Obama’s inspiring victory speech caps historic night

Last night’s speech was unlike any other presidential victory speech in our history

Maybe he is not at all like the men who preceded him in the White House or the self-righteous blowhards with whom he worked in the Senate. Frankly, I’m not convinced (Hey, I voted for John McCain, so shoot me!).

But … if his victory speech this morning was any indication, president-elect Obama may be very different indeed.

His speech declaring presidential victory was unlike any in history.

Traditionally, election night victory speeches are perfunctory and formulaic: 1.) Talk about how “humbled” you are, 2.) acknowledge your opponent, 3.) thank your supporters and family and 4.) mention the “challenge ahead” and then start partying.

Most such November victory speeches are quickly filed in the dustbin of history. (John F. Kennedy in Hyannis in 1960 simply read conciliatory telegrams from President Eisenhower and Vice President Nixon, thanked the people, and left.)

But Obama’s 16-minute oration, begun promptly at the stroke of midnight ET, was something different.