barrack Obama....

Theme --- Prepare yourself to make a difference through personal sacrifice?

"One thing is clear - the next decade is going to be very different to the last. This difference will have a universal impact and yet it will also impact directly upon you as an individual.

We all have to make sacrifices if we are to reap the enormous benefits of these times. By way of helping you to set your agenda for the next 10 years, let me pose a few simple questions to each of you.

How much education do you have? How much knowledge do you possess? How creative are you with ideas and change? How do you intend to live and work over the next 5 to 10 years? How much do you think you have to change - your habits, mindsets, and ways of thinking about your world if you are to fully benefit from the emerging global economy?

If you are deficient in education or work choices or flexibility of mind and habit then you will have to sacrifice more than you might have been expecting to reap the huge benefits coming our way over the next 10 years.

Ahead is a period of great opportunities. These opportunities are greater for the fact that they were almost completely unexpected just 5 years ago. The challenge ahead for those of you who want to make the most of your opportunities are few but nonetheless important.

First and foremost you have to embrace new technology. This might well mean you have to sacrifice as you are forced to retrain, move jobs, move location, and generally rearrange your life's priorities.

As I stand before you as your newly elected President there is one self evident fact - the new digital global economy is here to stay.

This digital economy is forming a new middle class that lives in China, India, Asia, Africa, and South America. Americans have to workout where we fit in this new global schema. You have to work out where you fit and what you can bring to the table so that your family might benefit from all the new prosperity that is coming our way.

Second all Americans, and that includes YOU, must now accept the challenge of living, working, and doing business on a green planet. A planet that has to dramatically and quickly lower its carbon footprint.

Accepting this challenge is not easy because it means taking on some real sacrifices. It means changing habits, mindsets, and ways of thinking that have been with you all your life. It means becoming a minimalist where carbon is concerned which, in turn, means having and using less of most of what you take for granted today. Are you preparing to go green in your life, at work, and within your community?

Third some of you have to be prepared to put yourselves in "harms way" as we continue to engage our enemies wherever they may be.

These are not conflicts of our choosing and if we can negotiate a peace to end them then we will BUT, be assured sometimes we have to fight for our freedom as others have fought for on our behalf in the distance and the recent past.

Fourth we all have to sacrifice if we are to build a new sense of "social cohesion" across the length and the breath of America. The gap between our haves and our havenots must be closed. We can no longer merely continue to "paper over" these gaps with increased entitlements or earmarked grants from Washington.

Instead all Americans must now adopt a "zero tolerance" for any lack of transparency, accountability, or equity within our Governments, businesses, or communities.

We can no longer tolerate the "self-centered" actions of those who like to paper over the cracks to make themselves look good, those who want to deny inequality of opportunity because they fear competition, or those who are not prepared to be held fully accountable for their own actions.

Finally my administration will be transparent, accountable, and equitable in all its dealings with you and your community.

Together we can and we will rebuild America... Yes WE can... Yes WE can!

God Bless THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA"

Richard.

Posted by Richard Lipscombe at November 5, 2008 5:26 PM

If you aren't proud of the USA right now, you are not paying attention. Let us pray that along with hope for a brighter future comes a new era of personal accountability and the death of victim thinking.

Posted by David Porter at November 5, 2008 7:39 PM

THE PEOPLE'S DREAM
My generation has reaped the benefits of a long, lethal struggle for equality fought by both black and white civil rights advocates. Although there are still wounds that must heal and ideals that will have to change, last night’s unified willingness to begin the process became a common thread that will continue to strengthen the American quilt. I watched two men from completely different “worlds” harmoniously acknowledge the common line of division that “we, the People” must decimate.

Last night I witness one of the most remarkable events in history--the realization of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream. This remarkable event was in part because a black man was elected as the 44th President of the United States, but was overshadowed by America’s ability to judge a man on the content of his character and NOT the color of his skin. I saw Blacks, Whites, Hispanics and Asians celebrate a collective victory against the racial war that has divided this country for hundreds of years. Yesterday, Americans of every ethnicity and social background demonstrated the power “we, the People” possess. There is a resounding desire in these United States to move beyond the past and search for answers in our future.

Last night I witnessed a forward movement called CHANGE.

Posted by Regina Daniels at November 5, 2008 8:01 PM

I never thought I'd see my 401k lose 40% of its value over a two year period.

I never thought I'd see a bunch of retired people come back to the workforce because they can't afford retirement. Good luck college graduates...

I never thought I'd see Budweiser get bought up by a Belgium company. I never thought I'd see Coors as part of a Canadian company. I never thought that I'd see the Sears Tower get bought up by foreign investors.

I never thought I'd see the day that Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton lost their influence and position with the black community; after white America elected an African American President they become very insignificant. Exactly where they should be...

I never thought that while we elevated the eloquence and communication style of an educated African American, in another breath we could discount a woman candidate and make her look inexperienced and stupid. There is some irony here...

I never thought that I'd go to the doctor today and someone that didn't have insurance was asked whether or not they wanted to go on with the appointment and pay cash or cancel (I'm not making this up).

I never thought I'd see a kid get stabbed in his own house this week, in my neighborhood, during a home invasion early in the morning. A kid...

Yes we can...yes we can...yes we can what? I'm still not sure of what the change is because I haven't heard any certainty as to what Obama is going to do or stands for. That's why I didn't vote for him.

Yes we can rebel against an awful performance of the Bush administration of the past 8 years. Yes we can.

Two words: Dropping Almonds...feel free to google.

Posted by Scott at November 5, 2008 8:10 PM

Bravo, David Porter!

Posted by Judith Ellis at November 5, 2008 8:49 PM

Testing...

