After all we've been through, I may not truly believe that Sen. Obama is the democratic nominee until I see the confetti fall in Denver. Senator Clinton has taught me to be superstitious in politics, but for the purposes of this post, we'll imagine that he is the nominee.

If you think that this nomination process has been exhausting, you're right, but the really tough work is just beginning.

Obama supporters, be magnanimous. Clinton supporters, if I had poured so much of myself into this thing to come up short, I'd be shattered. We shared this feeling together in the wake of 2000 and 2004, but this is different. There weren't any Diebold delivered victories. This was a fair fight between two leaders on the right side of the fight to come in November. Take some time, but please come around. Divided we fail.

Every election, people say "this is the most important election in history," but this one really is different. You can feel it. I think maybe eight years ago we could afford to waste a term or two on a guy like John McCain. Yeah, it wouldn't be fun, but how bad could it get? Honestly, if he had been our president instead of George W. Bush, I know things wouldn't be as bad as they are now. That said, he has pledged to continue Bush's worst policies and anything else would be disastrous in its own right. Our military is at the breaking point, and we can't afford these wars. The climate is in crisis, and millions may starve and die as a result. The economy is rubbish, and America can no longer stay competitive with Europe, China, India, etc. The world is watching, willing to give us one more chance to see if we can reclaim our standing as a beacon of freedom and hope. Even if John McCain is more competent and less corrupt than George W. Bush, we still can't afford him.

As president, Barack Obama wants to mobilize the entire country to greatness. Democrats, that starts now, by working to get the man elected. Donate. Volunteer. Spread the word.

Hope and Turning the Page. Barack Obama told his campaign that if they were going to run for the white house, the campaign would have to be done with integrity and with joy. Democrats, some ugly things are coming our way, but we must keep our cool and remain positive. Don't punch out your republican dad at the dinner table and don't give a stranger a reason to vote against our candidate.

Constant Vigilence. Any time you hear misinformation or slanderous assertions about Barack Obama (he's a Muslim, he swore on a Koran), set the record straight. If you hear someone make a comment or express doubt about his race, speak up. Set an example. Let them know you don't feel that way, and you hope America can show itself to be better than they fear. People like that are followers anyway. If you say nothing, they'll think you tacitly agree and feel more comfortable in their own prejudice or fear. Set an example that they can follow.
 
Let's demand more of the MSM and hold them accountable. They're a bunch of gossipy children that pounce on insignificant details and let atrocities pass by without a mention. We need to start protesting their headquarters and demand that they do their jobs responsibly. Talk to the country like adults, ask real questions. If they had done their jobs, we might not be in this war. I don't give a shit about missing blond girls in Aruba, or polygamists in Texas. What about retired generals spreading propaganda in exchange for DoD contracts? Enough is enough. They felt the heat after the ABC debate. We have to bring that heat to the rest of them every time.
 
We can do this together. Yes, we can.