Historic Milestone

Last night marked a milestone in this year's presidential election as well as in our nation's history. Barack Obama earned enough delegates to become the presumptive democratic nominee, becoming this country's first black candidate for president representing a major party.

Either way, we knew this would be a historic race, pitting the first black man who would be president against the first woman, but what is most satisfying to me, is how race and gender became secondary. Even though votes seemed separated as much by demography as ideology, the campaigns were primarily issue based.

Race and gender became the focus only for fleeting moments. Obama's association (and disassociation) with an outspoken pastor seemed to indicate more of a cultural divide than a political one. And Hillary's gender only seemed to be an issue when her husband (and his potential impact on her presidency) came into the picture. Despite these instances, both candidates held their own, and proved they were ready for the office. And Americans proved they were ready too.

Hillary will leave a tremendous mark in American politics. Although I would never have voted for her or her policies, she showed an unrelenting commitment to issues and prepared this nation for the inevitability of a truly capable female commander-in-chief. As for Obama, his legacy continues to be his transformational leadership and the movement he started that has swept the country. Could you describe it in one word? Can we elect Barack Obama? By now, I think you know the answers.