I hope that everyone is reading the latest headlines (today) with regard to Russia, Afganawhatever, and North Korea.

Don't think for a minute that these rogue countries and terrorist groups aren't going to test Obama to the max. I hope he's ready...

Let's not forget what happened in Georgia a few months back.

Posted by Scott at November 5, 2008 9:33 PM

Almost forgot, Gators beat them 49-10

Posted by David Porter at November 5, 2008 9:39 PM

Eloquence and communication style were elevated to President before...in 1980 and in 1992.
I see no irony in the achievement Sen. Obama and the defeat of Sen. Hillary Clinton. She will go back to work, in the Senate. Sen. Obama would have gone back to work in the Senate. Senator John McCain will go back to work, in the Senate.
There is no magic elixir to solving the nation's problems. We as a nation have no experience in this level of anxiety.

But, we are a nation. We do have to have a belief that our leaders will pull us through. We the people have to be engaged, not enraged. Everyone is uncertain and afraid. But for the man who is now President-elect, I will give him more than a chance. We have given him a chance. We made our choice and we should see it through.

Yes We Can...find our way out.

Posted by nextgenradio at November 5, 2008 9:42 PM

I love how you guys spin things. This is great. But let me engage you for a minute.

We have all the eyes of the world on us right now. We have a President-gonnabee (was a wannabee) that openly opposes the war in Iraq (I do too by the way) and he's stated that he wants to return the US to dominance during his tenure. He's untested with foreign policy and relations and has a mess to clean up in the US. He didn't handle the Georgian issue with clear leadership.

If I'm a rogue country or terrorist group, I'm beginning to realize the wonderful opportunities in front of me. Even they realize that destabilization in the US coupled with another major attack will sink Obama; we'll have the whole comparison thing against Bush.

And hey Porter, I wouldn't make light of the Georgia situation because Russia is absolutely broke right now with oil at $60.00 a barrell, they're opportunistic and will look to spoil the goods of Obama. You remember watching the Georgians flee their towns and leaving everything behind? You remember the stories of how the Russians violated the human rights of hundreds. Go ahead and make light of that...that's what we have to look forward to. Pretty pathetic response in my opinion, you should be ashamed in all of your glory.

Posted by Scott at November 5, 2008 9:57 PM

Next,

I was referring to Palin...

Posted by Scott at November 5, 2008 9:58 PM

Yes we can...make fun of our international allies that get invaded by a rogue country and KBG dictator.

Your true colors are pretty ugly Mr. Porter. Are you the same guy out of Austin with the blog? That may explain some things.

Posted by Scott at November 5, 2008 10:10 PM

Can anybody say L-A-N-D-S-L-I-D-E! The people have spoken and with the help of our internal systems and military advisers, we'll be just fine should we be tested. The president is the leader who hopefully leads with the assistance of a very well-informed team. The likes of Colin Powell will be a part of President-elect Obama's advisers. It's great that Powell has offered his invaluable assistance as a 4-Star General, Security Adviser, and Secretary of State to the President-elect.

If we're tested, it will be the test of the nation, not simply of one man. I'd rather have a thoughtful president than one who sees much through the prism of war and/or one who drums up support for war based on bogus intelligence. The war veteran nominee seemed pleased to war endlessly.

Here is Abraham Lincoln:

"Allow the president to invade a neighboring nation, whenever he shall deem it necessary to repel an invasion, and you allow him to do so whenever he may choose to say he deems it necessary for such a purpose - and you allow him to make war at pleasure."

By the way, do you think Palin would have been better when Putin reared his head in--what airspace was that again? Oh, that's right; it was the media, intellectuals (left and right, including George Will, Kathleen Parker, Peggy Noonan, and David Brooks) former Secretaries of State (Powell and Eagleburger, a McCain supporter), and 60% of the American people who all deemed Palin completely unqualified and/or supremely unprepared to lead and/or utterly clueless and nonsensical.

You know it's bad when SNL did not even have to re-write your lines. Oh, yeah, the writers of SNL were in the tank, as was the media and the majority of Americans. On Palin's Disney world-wind tour to shake hands with world leaders as if at the Epoch Center (alla Wanda Sykes), they did not find her bright, savvy, or formidable; they found her attractive.

World leaders, unable to control themselves, even found her more attractive in person. Now, how great is that? It must have made the former beauty queen gush. She did appear to be beaming. Just imagine if this was said of a male VP running mate how doomed he would be?

Palin's criticism had not to do with her gender but everything to do with her being completely unprepared for the presidency. But really, let's not go on and on about a failed ticket. Let's not rehash what is painfully obvious for that doomed ticket from the minute Palin was added. Let’s talk rather about what we can do as a nation to address the many problems we face, individually and collectively.

Americans have chosen their leader in a landslide victory. Let's get behind President-elect Obama. Not that we have to agree about everything, but let's not at this point tear down the leadership chosen before he begins. The campaign is over. And, this kind of politics may also be "washed away" as zed said earlier referring to cynicism. Will some continue to negate the will of the people to the determent of the country?

Posted by Judith Ellis at November 5, 2008 11:07 PM

Lighten up brother Scott. I actually voted for John McCain but am throwing my full support behind our new President. No one here underestimates the threats against us. But most of us know that working from an emotional state of possibility will trump doomsday-thinking every time. I am pragmatic but believe passionately in our ability as a nation to overcome anything. Much love, friend.

Posted by David Porter at November 5, 2008 11:18 PM

Ah, beautiful, David. Thank you.

Posted by Judith Ellis at November 5, 2008 11:33 PM

Oh Judith in Wonderland,

I love how you rally the troops and want everyone to get along. Please explain this to me while you share such words of wisdom.

