Indeed, we have seen history made, once again, in our lifetime.

I tend to keep pretty quiet about my political views. For the most part, it is that they are my private thoughts, and an ingrained desire to stay out of heated, emotional debate. I grew up with politics, the daughter of a political activist, election judge, fund raiser-extraordinare, and state party official. I have seen more than my share of the inside of the great political machine.

Two things strike me as remarkable, and it has nothing to do with the history the media pundits are finally feel free to report. And, no. I’ve misspoken. I do find it remarkable, and feel a great sense of satisfaction in, the fact that we have elected our first African-American President, and that race was not a formal campaign issue.

I have always known that our generation would bring this day about. What I feared to dream for was that that alone was not the issue – on the stump, in the streets, nor in the media. As Americans, we have taken a huge step in the right direction. It is time to acknowledge the historical significance, and as Obama highlighted in his acceptance speech, the sacrifices, struggle, and hopes that have led us here. Yes, Obama, we can. And we did. My hat is off — not just to you, but to all of us.

I grew up with the Civil Rights Movement. I was seven years old in 1964. My parents, while not comparable to Gloria and Mike, were the deeply committed and enlightened children of Archie and Edith. I cannot help but be awestruck and deeply satisfied and proud of the significance of this moment in time – which was embodied in tears streaming down Jesse Jackson’s face, regardless of what you think of the man himself. Once we have taken it all in, it is time to move onto the business at hand.

Getting back to the things I find truly remarkable …

First, coming from such an old school political machine oriented background, I cannot help but be very aware that the very nature of successful campaigns has changed. No. There is nothing new about a successful grassroots campaign. And yes, I recognize that a number of events came together like the stars and planets lining up.

As of October reporting, the Obama campaign had raised in excess of $639 million. The irony is not lost on me that this was done by the Party that has been extolling campaign finance reform since the days of Watergate.

What I find most telling was that these funds were used in a very new way. This campaign was unlike anything we have ever seen. It was discipline and planning and marketing brilliance at its finest. It was the harnessing of social media as an important, effective, and legitimate tool of the 21st century.

Second, I am struck by the concerns of our young people, and I am painfully aware of just how deeply they have been affected by the events of 9-11 and the war in Iraq.

I took my role as parent of first time voters very seriously. I tried very hard to stay neutral with my sons and their friends, stressing the importance of understanding the issues and researching the candidates – of not basing decisions on commercials, biased media reporting, and the opinions of others. I feel proud to have been asked about differences between the two candidates, and the two parties because they trusted my honesty regardless of my beliefs.

For the first time during this election, once the race was called, Chip and I discussed our votes and our reasoning. I was by struck his perceptions.

He admitted not fully understanding all of the issues, and of seeing many similarities in the changes extolled by both candidates. He said that he felt equal confidence in both candidate’s abilities to lead us out of financial crisis, and their ability to address health care.

It did give me a moment of pause that he feels very strongly about pro-choice, and was turned off by the pro-life discussion surrounding Sarah Palin. It was not that he disagrees with pro-life, but that he feels it should not be a campaign issue – “It is a personal choice that has to be respected. It is not a decision for the government to make in either direction.” Yes. He is the child of a woman who stood with her own mother outside of the Supreme Court in 1973.

It also gave me pause that he was upset by the reports of Palin’s wardrobe expenses. I was not surprised that he was unaware some of the other campaign costs, such as the $700,000 for staging, lighting, and sound services for the Berlin speech.

I was struck that he was “turned off” by Sarah Palin’s “acceptance of sexist treatment.” Huh?! He did not like some signage here in Virginia, “Elect the Chick.” He felt she did little to portray herself as “a successful, professional source of power” and that she “seemed to accept being portrayed as a pretty ditz.”

Not that I think she is, mom. But she allowed people to get that impression, and she didn’t do anything to correct it. I just didn’t get it.

Yes, he is his mother’s son.

But more important, he said his decision came down to the war. He was concerned with McCain’s alignment with George Bush’s policies. He is concerned with Bush’s ties to big oil. He feels strongly about a responsible exit from the Middle East. Surprisingly, he blames Bush for events leading to 9-11.

And then I realize how young he was on September 11th, and just how that, and the subsequent wars, have defined his view of the world, his country, and his leaders. Not unlike the Viet Nam war defined my own. It is a connection that i had not made until tonight.