In this election cycle we have seen a woman run for the Democratic Party's nomination, and nearly win it.
We have seen a woman nominated as the Republican Party's choice for Vice President.
We have seen an African-American man become the Democratic Party's nominee for President of the United States of America.
We have seen as genuine of an American hero as could exist, surviving the horror's of torture at an enemy's hand become the Republican Party's nominee for President of the United States of America.
Positively, early voting suggests the 2008 general Presidential election will be the most participated election in American history.
Negatively, substantive debate lags the ideals we hold for an intellectually grounded, morally responsible, penetrating engagement that seeks to hold responsible those who don't serve the public's interest.
But perhaps this election means more in a less national scale. For example, after expressing little interest in my story of receiving a rare tour of the West Wing of the White House on grounds that it was occupied by one of the least competent Presidents, she asked me about the White House. She asked about the Oval Office. She asked about the President's desk and what it was like to see it. Puzzled, I asked why she was interested all of a sudden. She replied, "Because I am hopeful again."
Regardless of whether I agree her hope is warranted, it is fundamental to the American spirit. To see a Presidential candidate tapping into such a primordially American ethos underscores the great tradition hope has played in our country.
Hope has been the greatest casualty in the modern era of politics. From Nixon, Clinton, and Bush our generation inherited distrust, criminality, gridlock, and cynicism.
So, if nothing else, hope is making a comeback.
It is good to see.
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