The county that I live in, a very nice county, has experienced sales tax revenue decreases of close to 50%. Because of sales tax revenue decreases, the county had to force the budget. Before they forced the budget, they wrote an amendment to try and drive revenue through the voters. The voters declined to pass the amendment to raise additional monies for police and firemen (predominately) to make up the shortfall of tax revenues. Right now, the average response time is 10 minutes for an emergency. The population isn't changing, people are worse off today than they've been in recent history, and crime is on the rise again.

The county will now have to lay off 70 sheriff's officers to balance the budget. Many parts of the county won't get patrols and response times will be delayed even further beyond what is unacceptable. How would you handle such an issue?

Judith, my friend, the truth is that Obama won by a landslide because Bush is an absolute moron. If you don't think that Palin had an uphill battle because she's a woman and easy on the eyes, you haven't truly been victimized by our male dominated society in corporate America. At least she and McCain had the courage to point fun at themselves on SNL. I think McCain handled the landslide very well and he didn't have a chance under Bush's past 8 years.

Please tell me how I can solve the individual issues that I alluded to earlier (401k, layoffs, etc). Please tell me how I can change with you not knowing who I am or how much I've already contributed to society up to now.

Porter's comments were deplorable and maybe he should take some of his own personal accountability. I'm getting behind my family and taking care of them; Washington, with the help of Obama and McCain, have done plenty to displace Americans and trust. This is almost like trusting the British during the French/Indian War. I don't have to get behind anyone to feel good about my contributions to society and others. I hope Obama is successful and can unite the country to become better. I really do. But I believe what's lacking, and what's being completely overlooked, is that our country is laden with unprecedented problems with government and corporation. There is some sense that Obama, with all of his experience, is going to correct this. Big government = big failure.

As a country, we don't manufacture anything of substance. We are a consumer society and highly dependent on the cheap outsourcing of labor that began in the 70's-80's. Durable goods-dependent, energy-dependent, labor-dependent. Tell me how Obama is going to change all of this when it's been 30 years in the making. Where was everybody then?

Who does Obama owe for all of the money and favors? That's who I want to be close to. He's a pork barrell monger like the rest of 'em. I don't trust him or McCain, that's my problem. I don't trust politicians and lawyers in general. Have you ever gotten to know either personally? They're always in debt to someone and someone is always in debt to them...

You may be missing my point, I don't care for either one of them. I'm voting against candidates, not for candidates. We, as Americans, need to take back our country by taking as much away from the government as possible. Private enterprise is what I'm for, that's why I lean to the Rebublican side of things.

Posted by Scott at November 5, 2008 11:51 PM

Judith,

According to your quote of Mr. Lincoln, we should have invaded Russia when they invaded our ally Georgia.

I wonder how many males believe that women are completely unqualified and/or supremely unprepared to lead and/or utterly clueless and nonsensical in general. I don't believe exit polls by the way and that's where this is coming from. To take some of your advice, I don't believe everything I see on TV.

Women can be very jealous beasts in their opinions as well.

Posted by Scott at November 6, 2008 12:06 AM

Scott - There is little difference between the objectification of women and such wholesale observation. You have brought a sexist indictment of women everywhere who dared to voice what everyone everywhere knew: Sarah Palin was completely unqualifed and unprepared to lead. She was clueless and nonsensical. ("In what respect, Charlie?") She was also shockingly non-curious for one who could have held the highest office in the land.

People everywhere did not need an exit poll to determine Palin's position. In fact, she didn't have a position on anything, but rather spoke in circular non-logic that was utterly baffling. ("It's all about job creation.") Actually, it was was quite sad and alarming to witness. I might add it was quite painful too. But enough of her already. I guess she did the best she could do. It just wasn't good enough, to say the very least. The people spoke loud and clear.

It remains a beautiful day!

Posted by Judith Ellis at November 6, 2008 1:04 AM

Regarding David Porter's comments, are we reading the same thing here? I guess it's a matter of perception, but I can't imagine his words on this thread being taken negatively, Scott. Your response seems WAY OVER THE TOP. His reply should suffice; there seems NO REASON to think otherwise.

Posted by Judith Ellis at November 6, 2008 1:28 AM

Scott, as one of the Rest of the World I'm hoping that America has voted in an intelligent, thoughtful, pragmatic president, who can look at matters in the round, and approach problems based not on lazy dogma or unbending partisanship but on thorough analysis of what will create a lasting solution. I suggest that that approach is more likely to bring about successful results for your county, your nation and the world than the simplistic black and white formulae that have brought us to our current disastrous situation. Into which category I have to say I would put "taking as much away from the government as possible".

On Georgia, that was appalling, but again there are shades of grey: it looks as if atrocities were committed by both sides - ask the South Ossetians - and Saakashvili had gone recklessly (and against strong advice to do things differently) out of his way to tweak Russia's tail. Georgia was not wholly a blameless victim, however much its pro-West leanings make it convenient to paint it so. The tragedy as ever is that when politicians get things wrong, their country's people suffer or die.

Posted by Rob at November 6, 2008 2:01 AM

The question that remains is who will hold the Obama administration accountable. Clearly, the news media, the congress, and eventually, the American people held the Bush administration accountable. Will the Democratic controlled House and Senate be the ones to ensure accountability? Based on their lack of responsibility with Fannie and Freddie then the clear answer is no. How about the news media? One study showed that 71% of the stories on McCain were negative as compared to only 19% on Obama. The best number, outside of Fox News was 60% negative on McCain and 30% on Obama. I doubt the media, who had such a huge role in electing Obama, will do much in terms of accountability. This leaves the American people and considering that 41% believed that the Republicans were in charge of congress, I don’t hold out much hope.

