My debut at Nova.
Of course, the whole world now knows that Barack Obama has been elected as the first Black President of America. But long before Barack decided to participate in the race for the White House, I was already a supporter of this brilliant politician*. So it was inevitable that I followed the struggle closely from beginning to end. Actually, even a little more than that. I went to rallies and once even helped out at the “grass roots” level.
It was truly indescribable to be part of this historic event. No wonder I was super excited when I was asked for Nova. I really grabbed the chance to talk about Obama and the elections with both hands. I know Nederland 3 and Nova all too well from when I lived in the Netherlands, so the program and Twan Huys were also not unknown to me.
The reactions I received from you after the broadcast were all very nice. Many of you found it a pleasant surprise to see an afro in the current affairs program for a change and to hear my vision on the American elections. I can only say that I read every email with great pleasure and appreciated it very much. Thanks!
The reactions of my American friends were also heartwarming. Immediately after future President Barack Obama had given his speech, friends called and texted to congratulate me. I thought that was great. Especially because we had quite a few debates during the election campaign.
In the beginning when hardly anyone really knew him I told them about who he was, his book and that I believed he had a chance. Sceptical as they were about the chances of a black man in America I gave them the example of Oprah Winfrey. If someone had told you 30 years ago that a black woman who constantly battles with her weight would be the biggest player in media land, would you have believed it?
Election Plaza NY
Of course, being the boss of media land is completely different from being the boss of and running a country, but to that argument I confidently countered what his charming and at least equally intelligent wife Michelle Obama said from the beginning; give people time to get to know Barack. And so history was made.
America 
has learned that Barack Obama, who started at the bottom with organizing at the community center level to help the poorest people, with the same goal, first studied law at the prestigious Harvard University and eventually entered politics, without losing sight of his goal. One of his mottos is: Politics didn't lead me to working folks. Working folks led me to politics. A very admirable path that has never been taken before, and almost demands even more respect.
Now we are looking forward to the inauguration on January 20. History will be written then too. The tickets that are supposed to be free are no longer available and are therefore being offered for thousands of dollars on Ebay. It is, as they say here, “the hottest ticket in town”. I too am looking forward to this joyful event, realizing that President Barack Obama will not have it easy.
America is in a recession and desperately trying to avoid a depression while still embroiled in two wars that only increase the budget deficit. While I am worried, I also understand that no challenge is too great for a president's ambition. Many American presidents have stated that their greatness was not fully realized because there was no war or other major crisis during their term. Well, it should be clear that future President Barack Obama has no reason to complain in that regard.
It will certainly not make the enormous challenges that the new President will face any less complicated or easier, but the enthusiasm and commitment that the incoming President has stirred up has at least led to the American people seeming to be united again. That, is a step in the right direction and that creates hope.