In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, Americans were drawn together in unity as they rallied behind President George W. Bush and fought to defend their nation. Less than eight years later, President Bush's approval rating has plummeted from 90 percent during those post-9/11 days to a mere 22 percent last week.
But today marks the start of a new American era. These days are remarkable for the low level of rancor and partisanship, and the high levels of excitement and - dare we say it? - hope. From the voter drives across the nation led by enthusiastic volunteers to the hundreds of thousands of supporters who came to the festivities at the National Mall Sunday, it's clear that hope reigns eternal in many Americans hearts - not unlike the hope that came with the transition from Hoover to FDR during the dismal days of the Great Depression.
However, as Obama himself points out, the U.S. is still in the midst of an economic crisis that even Obama's hope and penchant for change cannot fix easily. The economy is not going to grow and improve just because he now lives in the White House. Supporters need to keep their ideals, but maintain realistic expectations; it would be a shame to see his presidency falter because of a failure to meet impossible goals.
Love him or tolerate him, Barack Obama's election has brought the U.S. a tenuous unity. Whether it will last remains to be seen. But for today, Americans can and should celebrate change, hope and the possibility of a better tomorrow.
Editorials represent the views of The Post's executive editors.
4 Opinion
Obama
