I’m a moderate. Not liberal, not conservative — just a carefree, easy-going non-partisan college student.Maybe it’s because of this obsession that comes with my print journalism major to be as objective as possible at all times. But that’s the way I am.But Thursday night, I leaned a little — a lot — to the left, a tilt that’s been on the horizon for some time now.Thursday night I was a left-wing maniac.Sen. Barack Obama’s rise to the top of the political world has made me proud but not because a change in Washington and a new era of politics could be fast approaching.Rather, it was for a reason Obama’s campaign tries to keep in the background, as hard as it may be: his race.Racial tension should be a thing of the past in this country, but the truth is that it’s not.I know several friends and family members who have supported Obama solely because of the color of his skin and know nothing about his life, policies or platform.I was never one of those people.But the sight of someone with skin like mine on the verge of the presidency has made me think of all the things I can accomplish.At this point, I feel more confident about being president than I do about finding a job in the slowly declining newspaper industry. But that’s another story.As a child, I can remember several times when I was told, “That’ll happen the day we have a black president.”I wish I was 7 years old right now. With that logic, I might be able to finally stay up all night, eat chocolate for breakfast and go days without showering.The truth is I don’t even know if Obama will get my vote on Election Day. Some of his polices I agree with. Others I don’t.Moderate.But what he will get in November is my appreciation for making me care and making me dream.And that’s something that will last longer than a four-year term.—-contact Tyler Batiste at [email protected]