President-elect Obama just finished speaking. It was powerful and moving, he’s quite an orator.

His message was one of hope, for the future of America and the world. He even addressed the rest of us, not in America. That’s unprecedented. The current occupant of the White House only made threats to the rest of the world.

I felt a bit sorry for John McCain when I watched his speech. I don’t think he is a bad man, I just think his policies were bad. People clearly wanted change and that wasn’t on offer from the Senator from Arizona.

I hate to piss all over the party, but the feeling I have right now reminds me of the day after Tony Blair was elected the first time, back in 1997. Strangers smiled at each other in the streets, people seemed so happy by the prospect of change. It was really amazing.

And we know how all that turned out. Not well.

I think it will be different with Obama. I hope so, anyway.

Obama has a lot to live up to. Many people will be disappointed with him when he doesn’t turn all the water into wine.

The changes Obama has promised won’t happen overnight, but they will happen. We need to be patient and let him do what he can. Don’t be discouraged if the happy feeling you have today wears off.

Trust me, it will wear off. It always does.

But for today, just enjoy it. Bask in it. Revel in it.

For today, for the first time in the better part of a decade, things have never looked brighter.

That’s it for me, tonight. I hope you’ve enjoyed my surprisingly prolific live-blogging this evening. I’ve enjoyed being able to comment on actual history as it unfolds.

the northlondonhippy
0535gmt - 5th November 2008