sprite writes
broodings from the burrow

November 7, 2008


my dc: my favorite night so far
posted by soe 6:45 pm

Tuesday was my favorite night in D.C. thus far. Keep in mind that our city is as blue as they get, where the Green Party usually nets more votes than the Republicans. And that, for the moment, we’re still an African-American majority city. So a Democratic victory on Tuesday was going to be big. But I don’t think anyone understood quite how big…

Driving home from Cap Hill, we got caught up in the excitement downtown, where crowds had spilled out into the streets in an impromptu celebration, slowing car traffic to that rivaling the worst rush hour. But instead of reacting with ire, everyone just radiated love and goodwill. Drivers laid on the horns. Cyclists lapped the blocks cheering. People reached out of car windows. Pedestrians ran down the street, giving high fives, hugs, and thumbs up to everyone they passed. It was amazing — and you just really felt part of something bigger than yourself. People had needed a change, had needed to feel part of something, had needed to believe their voices and their votes mattered and were heard. And the successful election of Barack Obama gave credence to that belief.

Here are just a few shots from our crawl through downtown D.C.

Camraderie

Solidarity

Yes We Can

Victory

Category: dc life,politics. There is/are 6 Comments.



WOW!!! It was such an amazing night. I wish I could have been there in D.C….or for that matter, CHICAGO!!! :)!!!

Comment by Catherine 11.08.08 @ 8:10 pm

Catherine: I know! Chicago looked incredible! But D.C. was just so much _happier_ than I’ve seen it before…

Comment by soe 11.08.08 @ 8:14 pm

Our friend Shannon announced her plans to be in DC for the inauguration. What are your plans?

Comment by Grey Kitten 11.09.08 @ 4:53 am

It’s as if, briefly, the entire city was able to shake off the cloak of cynicism that comes with being the “company town” for the government. Even those of us who aren’t in the business, and who are political only by association or avocation, wear it. But Tuesday, we all got to try on euphoria and hope. It’s strange, but lovely.

Comment by Sarah H 11.09.08 @ 9:22 am

I’m sure we’ll be there… unless we’re not. 😉

Comment by soe 11.09.08 @ 6:25 pm

(In case it wasn’t obvious, the previous comment was directed at GK.)

Sarah, I couldn’t agree more. D.C certainly isn’t NYC in terms of its cynicism but it tries hard… It was refreshing to see it shake its doldrums off for a while, even if it doesn’t (didn’t?) last.

Comment by soe 11.09.08 @ 6:40 pm