1) AS A PRICK WHO NEEDS TO BE RIGHT ALL THE TIME:

Immediately after Obama announced his candidacy for the presidency I read The Audacity of Hope. I knew that I was going to vote for him and that he had a real chance. The book meant so much to me racially, religiously, etc. – I felt a real connection to the story and philosophies that Obama wrote. That is why when I felt he was backtracking on issues after he beat Hillary I felt particularly betrayed. However, as he became more tested throughout the campaign and to elaborate more on issues he reassured me and I felt very happy to cast my vote for him. Before it became fashionable and even before most black people had joined his campaign I called it and it feels good to know that the people who told me that America would not elect a black man are dead wrong.

2) AS AN AMERICAN:

Just seeing his first press conference it was inspiring to see someone who exudes presidential qualities versus Incurious George’s last eight years. It gives me confidence (not that a President Hillary would not have done that) that I have not had since Bill was in the White House. I did not like it when Michelle Obama made her comment about being proud of America for the first time, but I sort of understand because I can say that I have never been prouder of America and to be an American.

3) AS THE SON OF A WHITE WOMAN AND A BLACK IMMIGRANT

This is probably where I feel the most pride. Obama endured all the issues that people of mixed race, especially half-white, half-black deal with: he endured fears of white people that his blackness would be an issue, he endured black people questions his black credentials because he did not have the typical African-American experience. It was only until Obama won Iowa that black people really began to support him. But what I take the most pride in Obama has never made an issue of race and for good reason. He is half white and was raised by relatives on his white side. I have to believe that he understands that his skin color and features place him as a member of the African-American community in America, but to call himself a black candidate would be to exclude half of himself. Throughout my life I have endured similar things. Whether it was being the only kid with pigment on my Church basketball team, to being questioned by whites and blacks on my blackness I have always maintained that I am half white, half black. I am both, not just one. I feel that people can make Obama what they want him to be, but I think his refusal to address himself as a candidate of one race is what I admire most.

4) AS A COMEDIAN

Are you kidding me? Not only do I have 10 minutes of Obama material already, but it is also my best impression since Owen Wilson. Fred Armisen’s days are numbered… Just last night two more people yelled OBAMA as I walked by.