Getting It Now

A reader writes:

I read your essay, studied his campaign, and just did not see it. How could a conservative get behind Barack Obama?  Well after he won in Iowa, I saw it. His victory speech in Iowa was the purest example of William F. Buckley's words of standing "athwart history, yelling Stop" that I have heard out of any of the candidates running for office. 

I most likely will not vote for Obama but I can't help but think since Thursday night that if he were elected President, it would be a breath of fresh air that the likes of George W. Bush, Al Gore, and John Kerry did their damnest to pollute the last few Presidential elections. 

Obama has definitely won my respect.

Another writes:

I thought some more about Obama's speech(es), and a thought occurred to me. I'm an educated, politically savvy, 24 year-old college graduate who should not be prone to "the moment."  I have my fair share of cynicism in me.  Why, then, do I get sucked in by Obama?  Whatever it is, my wall of cynicism falls down whenever I hear a speech like Thursday's. I go from being a cynical liberal, to an idealistic liberal, waiting for the possibility of the future.

I know, my "rational" part tells me, "You're being hopelessly romantic." Yet, I don't care.  I like feeling idealistic, on occasion. I like feeling this way. I don't want it to stop. Not now, not yet.

Me neither.