Thoughts on a New President

I asked someone about an hour ago simply, "Ten years ago, could you have even considered a black president was even possible?
What a corner America has turned, and it took a magnetic, thoughtful, inspiring, pragmatic, scholar to man the rudder.
All arguments aside on the validity of an age-old electoral ballot system to modern-day society, the great George F. Will said it best by commenting that President-elect Obama tonight received a "mandate" from the American people. Indeed, especially when compared with the last two elections.
But soon, when the honeymoon ends, all eyes will acutely center on him to see what he does with it.
Change has already happened, already being written into the history books. But to what extent? Who'd have thought that a black man actually winning the presidency could truly be the easiest part? "Yes We Can" will soon become "How?" and "When?"
Hope certainly abounds across the nation, and at the same time genuine fear oozes from the red Earth. The economy teeters; consumer confidence is shaken. We grapple with a health care system in desperate need of repair. And a Democratic Congress is licking its lips to finally exert its power in doing something about it. Energy, immigration, education ... the list goes on.
It is up to Obama to reach across the aisle, across America, and continue not only the thoughtful discourse that has highlighted his campaign but also implement positive, collaborative steps to unite the nation. Like perhaps no president before him, perhaps only Lincoln during the Civil War or FDR following the Great Depression, Obama ascends the front steps to open the door on a house of horrors. To even want such a job should be reason enough for Obama, or McCain for that matter, to achieve instant sainthood. But it was Obama who stayed the truer course. He seized upon a genuine desire of the public to realize America as a better place than it already was by introducing transcendental ideas, progressive plans that, if implemented, could change the course of the United States for generations to come.
But he must remain vigilant and fair to all in how he commands the country through these troubling times. He can not allow Congress to bully him but must lead as the executive statesman he has been for the past six years. He should not be shy with flouting the mandate, not to brandish a big stick at Republicans but to direct traffic and improve the flow of communication not only between social and economic programs but with respect to our nation's stature in the world, the wars it fights and all the interests it protects at home and abroad.
The question must be asked, "What will be possible for us 10 years from now?"