Posted by Robert at November 6, 2008 6:20 AM

As I posted previously, a focus on personal accountability and the death of victim thinking is my hope and prayer. I have been in the workplace for 24 years. I have never expected my government to be responsible for my personal or my family's well-being beyond national and, more recently, homeland security. I am responsible for my family and my community through role-model behavior, perseverance, hard work and thinking a few times a day. What's wrong is always available. So is what's right.

Posted by David Porter at November 6, 2008 8:17 AM

singularly spectacular

Posted by patrick at November 6, 2008 8:18 AM

Rob and Robert,

Thanks for the more level headed blog responses to the current situation. I take much away from what guys like you and Trevor have to contribute.

Judith,

Best----you're right. Bill Clinton had the best ideas with regard to relationships (female) in the oval office. Monica, Hillary, and Sarah are just thoughtless objects that need better dry cleaners.

I'm not over the top with my comment to Mr. Porter...maybe I have relatives that live in Georgia. Maybe there is some grey as well. But show me two kids on the playground who just mixed it up and see how cooperative they are with "their" version of the story. Russia's continued occupation showed me where a lion's share of the blame should be.

The great thing about Russia though, is that the world responded by pulling out billions in capital to support their economy and infrastructure. What goes around comes around, which is very promisng with regard to our allies and adversaries.

Posted by Scott at November 6, 2008 8:56 AM

Yes we can...gay marriage...wait a minute...no you can't? Hold on, can we or can't we? This is getting very confusing.

Posted by Scott at November 6, 2008 9:00 AM

Palin's comments were almost as baffling as Hillary lying about taking on mortar fire in Bosnia with Chelsea. Great vacation by the way.

Yes we can...lie...until we get found out and look stupid. "I did not have sexual relations with that women", evidence of WMD, "No new taxes", yawn...

Posted by Scott at November 6, 2008 9:04 AM

Tom - interested to hear whether your joy at the election of Senator Obama includes his promise to make the "Employee Free Choice Act" (i.e., no privacy in union voting)law?

Posted by Bruce at November 6, 2008 10:39 AM

Scott - At first I found you funny. Now you are simply less credible. Your base argument of human failures (sex scandals) is one thing, but whether one is qualified to lead and address major national and international issues, with the confidence of the American people and the world, is quite another. Such scandals are not what I would have liked to have seen in a president. But I am also very aware that we are ALL Too Human. This includes you.

There is a quality about your arguments that seek to get gut reactions; you seem to delight in a bit of ad hominine attacks. But I do not think much of your arguments are terribly constructive in moving forward. The Palin issue was addressed as there was a sense that she should have been given a break simply because she is a woman. Men do not have such luxuries. You wrote that Palin was made irrelevant, not by her own words and actions, but by those of others.

Palin simply was not ready to lead the country. But instead of holding her responsible for vying for and accepting such a position, you have instead used others as a scapegoat for her obvious failures and immense shortcomings. She didn’t blink when asked to run on the ticket, but she sure did a lot of seductive winking during the presidential debate. Some fallback attributes are hard to conquer when knowledge and proper presidential temperament evade. Who wants a winking president? Imagine a man physically flexing his bicep each time as proof that he is prepared to lead.

Scott, you seemed confounded that the country could elect Barack Obama and yet “discount a woman candidate and make her look inexperienced and stupid.” Palin was not made to “look inexperienced and stupid.” By HER OWN WORDS AND LACK OF UNDERSTANDING OF CRITICAL ISSUES she appeared very much so. Instead of addressing these very important issues you replied with the fleshy failures of Bill Clinton and the obvious tale of Hillary Clinton. In spite of their failures, President Clinton and Senator Clinton are both well informed and intelligent public servants. The Clintons have lead with distinction.

Both singularly had the respect of the American people and the world. Were they perfect? Absolutely not! Was I utterly annoyed by such personal weaknesses? Absolutely so! But they are respected public servants here and abroad. When considering President Clinton’s overall record and our image in the world at the end of his second term, we were in a good place. They are respected public servants.

Sarah Palin did not gain the respect of the American people and John McCain soon lost his respect by the way he ran his campaign and with one single selection, a selection that clearly did not put Country First. I was, however, moved by his concession speech, though a brother said that it was not merely enough. He thought repentance of some sort was needed.

Considering our current image, where policy may have had an negative effect globally, the bigness of heart of the American people has not changed, nor has its will to defend itself if absolutely necessary. President-elect Obama and team will restore our sense of goodness in the world, which we have not lost in heart, and seek to make the world a better place for all. Americans are really sick and tired of divisiveness. We are tired of drudgery and disdain. We are a positive people, even when the chips are down.

It is not that Americans are unrealistic; it is that we are determined to look on the bright side. It is not that we all do not see the real problems that you have addressed here; WE ALL DO. But there is something within a nation built on principles that we can become "a more perfect union" that renews itself again and again.

Here is Lincoln again:

"Any people anywhere, BEING INCLINED AND HAVING THE POWER (it's not another's will and power to be injected here), have the right to rise up, and shake off the existing government, and form a new one that suits them better. This is a most valuable - a most sacred right - a right, which we hope and believe, is to liberate the world."

How wonderful! We are in a great time of renewal in America and the world and it’s great to witness it.

President-elect Obama is undaunted by the problems we and the world face. This kind of period is a leader’s great joy! I believe he will lead with thoughtfulness and careful consideration, building a team that will both challenge and support his ideas for the country and our position to lead on global economic issues and foreign policy matters.

