Dropping off my ballot Monday after voting for President Obama was a proud moment for me

For the first time, ever, I was truly proud of the President I voted for in the General Election.

In 2008, I voted for McCain, but I was already adrift away from the GOP--the Party I'd been voting for since 1988. I was leaning towards either Bill Richardson or John Edwards, until they blew up. McCain still felt like meh, and I guess I didn't believe in the President's determination to go the distance for the American people.

I underestimated The President when he was a Candidate and then a Nominee, and I was wrong. A lot of people underestimated The President, thankfully, because they got their asses handed to them.

It is ironic that here in Washington State the President doesn't need my vote. He is a lock for the Blue State of Washington. He didn't need to get my vote. I needed to give it.

I needed to give it in order to start undoing the damage the GOP has done, and is going to continue trying to do, to this country on behalf of wealthy interests.

I am hopeful for the next two years, and I think the Democrats will retake the House in 2014. When they do, the President’s last two years in office will be his finest.

Change has only just begun.