Election Night 2008

Waiting and Watching

by Tracy Chipman

We asked writers from Iowa and beyond to share their stories of where they were, what they saw, and what they felt on November 4, 2008. Links to more stories are below.

My account is a simple one . . . no hopeful buzzing throngs of rallying Obama supporters, no tied-to-the-screen campout for updates and analysis minutia, no outward visible signs of internal anxiety, a few inspiring YouTubes and watching, waiting. It was a funny thing—where was the impassioned anti-Bush, anti-Right, pro-peace, pro-Left political activist of years past?

My experience was this. At some point in the day, much like any other day and like no other day, I sat back from my computer and felt it—the buzz, the hope, and the subtle but powerful collective worldwide intake of breath and the holding, waiting, daring to believe that someone like Barack Obama was real and could win. That night I went to bed early and awoke in the morning—knowing. The collective, crystal clear exhale, the relief and belief that we—all of us—could now move on.

"I drove to Grant Park, Chicago, on Nov. 4 ..." by Mo Ellis

"I was born in 1968..." by Caterina Titus

"I was so nervous I could barely walk straight..." by Neil Fauerso

"I was where many were—at home..." by Thomas Dean

"I was on vacation with my sister in Paris..." by Donna Schill

"I did NOTHING on election night..." by Shane Brown

"Anxiety compelled me to sublimate: I started making chocolate brownies..." by Lillian Darr

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