Stop and think about this image for a few seconds

[Wetzelbill]

George Bush standing at a podium. Preening like a goofy peacock, embarrasing our country in front of the world as he always did.

Then behind one shoulder was a bloated, redfaced Denny Hastert. And behind the other was a sneering Dick Cheney.

Well those days are over.

We've seen tonight what a new era looks like.

Ever since the election I've felt such great relief that, at the very least, we will have competent leadership. Leadership that is respected. That we know will do a good job. Maybe even a great one.

We've been through some dark times, it's good to finally see something good up ahead. I don't mind it being tough, and things will probably get worse for awhile, but at least we are doing things the right way now. It feels good.

[Duer 157099]

1. Now if only that awful aftertaste would just leave my mouth

I long for the days when it will become a distant memory, when conditions are improved so radically that it no longer hurts so much to even remember the Bush erra.

[liberalmuse]

5. I've said it before, but...

It's going to take awhile before we get the taste of the Bush shit sandwich out of our mouths.

[Clio the Leo]

2. Ah, now the look of constant glee on Nancy's face makes more sense...

.... she must have been so happy to be in such better company tonight.

[Jennicut]

4. LOL...Cheney probably gave her nightmares at night.

[bertman]

11. She's all happy cause she thinks President Obama is her Get-Out-of-The-Hague-Free

card.

[Jane Austin]

15. Why isn't anyone taking your bait?

Maybe no one wants to play.

[bertman]

25. Apparently a lot of us are so infused with happiness over our wonderful new President

(and I include myself in the infused with happiness group) that we seem to have forgotten the sins of the past.

Pelosi not only enabled Bush and Cheney's torture, renditions, and warrantless spying by remaining silent after being informed that these heinous CRIMES had become official government policy, she also took the one constitutional remedy for these crimes off the table.

To allow her a pass because she is so enthusiastic and supportive of our new President is folly of the highest order. Our republic is in grave danger when "leaders" like her are allowed to retain their seats of power and influence.

There are many other honorable and courageous Democrats who are capable of leading our Congress. I will not be silent while she is in power.

We can be good Democrats without being cheerleaders for corrupt Democratic leaders.

[tavalon]

23. I hope he isn't that for anyone

It's interesting. I'm still very, very angry at Speaker Pelosi, but the only time I couldn't keep my middle finger down was when they panned to Lie berman. I really, really, despise that guy and only dislike Pelosi. I'll have to examine that a bit.

Pelosi was an accessory to the crime and how deep she went down the rabbit hole is anyone's guess. The fact that she has a D after her name in no way expunges that she was an accessory.

[Jennicut]

3. I like this image WAY better.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

6. Did you hear what he did today? He was mocking people out of work....

... so when he was visiting a hardware store, he said he was looking for a job.

He's such a horse's ASS. I wish they could lock him up in Guantanamo.

[bertman]

12. maybe sooner than you think, Sarah.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

27. From your mouth to God's ears! nt

[Wetzelbill]

17. oh no

That guy has no tact at all, he's such a knucklehead. I still can't believe anybody thought he was fit to lead anything.

[Kalyke]

18. I wouldn't tap him to lead a parade.

He'd probably go the wrong way down Main Street.

[Wetzelbill]

19. reading that I thought of the time he tried to walk out a locked door

lol

[Sarah Ibarruri]

28. He's stupid and evil. I now know one doesn't have to be a genius to be evil nt

[ginnyinWI]

7. we are incredibly lucky..

the contrast could not be more dramatic!

[dmr]

8. I thought of that tonight through my tears of relief.

I am so proud of our President. I am so happy we have a real president. A man who is leading, teaching, and understanding.

[TankLV]

9. And no more phoney dujmbasshit Texas accents - anyplace!!!

I smile more each day now as I dreaded each new day aknew the past eight years...

[Arugula Latte]

10. To this day whenever I see the words "White House" in the newspaper

I instinctively cringe and brace myself for something horrible like: "White House Proposes Mass Slaughter of Kittens" or "White House Looks to Privatize Air" or something ... and then I think, "Wait! I LIKE the White House now ... What?! Are you freaking kidding me? They want to do something good and sensible?! How can that be?!"

[FKA MNChimpH8R]

13. I know whatcha mean, AL

For the last eight years (which seemed like fifty) every time I heard the words "President" or "White House" I flinched and ducked, at least metaphorically. Now I find myself consistently surprised and delighted (most of the time) at what follows. What a difference an honest election makes.

[Jane Austin]

16. Heee!

I do that, too!

[harry_pothead]

14. .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrND9GrNy_g&feature=related

[Triana]

20. "it's a relief to not have Dick Cheney with that smirk back there..."

(c) Cenk Ugyar

Indeed!

[Wetzelbill]

21. that alone is such a relief

I don't know if I am totally excited about a Dem president as much as I have just been relieved that the nightmare is over. It'll probably take me a while for it all to sink in that we are making headway.

[Minimus]

22. A picture of just what you describe:

I did a Contrast and Compare thread during Obama's speech last night. Compare the above photo with this photo:

[tavalon]

24. You know, for all of Biden's tendency to stick his foot in his mouth,

his smile is just so joyful. So is our President's, come to think of it.

[eppur_se_muova]

26. Jeez, Cheney and Hastert look like a couple of vultures ...

circling over a wounded, helpless animal lost in the desert.

[GeorgeGist]

29. Think about this image for a few seconds ...

Barack Obama standing at a podium. Extoling virtue like a HR rep for Enron.

Then behind one soldier, a giddy Nancy Pelosi. And behind the other a dull-faced Joe Biden waiting a second too long to jump up when Nancy begins the cheer leading.