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So as of last night, I was a Joe Biden supporter. It was heart-breaking to see Joe and Chris Dodd drop out of the race because of their collective years of experience in the US Senate. I hope that they both have significant roles in whatever Democratic administration takes office next January. But I write now in response to seeing Barak Obama in Portsmouth this morning.

While I mourned the loss of Joe Biden, I was glued to CCN (with occassional forays to Fox just to get angry). Watching Barak Obama's speech was so powerful I knew I couldn't miss hearing him speak in Portsmouth this morning. First, I needed to decide between Clinton, Obama and Edwards. Plus, I couldn't miss a bit of history. In fact, I made sure to bring my daughter because I want her to be able to say she was there the morning after the first African-American won the Iowa Caucus.

The crowd was incredible, the energy was contagious. It didn't matter that we waited on line in single-digit temperatures. Everyone had a story to share about where they were in the decision-making process. Some of us were starting all over, some were undecided. On line and in the seats around me there were quite a few Independents and Republicans (many of them male) supporting Obama. There were people of every age in the audience. The elderly, young adults, those of in the middle with young children. And I definitely felt, looking at the cameras glaring down at us in the airport hanger, that the world was watching us. What a powerful privilege we have here.

Obama was electrifying in my opinion. Much of his speech came from previous talks, including anecdotes and refrains from last night's excellent speech. However, much felt fresh and new. As I haven't been a close follower, I can't say for sure. But it didn't matter. The speech was eloquent and hopeful, powerful and commanding. It was so moving that it felt like a spirtual experience. While cheering and applauding, I still felt a bit like I was cheating on Joe Biden. When your candidate drops out, it feels like an unexpected break-up. Was I in denial? I guess so. Even though Joe is the one who dropped out, I felt like I was doing the wrong thing cheering for Obama within twelve hours.

And yet, hearing him speak was so inspirational. His message resonates with me and I felt that he does represent a departure from politics as usual. His sense of humor came through really well this morning, too, which was also refreshing, to see the person not the icon. He joked about how some (including myself up until last night) felt that he had to be "stewed" in Washington a little longer "until the hope" is "beaten out" of him. He's smart and articulate, and he represents a fresh start for the Democratic party, which Clinton and Edwards don't represent. Edwards tone this morning felt nasty and Clinton was trying to be gracious last night, but it still felt mechanical. She's so smart and talented, but I am still discouraged by the dynasty that would be perpetuated should she be elected. So, for now, I think Obama has my vote on Tuesday. But I have to keep watching and listening over the next few days.