Hope, change, progress ““ three words displayed on posters, T-shirts and banners across Washington, D.C., throughout the inauguration weekend. These words are short yet powerful and have rallied together groups of people that have seemingly nothing in common to support our new president, Barack Obama.
This diverse group of enthusiastic “Obamaniacs” surrounded me as I stood on the National Mall watching our new president be sworn into office. I had never before experienced political expression on such an epic scale. The supporters were willing to brave the cold and the overwhelming crowds to usher in a man they believe will turn the tide for America. Such simple words ““ “Yes we can” ““ had the power to catapult a rookie senator into the most dominant position in American government.
It is hard to comprehend the popularity our new president commands, especially when juxtaposed with ol’ George W. Bush. YouTube is stocked with videos of Obama’s speeches synced to dramatic music, while videos of Bush, in comparison, are bloopers from his latest oratory mishap. Obama’s celebrity power is a testament to the scope of his fan base. The “We Are One” concert at the Lincoln Memorial had appearances ranging from Steve Carell to Bono to Beyonce. It seems Obama is unstoppable, and the inauguration proved just this.
Obama’s inaugural address again touched on the promise Americans have used to champion Obama as our savior ““ the promise to renew the American dream. Flags waved, tears were shed and cheers echoed across the Mall. Our new president seems to know exactly how to tug at the American conscious. Though I have been skeptical of Obama’s power for “change,” I too felt wrapped up in the Obama spirit.
I was very apprehensive as we left Tuesday morning to head over to the inauguration. The predictions about the crowds were daunting, and I was a little afraid of how my California-grown immune system would fare standing in temperatures in the teens. On the way to the Mall, the streets were blocked off with buses, the police were in full force and the crowds were eagerly walking toward the Capitol. The volunteers’ enthusiasm helped keep me invigorated with cheers of “Good Morning!” and “Happy Inauguration Day!” It was a fantastic feeling to participate in such a historical moment for our country.
Once we found our spot on the Mall and settled in, the mounting energy around us was palpable. You could genuinely feel the hope and renewed trust in our government exuding from the people around us. I will admit, I myself was not initially an Obama supporter. His slogans purporting the nebulous idea of hope seemed hokey. Discontented and disillusioned from the Bush administration, I think I doubted whether anyone could change Washington and thought perhaps Obama’s goals were too lofty.
Whether this is true or not has yet to be determined, but already Obama has gone straight to work guiding his administration to redirect policy. This encourages me that the Obama gear was not worn under false pretenses, that maybe there really is still hope for America.
The feeling of renewed American spirit I experienced while waving my flag with the millions of other Americans on the Mall cannot be duplicated or perfectly recounted. It was a unique moment in time where I felt that both my fellow Americans and I were excited about the future of politics. As cheesy as the slogan for the concert sounds, we are one, and we need to find solutions together.
Obama is the change our country needs to renew its energy, but part of that change is up to us. The inauguration encouraged me to take part in politics, and to feel engaged in the governing of our country. Making America a place I am proud to represent abroad is partially my responsibility. The fervent cloud of supporters surrounding me as I witnessed Obama take the oath of office reminded me that I should be proud to be American.
E-mail Mier at smier@media.ucla.edu. Send general comments to viewpoint@media.ucla.edu.