President - Elect Barack Obama - Change is Now.

In college, I used to love politics. I even majored in political science, but in the last 8 years I've been very disenfranchised with the American political system. Most frustrating to me is the fact that an individual can win the popular vote in the country but still lose the election.

And, the waters are muddier. The differences between the candidates are harder to see. The lines are drawn on the issues by party and not by the character and ideals of the people who seek election. As much as we claim to be a multiple party system, we are not. If you are not part of the democratic or republican party, you don't stand a chance in the race for the oval office. I really think we should have no parties at all - just people and their ideas. And we, as Americans, vote for the person with strong ideas, an ability to execute on those ideas and a strong moral character.

Times in this country are tougher than they have been in a very long time. Whoever is elected will have a tough road ahead of them and many, many challenges to tackle and overcome. I did not believe for awhile that any of the candidates who were vying for the presidency had what it would take to really lead this country in a way that it so desparately needs.

In recent weeks though, Barack Obama has emerged to be a man of strong character and leadership potential. I believe he can unite the country and make strides in improving the state of our great nation. As I wait for Barack Obama to speak after being announced President-Elect, I find that I am again excited and hopeful for the future of our country. And, to give credit where credit is due, John McCain is also quite the respectable man. He has served our country for such a long time and will continue to do so until he is unable. He gave a wonderful concession speech asking the country to stand behind Obama. He is also a man of strong character and a passion for our great nation.

Change is now. It's time to get our economy back on track. It's time to bring our troops home. It's time to focus on preserving this great country and world in which we live. It's time to improve health care so all Americans have access to health care. It's time for Americans to come together and rebuild the nation in which we live. And, it's time for Barack Obama.

**Of course, this is also historic in the fact that Obama will be our first African American president. Though it's a positive step for our country in terms of equality, I don't think Obama's color has anything to do with why he was elected or how he will perform as president. He won this election based on his character, not his color.