Tonight’s appearance by Barack Obama in Grand Rapids only reinforces my confidence that The Saint editorial board made the right choice in endorsing the Illinois senator as our preferred Democratic candidate all the way back in the fall of 2007.

Tonight, I saw firsthand as a man demonstrated yet again that he has the conviction, the character, and the courage to deliver on his promise of change.

Tonight, I saw a man inspire thousands to “restore our values and ideals,” as “one America, where we rise and fall together.”

Tonight, I saw the politics of hope triumph, if only for a fleeting moment, over the politics of fear, hate and destruction that have poisoned our humanity and deepened our suspicions.

Tonight, I saw old and young, male and female, blue collar and white collar, people of all colors and all walks of life stand together as one and demand a change – a change in the “can’t-do-won’t-do-won’t-even-try kind of politics,” a change in the way America does business – both at home and abroad.

Tonight, is one that I will not soon forget – not so much for the candidate alone, as for the people. For us. As Senator Obama said tonight, “hope is spreading all across America.”

“For the last eight years…you’ve been told that there’s nothing this country can do for you…We can do this…This is our time to answer the call.”