Posted by Judith Ellis at November 6, 2008 10:51 AM

When ever I hear President Elect Orbarma, I feel he also reads from Tom Peters. Because he pursued an insanely great project and dramatically made a dent in the universe.

Big hairy audacious goals( HOPES) Yes we can!

No one gives you power. you just take it!

Tom, you have affected more people in your 66yrs of life than you think. I leave in Ghana as a young 27yr old freak moving from gig to gig on marketing projects. am currently reading your handbook - "Thriving on chaos." I have already read 4 other books of yours.

Many thanks and best of days to you our fore runners. we look to you all. God bless America and us all..

Posted by Kingsley Essegbey at November 6, 2008 1:07 PM

Tom...

Barack Obama has made his most important decision - he has taken the first step towards winning the biggest battle facing his Administration. That is controlling his huge majority in the Congress and the Senate so that he can lead from the middle and build working coalitions around America. What is that decision? He has chosen his very good mate, Rahm Emanuel to be his White House chief of staff. Rahm is one of the super impressive Emanuel family - he is a super star congressman in his own right. Rahm is intelligent, connected, and totally on the same page as Barack. These two know each other very, very well - they will be able to have "sit down and drag them out disagreements about politics, policy setting, and media presentations"..

As we all know Tom, being a successful leader has less to do with what you say than what you do that supports what you say...

People, in the know, in Washington will welcome this appointment more than any other. I salute Barack for taking the first and most important step in turning his rhetoric into sustainable actions. This appointment makes me believe that Barack is right when he says "Yes we can!"

I truly hope so - there are plenty of naysayers around and Rahm is just the man to help Barack stare them down!

Richard.

Posted by Richard Lipscombe at November 6, 2008 3:54 PM

It's sad that Minority Leader Boehner, who in fact stepped down today, has said that this was an "ironic choice." I rejoiced upon hearing the selection of Rahm Emanuel for some of the same reasons Richard has stated. I also think that it's great that this former investment banker and tough guy was once a ballet dancer. Recently, I received an invite to a private Chicago function in honor of the then Senator Obama in which Rahm Emanuel was the guest of honor. I am terribly impressed by Mr. Emanuel.

Posted by Judith Ellis at November 6, 2008 4:25 PM

‘Hope’ is the word I most associate with Mr Obama. I have 3 hopes of him.

• Hope that he will be a peacemaker
• Hope that he will restore integrity to politics
• Hope that he will provide world leadership on re-distribution of wealth from those in the world who ‘have’ to those in the world who ‘have not’

Posted by Trevor Gay at November 6, 2008 6:06 PM

Judith,

I love how love affairs and sex scandals are equated to being human and then you point out that I'm human too. Never had one...I guess that makes me a little better than human.

Look at the liberal media and the percentage of negative remarks for Palin and McCain. Well over 50%; I'm sure they were all justified. How about the interiew with Charlie Gibson? He didn't even have the decency to look her in the eyes (her beautiful, framed, batting eyes). She had too much coaching and should have just said that she was a governor and had zero experience in foreign relations; quite similar to the guy we elected.

I'm flexing my bicep right now while writing this, I hope you're winking while reading. I think I saw Palin lactating too; is that a point deduction?

If I did what Clinton did in a position of power, I get fired, he gets off (literally). We call what he did shameful on main street. I wonder if Mr. Peters pardoned Prez. Clinton for his actions at the time? Great public servant...but held to a different set of standards.

Trevor...you are the man and more thought provoking than paragraphs of endless innuendo and double speak. As I have written on your site, I am defecting from this blog and moving to a more realistic approach.

God Bless America and God help Obama...

Posted by Scott at November 6, 2008 9:01 PM

Richard, totally agree to the last dottted "i" re Rahm Emanuel.

Posted by tom peters at November 6, 2008 9:02 PM

Scott - What are your thoughts on Senator Ted Stevens?

Posted by Judith Ellis at November 6, 2008 9:10 PM

Tom,

Words and inspiration make a big difference and I found this and wanted to share how a little voice is sometimes the push that gets a ball rolling! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjA2nUUsGxw

I am so FIRED UP & now we need to be READY TO GO!!

Posted by Joy at November 7, 2008 1:35 AM

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Tom.

Here's a sad quote from Walter Cronkite: "I want to say that probably 24 hours after I told CBS that I was stepping down at my 65th birthday, I was already regretting it. And I regretted it every day since." A lesson for us all to heed.

Posted by Mark JF at November 7, 2008 3:48 AM

Very inspiring, Joy! Thank you. Yes, there are many issues to confront. Yes, it's important to have a great team. Yes, it's essential to have a plan and a process. Yes, it's necessary to have diverse opinions. But how do these thing work without inspiration?

Posted by Judith Ellis at November 7, 2008 8:45 AM

I remember reading an interview with former President Clinton several months after he took the oath of office in 1993.

The last line in that oath is: "So help me God."
Clinton said he wanted to change the emphasis of that line to:
"So HELP ME, God."

Seems the President-elect might be thinking the same thing in January as he puts one hand on a bible and raises the other one.

Yes We Can...

Posted by nextgenradio at November 7, 2008 9:10 AM

So, just what exactly do people now expect to happen?

Posted by g at November 7, 2008 9:58 AM

OMG, Joy!! What a clip! I'm fired up! (Thank you.)

Posted by tom peters at November 7, 2008 10:18 AM

Joy, I'm 66 today. That link is the best birthday present imaginable, even though that was not your point.

Posted by tom peters at November 7, 2008 10:20 AM

Joy - that is terrific.

