America, we aced this one

Presidential elections are tests. Campaigning tests the candidates and voting tests citizens. This year, Barack Obama passed and so did we, the electorate.

We both have more tests ahead, but for the moment we can smile.

Sometimes we don't grade so well, sometimes a cheater wins, but this time the A student, who works hard and smart, won.

That is largely because we are in too deep a mess to focus on anything beyond who is most likely to lead us out of it.

This time we made history because the person we chose has one African parent.

His brilliant campaign, his soothing, intelligent demeanor, nearly a billion dollars and our own desperate straits made the impossible possible. So did the fact that America is changing.

It is more diverse and less strongly biased against black people, more urban and better educated than it was even a generation ago.

I watched the election returns with my wife and son, switching from channel to channel. I've never heard the word "amazing" used so many times.

A moment of self congratulation is in order — we've arrived at a new day. But there's no time to be smug because this sunrise means it's time for work.

Obama set the right tone in his sober victory speech. Did you notice how little he smiled?

Few presidents have taken office with so many problems on their desks, and with so little money to work with.

Just the fact of his election will restore America's luster in the world, but dealing with the economy, the environment, education, terrorism will challenge him.

Obama's election won't magically end racial disparities in education, income, health. He's one man. There is only one black governor and just Obama in the Senate.

NBC interviewed Tavis Smiley, who brought some needed perspective.

Smiley said he worried about how Obama will handle becoming an instant icon to people around the world. And he worried that the first time Obama did anything that benefits someone black, he would be accused of tribalism.

Still, Obama's election shows racism is diminishing. The once impenetrable barrier has more holes today than it did yesterday.

People say his election will allow little black children, and Latino and Asian-American and Indian children, to dream bigger dreams. I hope so, and I hope it will encourage more of their parents and teachers to nurture those dreams.

Inspiration is no small thing. but it will be just as important for him to challenge us to do our part to solve our problems. He has already demonstrated what is possible when a person applies discipline and hard work to lofty goals.

My eyes teared up when Obama brought his family onstage, when he introduced, "the nation's next first lady, Michelle Obama." And when the camera found in the crowd a white and black couple kissing.

And again when I looked from Obama on TV to my son on the couch next to me.

It felt like morning in America.

Jerry Large's column appears Monday and Thursday. Reach him at 206-464-3346 or jlarge@seattletimes.com.