A Historic Evening

Wow. Where to begin? Well, how about Bar 9, an inconspicuous Manhattan pub on 9th and 54th. There, our friend Sarah Sweeney had an election gathering to either celebrate (or commiserate) the historic night.

There was a buzz in the air as we stepped inside. An excitement crackled. It was almost as if there was a World Series or Super Bowl going on. But the event tonight was far more important. The potential for a real change in our country—one so long overdue.

Now I know in other parts of the country things may have been more divided but in New York City, Obama played for the home team. When they announced his taking states on CNN, the place would erupt in cheers. McCain states would get boos. It’s really strange what a huge impact geography has on people’s values and beliefs.

Here are some Obama supporters I know!









Speaking of CNN, what was the deal with their correspondent holograph? Did you see her? She was physically in Chicago and beamed into the CNN newsroom like Princess Lea in Star Wars. That was so strange to watch—almost giving the night a surreal, futuristic feel. In fact, the whole crazy high tech set with its pull down wall menus, etc. was pretty out there. At times it was cool—at others you wanted to scream—just tell me the results! Stop messing with your toys!



I wasn’t supposed to stay at Bar 9. I’d promised Liz I’d go to Brooklyn to Megan’s house. Megan was having an election dance party, which sounded fun—if not far. (About an hour subway ride or more and then an hour home.) Liz said, “I know it’s far, you shouldn’t feel obligated to come.” But I thought about all those nights I wanted my friends to come to my apartment in Queens. How I admonished them for dissing the idea of crossing water into a (shudder!) borough! I was determined not to be like that. It was Brooklyn or Bust.

Liz left early to help prepare for the party. Jacob arrived at Bar 9. More friends from work arrived and settled in for a long election night. And still, I told them, I’m going to Brooklyn in a bit. They looked at me as if I were crazy. “Brooklyn?” they’d repeat in disbelief. “Tonight? Do you know how far that is?”

In the end, I gave into peer pressure and stayed at Bar 9. Watched Obama take swing state after swing state from the comfort of their couches. I even ate tater tots! I watched Obama take New Hampshire (sorry Dad!) and Obama take Florida (sorry Mom!) And at around 10:30 Jacob and I headed home—tired but happy—just in time to see Obama be officially declared winner around 11:00. We stayed up and watched McCain’s concession speech (I felt kind of sad for the guy in an old grandpa kind of way) and then Obama’s acceptance speech. I especially liked the part about the puppy.

So that was my night. Historic, happy and surrounded by friends who have the same belief system I do. It truly renewed my faith in this country and the people who live in it. It’s been a really long eight years. But now I have hope again.