A Day of Optimism is Not Without Controversy
Professor Joe White
Founding Partner, Shelly A. Sanford, is in the center of Cleveland, Ohio, on Election Day 2008. Working in a what is, admittedly, a Democratic stronghold, Shelly Sanford reports that excitement and optimism rule the day. She interviewed Joe White, a professor of international business and lifetime resident of East Cleveland. He had just voted, and expressed his optimism at how wonderful it is to be in America today. He reiterated that America “is a wonderful country despite all the ill that has transcended.” Dr. White also said: “It is wonderful to see the consciousness of people risen to the point where they examine a person on his merits. And if that is done collectively today, Obama will win.”
In another sign of guarded optimism, an African American veteran came out of the polling booth to circle the American flag before stopping to pray for our nation on Election Day 2008.
But the day was not without its detractors, as Republican activists repeatedly came to the polling station to complain of election abuses, citing the placement of pro-Obama materials within 50 yards of the polling station. The activists once brought local law enforcement officials, but no proof of any violation was visible. While some see this as posturing in the event of a close election or even a possible recount, others see this as simply a matter of a heightened sense of the reality that every vote counts in this election year.