In my semi-intoxicated random postings on election night, I mentioned the guy who ran out into the street yelling. I didn't have the time at that moment to really convey what it was that I saw; but now that I'm mostly recovered from last night (didn't sleep until about 4:30am), I feel that I can accurately portray what happened and why it was the single most amazing thing I witnessed last night.
A bit before 11pm, the electoral count was about 205 to 143. NBC said that they would soon start to get some returns in from the west coast. Things were looking towards Obama winning and the whole thing would be called real soon. A few of us went out front for a quick smoke before the newest numbers were to come in. I was the last person left outside. As I finished my cigarette, something caught my eye. From a house across the street, a man came running out. He literally bolted out the front door, arms raised, yelling "Obama! Obama! Obama!". Once he reached the middle of the street, he just stopped. His arms dropped to his side and he went silent. He looked around and noticed that no one else was with him. He then sprinted back inside. I don't think he even saw me sitting just 50 feet away from him.
What I would come to find out in the next few seconds is that the networks had just called the race for Obama. I guess this guy was so overtaken with joy that he took it to the streets. He seemed a little confused that others did not have the same enthusiasm as him. Regardless, his one man celebration was a sight to behold. No one else saw this. Just me. I got to witness this very private, yet public outburst of raw emotion from a total stranger. This was his moment; but it was mine, too. I almost yelled "Obama!" back at him, but I didn't. He needed to keep this moment for himself. As soon as he went back inside, I did the same. My friends were sitting around in a state of silent disbelief; a stark contrast to what I had just seen.
