The Andy Aupperlee Explosion 5000

Barack Obama Victory Rally. Broadway & Pike, Capitol Hill.
Seattle, WA. November 5, 2008.

So many issues to consider… Who did yall vote for?
Matt & Brett at the 806 N 49th Election Party.

Ryan “GO USA” Nguyen hosted an election party at the 806 N 49th pad. Among the attendees were co-workers and Barack-o-publicans Brett and Matt. These two, along with 4 of 5 others, went through 5 huge steaks and an entire Crock Pot of white chicken chili faster than Tom Brokaw could mumble “swing state.” Like always, Sharat was on hand and helped me clean a few beers out of the fridge before we took off for the next venue.

Emily looks on in anticipation of a Barack win.
Montlake Ale House. Seattle, WA. November 4, 2008.

After a short drive, Sharat and I arrived at the Montlake Ale House. Earlier this year I (with Jon and several others) won trivia night at Montlake. While that evening may be noteworthy in the annals of the Andy Aupperlee Explosion 5000, a profoundly more historic event was about to take place in the bar. We rendezvoused with Caitlin and Emily, the latter of which frequents the Montlake for Drinking Liberally. Needless to say, I was in vastly different company than I was a decade ago. For the midterm election of 1998, I watched the returns with the Grand Rapids delegation of the Michigan Republican Committee in the Pantlind Ballroom of the Amway Grand Plaza. Someone at work told me that over 70% of Seattle voted for Obama—not surprising. When this city accidentally cuts itself filleting fish, it bleeds blue blood all over the state.

“What is the election all about? I just want to know how it will affect blogs and the i-net. Free WiFi for everyone in 2k9-2k13? So hopeful yall.”
- Sharat Reddy

Caitlin at the Montlake Ale House. Election Night 2008.

Emily asked me if I would like to start painting one fingernail blue every time a new state was announced for Barack. Although I hated disappointing her, I politely declined. Seattle has probably made me a little more progressive, but my birth certificate still says Grands Rapids, Michigan yall.

When NBC called the election for Barack, Montlake erupted. The packed bar cheered from the moment the first graphic was displayed until long after Obama’s eloquent acceptance speech. The excitement was palpable, not to mention contagious. About a dozen bottles of champagne circulated through the ale hall. People high fived, hugged, cried and laughed in amazement. For one night, a city mired in clouds and rain during this time of year, was completely free of cynicism. In politics, we usually find ourselves choosing between the lesser of two evils; making elections bittersweet at best. The euphoria that swept Seattle on November 4th did not come from joy that the alternative outcome failed; it was rooted in a honest optimism that our best days are ahead of us. Critics should understand that this is not the reflection of unreasonable ideas about what one man can accomplish. The election of Barack Obama personifies the urgency felt by a generation and the collective hope of a population that politics might again work for us.

Of course, HipsterRunoff.com effectively summarizes this feeling pretty well too.

While having a quick drink at Linda’s in Capitol Hill, word soon reached us that “something” was happening. We walked a few blocks to Pike & Broadway. Cops barricaded off the streets one block up from the intersection. About 4000 elated Seattlites celebrated the election together. Shortly after arriving, a guy walked by and handed Sharat and me two cold beers. Minutes later another person shared an 18 pack with anyone that wanted a beverage. While gatherings like this are usually marked by some type of unrest; this party was not only peaceful, the throng was distinguished by a genuine altruism.

As a member of a generation full of cowardly cynics who claimed to be Canadians when studying abroad in college, the patriotism I witnessed on Tuesday night was humbling. Hipsters were waving American flags. Young and old, black and white, chanted “USA” together. Tuesday’s celebration was not about being a Republican or Democrat—it transcended party distinctions.

Sharat was so overcome by the spirit of the evening, that he actually gave away one of his free beers. This bearded bro is thanking him for his generosity.

Of course I’ll be paying close to attention to Obama’s presidency. Naturally, I am skeptical of some of his ideas. I doubt a politician will ever exist that causes me to set aside this vigilance. However, if a fraction of the good will from Tuesday’s street celebration can be expanded into the world at large—don’t look for cynicism on this blog.

To see more photos from Election Night in Seattle, visit my Flickr set or watch the slideshow below.