I WOULD buy a second hand car from this man. To have an audience in your hand, hooked to every single word like that is the gift of very few people and none that I have seen in my lifetime do it as well as Mr Obama.

Posted by Trevor Gay at November 7, 2008 11:20 AM

Happy birthday Tom!

I had to pass by to say happy birthday to you. Because your work is helping to shape my life(a 27yr old marketing freak born in Ghana- West Africa.)I wish you 30 more years of GOOD LIVING!

As you keep saying, I'll continue to volunteer on crappy jobs as i wade my way to top. And I think thats exactly what Obama did. He "wired" the cross spectrum of those who mattered first in his campaign from the primaries through to the main election. And kept his communication clear with the tone of a story teller... no wonder he got the attention of many who listened. A simple sales strategy to use any where where ever what ever you sell.(Sales25- Re-imagine)

With this practical example, your book "Re-imagine", merits a 4th reading session from me.

Keep writing and I'll keeping reading.

Your committed student- Kingsley Essegbey

Posted by Kingsley Essegbey at November 7, 2008 11:52 AM

"I have worked relentlessly to keep this Blog apolitical."

Now that we have wallowed in our righteousness and mutual admiration for a while, can we get to the very interesting and ever relevant issues that comprise the tompeters! blog? For politics, one side can continue to go to Salon and Slate, the other the Weekly Standard and National Review, and we can all "move on"?

Posted by Bruce at November 7, 2008 11:54 AM

Happy Birthday, TP! May goodness overtake you especially today and always.

Posted by Judith Ellis at November 7, 2008 12:45 PM

Would anyone have ever taken McCain or Bush seriously if they were Black? Even Bill Clinton would have never been President if he was Black.
Obama might turn out to be a great President and it might be because he is Black. He had to be awsome to be Black and get elected.
Much like Kennedy had to be much better than
average to get elected in 1960 as a Catholic.

Posted by zed at November 7, 2008 9:13 PM

Interesting observation, zed. I'm not sure about McCain, not having followed him prior to this last campaign, but Bill Clinton is definitely a very smart man and quite intuitive. He's also a masterful politician. No one will argue that. It has been commented by more than a few that he was taken aback by the defeat initially and had to really be coaxed. We understand. But "nothing can stand in the way of millions of people calling for change." (Lyrics from the song, "Yes, We Can!")

The sentiment of your comment, however, is not lost. There is something to be said for the motivation that comes with the history of not being readily accepted. While things are most certainly not like they used to be as when my parents were growing up, young black children are still often told by their grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and extended and adopted family members that you have to be twice as good. I'm sure many immigrant children were told the same thing.

The interesting thing about the Kennedy comparison, however, is that there were millions of dollars and deep and broad political influence there, whereas Obama had neither. It was the American people that catapulted his campaign through their faith in him, giving $5 and $10 dollars faithfully and attending rallies that undoubtedly buoyed his spirits. This was a grassroots movement that swept a nation and the world. When Obama says that only in America could his story be told, we respond in resounding affirmation as we have all helped him get there and "we the people" will do our part. We're fired up and ready to go!

Posted by Judith Ellis at November 7, 2008 10:31 PM

Bruce - Have you visited the other very interesting posts here. This is one of more than a few of late.

Posted by Judith Ellis at November 7, 2008 10:34 PM

There is something that almost no one even mentions when they talk about Bill Clinton.
He never won a pure majority of votes. When he ran in 1992, Ross Perot took a lot of votes from the first George Bush. Clinton is very smart and a good politician, but he is no Jack Kennedy. I voted for him, but to me he always had a 'slick' atmosphere about him. He seemed a bit like a sterotypical used car salesman. I don't think a Black person with that 'slick' quality would have made it to the national stage. Every flaw would have been amplified.
I feel very good about the country since we elected Obama. Only in America. I know what Michelle Obama meant when she said she felt proud of her country for the first time. But suppose the economy didn't tank until next week?
We might be in a country with Sarah Palin as the VP. That is a scary thought and to that we could also have said only in America.

Posted by zed at November 8, 2008 9:03 AM

Tom: What struck me as a member of the so-called silent generation is that maybe, just maybe the public is getting tired of the conflicted ways of the boomers. As one of my generation X friends suggested, Obama sounds more like his world.

Posted by Dan Erwin at November 8, 2008 9:14 AM

Tom...

Most pundits say Barack Obama is facing the most difficult situation ever faced by an incoming President. They urge him to go slowly and for his supporters to be patient with their expectations of change. Well I do not buy any of that Monday Quarter-back talk. I believe that Barack Obama can change America in his first 100 days. I believe he has to start strong if he is to do what he has promised.

So what should he do?

Get out of Iraq as soon a possible - start leaving in January. Hold talks with Iran's leadership as soon as possible. Begin the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan/Pakistan war as soon as possible. If he does these three things he will redefine America in the eyes of the world. America has been at war since WWII - it is time to end it.

Get started on a new anti terrorist agenda. Build new intelligence networks and strategic alliances if necessary to break out of the current "group think" in Washington about the war on terror...

Get started on Health Care as the most important priority. Network the health care changes to communities across the length and breath of America. Use the residual "capacity of goodwill and community involvement in politics", built up during the campaign, to ensure health care reform is first and foremost a local issue (Rahm Emanual knows that is where Hillary Clinton's schema failed because he worked on it with her) within a new national agenda for the reconstruction of the American economy.

buy cheap viagra on line Get started on infrastructure. Work with the States and Local Authorities to fix the decaying infrastructure of America.

