The visionary and the statesman

It was breathtaking.

Yesterday Senators Barack Obama and Joe Biden, along with their beautiful wives, stood on the steps of the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois, and consummated this year's Democratic presidential ticket.

This was the same building where Obama had officially kicked off his presidential campaign last year. And this was the same building where President Abraham Lincoln had launched his campaign to end slavery. It was perfect.

And it seemed like a match made in heaven: The visionary and the statesman joining together to bring hope to this hurting nation.

Prior to the picture-perfect family portrait, Obama launched the rally by praising Biden's senatorial record and diplomatic skills. Then Obama, ever the visionary, shared his dream of the stronger, fairer, and more secure America that he and Biden would create.



Then, to the tune of Springsteen's "The Rising", Biden took the stage and proved his worthiness. Biden, ever the statesman, talked about how we need to change America, and in doing so can change the world. He criticized the Bush presidency and John McCain's complicity with Bush's policies. And he praised Obama's judgment, intelligence, courage, and strength.



It was a great pep rally and lead-in to the Democratic National Convention, which begins on Monday.

And I doubt that the Republicans, led by John McCain, can even begin to match the level of energy we saw yesterday in Springfield.

It gave me hope.

Cautious hope.