you have the power to take this country back

I never, ever get up this early, but I just got to get out there and vote. I am so fuckin' nervous. The first time I was in a voting booth was 1972. No, I'm not quite that old, but I made my mother let me accompany her. I don't know why, but despite her assurances, I just had to see her pull that lever for McGovern. My parents promised I could stay up late that night and watch the returns and see Nixon defeated. I suspect they knew better, but couldn't bring themselves to break my 11-year-old anti-war heart. Needless to say, with Nixon's landslide, I was crushed. And up until a few weeks ago, I would've bet money on Bush's re-election. But, my little progressive, optimistic heart has gotten the better of me, and I've begun to get hopeful, and think Bush may just soon be the outgoing President of the United States. I can't bare to think what it'll be like if he wins, but needless to say, I'll be glued to my TV and my computer for a good chunk of the night. Meanwhile, this bit of inspiration to rev me (and maybe you) up; someone put these bits from Barack Obama and Howard Dean together - you have the power to take this country back.

update:

There is never a line to vote in my neighborhood, and of course, there is no real contest here in New York - for ANY of the elections - President, Senate, etc. So I was delightfully suprised to see lines, and a healthy bit of chaos at my polling place on East 4th st. Now back to bed.