Get started on Education at all levels for all Americans. Revisit "head start" programs and make them work in economically stretched communities. Re-invent the schooling system by putting more emphasis on student and teacher performance. Close schools, sack teachers, as required. Return to a "liberal arts" undergraduate regime for most College Students as the basis for a C21st education. Encourage bright overseas students to stay in America to work in fields of technology, medicine, science, maths, etc.

Get started on Climate Change initiatives by working on oil independence for America. In the short-term "oil independence" means new oil fields and much more efficient and effective use of current supplies. Work with industry leaders to lower their "carbon footprints"...

Get started on re-regulation of the financial services industry. Be selective and sensible with the "visible regulatory hand" because America can now build the most competent and competitive financial services industry in the world if "commonsense legislation" is drafted.

Get started on delivering a stimulus package as an integral part of the promised tax cuts. Revisit the extent and content of the proposed tax increases.

The first 100 days of the Obama Presidency could change America into an emerging C21st nation with better health care, education, concern for the environment, on the way to oil independence, and a financial system that can support innovation and business change.

Obama can become the new leader America needs in just 100 days!

Richard.

Posted by Richard Lipscombe at November 9, 2008 5:06 PM

it was great to see hope in people's eyes again.

Posted by Stop Smoking at November 9, 2008 9:29 PM

In all this talk about what President-elect Obama can / might / should / ought to do, I wonder if there's one thing we've overlooked. Does the American system allow him to do it? Unlike the British PM, who leads the majority party in Parliament and therefore has the opportunity to introduce legislation and really shape things, I gather there are numerous checks and balances on the US President who has less real power invested in his office. This power - as I understand it - lies in the Senate and House. However much the President can influence things (and President-elect Obama apparently wants to be bi-partisan) there seems to be an awful lot of compromise. It'll be an interesting challenge: what he wants to do vs. what Congress wants to do, and who has to move how far?

Posted by Mark JF at November 10, 2008 4:01 AM

You have to be kidding me? “Most pundits say Barack Obama is facing the most difficult situation ever faced by an incoming President” Let’s look at the facts.. Interest Rates are still at an historical low. Home ownership is at an historical high, even with 4% defaulting. Unemployment is at 6.7% which is very low considering these same pundits said we are in a recession for the past 9 months. Yes, we are in a war but how many people does this war impact? Gas is running at $2 a gallon and there are still waiting lines at restaurants on Friday night. You still can’t get a Wii because the demand is so high.

So maybe you are correct, if you consider the spoiled American public that is use to having 2 homes, 3 cars, 5 TV’s and every gadget known to man. Maybe the “pundits” need to spend more time in History class versus Journalism.

Posted by Robert at November 10, 2008 7:44 AM

The President is the leader of the country. The President sets the tone. The President is the one the world recognizes as the head of state. (A French head of state, Charles de Gaulle, thought that the position should embody "the spirit of the nation" itself and even the world.) In our democratic system the power rests with the people, hence the power given to Congress.

THE PEOPLE RULE! This is as it should be. But the people MUST become more involved in their government on all levels for change to occur. The people did, however, speak loud and clear in this election across the board. Speaking of compromise, it is not altogether a bad thing. It requires listening to the opinion of others. Compromise, in fact, can be a great thing indeed.

Posted by Judith Ellis at November 10, 2008 11:26 AM

The President is the Chief Executive Officer. The Congress legislates (creates, mandates, enacts) according to the will of the electorate, the people.

The U.S. Constituition:

Article II

Section 1. The executive power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. He shall hold his office during the term of four years, and, together with the Vice President, chosen for the same term, be elected, as follows:

Each state shall appoint, in such manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a number of electors, equal to the whole number of Senators and Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress.

cheap female viagra There is always and forever politics to consider; this is where compromise enters.

Posted by Judith Ellis at November 10, 2008 2:55 PM

Robert, Starbucks has just posted miserable results for the quarter. Unemployment in the US has shot up. Share prices sink ever lower. Foreclosures continue. GM is about to run out of cash. And the economy is only one of Obama's challenges. I'm with the pundits.

Posted by Rob at November 11, 2008 1:21 AM

The credibility of any leader whether Chief Executive, Prime Minister or President is best (tempted to say 'only') assessed by the people he/she leads. People are more than able and qualified to assess leaders. I’m sure Mr Obama will discover bureaucratic icebergs to navigate and the people ALWAYS recognise the leader who finds their way through this sort of tedium to make a better future. I remain hopeful and optimistic and indeed envious that Mr Obama is the leader on your side of the pond. Perhaps he would consider working here part time to inspire Britain where I struggle to see anyone at all at the top level in politics capable of inspiring the public – they all look the same, speak the same, dress the same and presumably use the same image consultants! – That is politics in UK today sad to say – too much sameness.

Continuing the French connection Judith I say ‘Vive’ La Différence!’

Posted by Trevor Gay at November 11, 2008 4:56 AM

Rob, Not sure I would base my observations on a company that serves a luxury for $4 a cup. As far as the Auto industry, KIA seems to be doing fine and is building a huge facility in Georgia along the Alabama State line. Foreclosures are still only 4% and considering the level of home ownership rising to almost 70% this year. I repeat my assertion of looking at history, home ownership remained stable from about 1965 through 1995 at around 65%. Due to lower interest rates and easing of credit that number shot up dramatically over the next 15 years. Are we in a recession? Yes, the GDP will shrink for the next few quarters but should emerge either in the later part of 2009 or early 2010.

buy viagra on line

Perhaps the only question to ask of the “Pundits” is if McCain would have won would this still have been the “most difficult situation ever faced by an incoming President”?

