Obama's Real Genius

I rushed from a media interview to watch Barack Obama's first speech as President with my staff at the office. I had picked up pizza on the way and was gratified to see them gathered around the small television watching history being made. We marveled at the sheer number of people on the Washington Mall. But more than anything, I was just glad to be with them.I have a young staff and I brought them on board specifically because moments like Obama's wasn't lost on them for a second. They firmly believe politics can and does make a difference at so many levels and in so many ways. My own particular message of non-partisanship is one which they particularly latch on to. They have been seasoned enough to understand how a politics that is polarizing isn't even worth having an election for. But more importantly, they are still idealistic enough to believe that things can be done differently.And then, just as we were half way through the pizza, a young black man came into the office requesting some assistance. He saw us watching Obama, took off his hat, and without asking permission just entered the room and took his seat in our midst. It was a defining moment - politics at its best. He left without saying thanks.  It wasn't required - it was an inclusive moment for all.I phoned my Ottawa assistant and he, too, was glued to the television, probably like millions of Canadians. And then my wife quickly emailed me from Uganda to say she was at the source of the Nile but was able to catch the last 5 minutes of Obama's speech. Her excitement was palpable.All of us involved in this scenario didn't so much witness history as we felt a part of it.  This was our moment, not just his, and in that observation lies the true strength of Barack Obama and the vision he might very well bring to Canada. My staff is like family. But so was that young man who silently entered the room or my wife half a world away. For a brief time we were together in hope.Here's to Obama, with all our best wishes. But here's to my staff, who understand that a spirit of inclusiveness and less partisanship is the foundation upon which Canadian politics can be at its best. Obama brought an entire world together, but my staff was already there.