Standing athwart history, yelling, “I’m not wearing any pants!”

Christmas Eve means I get to talk to my Uncle Chris. He’s not my uncle as much as he’s my brother-in-law’s Uncle, but there are so few people I can have a good political conversation with (last year we caused everyone to go out for Chinese food and catch a movie), so I’ve adopted him.

Wednesday night was the first chance I’ve had to talk to him since the election, and as we talked I was reminded of something I’ve been thinking aboot for aboot a month now. It’s a growing contentment with Barack Obama.

No, he wasn’t my choice. He wasn’t even my favourite on the Democrat side (I think he ranked 4th). For all the reasons that most of us with an R at the end of our name (minus the conspiracy theories), I could not believe we were aboot to elect this man President. Though as the election ended, and I’ve slowly tried to find things to with myself after being politically obsessed for two years, I find myself growing more content with BAM.

There are four key reasons:

1. My beef was never with BAM himself as much as it was with the media coverage of him, the Obama followers, and all those people who are the first to mock you for believing in Jesus…yet seem to honestly believe Barack Obama can walk on water.

2. It is impossible to look at those images from election night and not be moved by them. Yes, on January 20th he goes from being the 1st Black African-American President to simply being the 44th U.S. President, but when you think aboot our nation’s history and all that had to happen in order for this to happen…those crowds and the worldwide celebration aren’t something any of us will soon forget.

3. I was expecting John Kerry, Susan Rice, and Robert Reich. Instead, we’re getting Hillary Clinton, Jim Jones, and Tim Reitner. Definite upgrade!

4. I think it’s going to be fun being in the minority for a few years. You get more creative when you’re behind; you fight harder. The solidarity is stronger. New leaders and new voices step up, and the there’s a new energy and focus to what you do. Sarah Palin, Bobby Jindal, Tom Coburn, Jim DeMint, Eric Cantor, Paul Ryan, Mitch Daniels, Mark Sanford, Tim Pawlenty, Pete King, Chuck Devore, Bob Corker…there’s no lacking of potential leaders to rise up.

On January 21st, I prepare for the fight against card check and more bailouts, the 2009 Nassau County elections, and the 2010 midterms.

But the day before, on January 20th, I join the rest of my country in celebration and prayer for the 44th President of the United States.