Posted by Robert at November 11, 2008 8:32 AM

In acknowledging this achievement, let's not forget to give some props to John F. Kennedy who worked to reform American immigration policies, resulting years later in the Immigration Act of 1965. Prior to that the immigration structure was based on national origin - designed to limit non-whites. (It was also used to screen out folks on ideological grounds, especially Lefties.) As mentioned in the Boston Globe this morning, Chamelot made possible "Obamalot."
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/11/11/obama_victory_took_root_in_kennedy_inspired_immigration_act/

Posted by John O'Leary at November 11, 2008 9:01 AM

Robert – Your words are appreciated. The interesting thing is that in comparing this time with that of FDR’s, it seems quite comparable. Every presidency has not faced such a time as these. I wrote a piece on my blog about Obama's First 100 Days in comparison with FDR's as the similarities are striking. However, I must also say I would be in favor of banishing such an agenda (First 100 Days) in that we should really be looking at long-term strategies and solutions and the immediate governance of that $750 billion dollar bailout package in ways that will stimulate the economy. I like the president’s intention of moving with “deliberate haste.” But your comments bring a necessary reminder that things eventually rebound and this is hopeful. Thank you, Robert.

If McCain would have won, the pundits’ talking points would undoubtedly be the same considering this incredible time. What makes it even more so is the election of Barack Obama. I must say that while watching William Bennett speak about the transition on CNN I was a bit unnerved. His focus was not on watching this historical event unfold, nor was it particularly on the policies that would come out of the Oval Office. His focus was on the coolness of Barack as opposed to this elegant keen intelligent leader. (And, what’s wrong with cool?) Bennett made reference to the royalty of other leaders (which may be a stretch for some) and the coolness of the President-elect. Only in America he remarked.

Perhaps we will have to find language that will embrace the totality of who the President-elect. But then again, all such comments are not necessarily inherently ominous and we should not look for them to be, save Mr. Bennett have made more a than few observations during the campaign that perhaps could be perceived as holding on to past perceived images without embracing the reality of the very present profound intellectual elegant leader that the President-elect seems to be. The former Education Secretary also has a bit of history of making offensive remarks that pigeonhole a people as opposed to allowing preparation to take flight.

We are all becoming more of what we will yet be.

Posted by Judith Ellis at November 11, 2008 9:08 AM

Robert, not sure I would ever describe Starbucks coffee as luxury! Points taken, while I still believe your timescales for recovery may prove optimistic. But then I'm not an expert on economies or US Presidents, just a fascinated watcher from the sidelines shouting comments at those on the pitch.

Let's hope you're right.

Posted by Rob at November 11, 2008 9:46 AM

Judith - a point about banishing the idea of a, "First 100 days" agenda. It's based on a lot of research that suggests a new leader who wants to change things has about 100 days / 3 months to get his message across and get started. Otherwise, the risk is that the status quo will prevail and any "newcomer goodwill" the leader may have will be dissipated.

If you look at our old chum Tony Blair in the UK, he frittered away much of his first 5 year term. He was too timid in some of his targets and he lacked any real vision. He also made the classic mistake of trying to define his legacy about 18 months before he left office when what he should have done is say on Day 1, "I want my legacy to be xxxxxx. I am now going to move heaven and earth to achieve this through a government team that I will co-ordinate and manage."

Whatever else President-elect Obama does during the transition, I hope he thinks through a clear and challenging legacy that he can outline at his inauguration. Then, never mind 100 days but we can assess him over the next 4 years.

Posted by Mark JF at November 11, 2008 10:16 AM

Mark JF - Thanks for your words. It is not the idea that ANY day, the first 100 hundred or anytime thereafter, should be fritted away. The very thought of this is scary, especially considering our current climate.

The idea put forth is that we should, as the President-elect said, move with "deliberate haste." Research is great; I'm all for it. But I am more for understanding the past, but not being bound by it.

"Deliberate haste" sets the proper tone, embodying the necessity of action and the wisdom of thoughtfulness. The President-elect’s selection of Rahm Emanuel as Chief of Staff should signal something. Emanuel is a man of action and thoughtfulness. We probably shouldn't let the Rambo image fool us. Anytime you get things done, thoughtfulness is required.

Regarding legacy, it is others who will decide this, not the leader. But leadership must not be looked at on how others will look upon us. Rather it should be on how we will in the very moment both initiate and implement the collective vision for the betterment of all now and in the future. Leadership is not about the leader.

Leadership is the external impetus, driven by internal convictions, along with those of others.

Posted by Judith Ellis at November 11, 2008 11:02 AM

I never did either, Tom--I never thought I'd see the day when 62 million Americans would vote for a man they know nothing about, except that he has a close, personal relationship with an unrepentant domestic terrorist and his equally unrepentant, convicted cop-killing wife . . .

The day when 62 million Americans, including a highly respected business thinker like Tom Peters, would shrug off such a connection, the first time in American history when any candidate for the presidency has had such far-reaching, far-left Marxist-socialist associates, and act as if it just really doesn't matter, and vote for the candidate anyway . . .

I never thought I would see the day . . . when 62 million Americans would brag about voting for such a candidate . . .

. . . but I'm seeing it now . . . and it's not a pretty sight.

Posted by Timothy Hadley at November 15, 2008 1:10 AM

Look out the window.
The sights you see are
the gift of your friendly neighborhood Bush Adminstration.

You are right. Obama is a Marxist.
I got it from a good source. The half-bat, half-boy from the headlines of the super market tabloids gave me his word that Obama is a Marxist.

Did you vote for Bush? Do you brag about it?

Posted by zed at November 16, 2008 8:42 PM

Convicted felon Senator Ted Stevens loses re-election bid! Thank God!

Posted by Judith Ellis at November 18, 2008 10:30 PM