It’s finally finished.After nearly two years of cross-country campaigning and ad nauseum media coverage, America has finally selected its next leader: President-elect Barack Hussein Obama.Personally, the conclusion of the election has had a real affect on my daily life. Rather than spending at least a half-hour every day getting my political fix, I’ll have to find new, more productive ways to occupy my time.Friends have likened my infatuation with this campaign to the celebrity gossip plastered on the covers of supermarket tabloids and on entertainment shows hosted by Mario Lopez.Admittedly, through the course of a campaign our media often picks the lowest fruit by engaging in gossip and superficial discussion.But unlike the marital status of Madonna, politics has a significant impact on the future of our nation and ultimately our lives — whether it’s a debate about the details of future tax policy or, sadly, flag lapel pins on shirts.What has fueled my semi-maniacal interest in the future leader of our country? It’s pretty simple: I don’t like where the country is heading.   Apparently, I’m not alone. Eighty percent of Americans say our country is on the wrong track. It’s no wonder the mantra of “change” took hold with most of the country. Many though, while unsatisfied with the current administration’s performance, were quick to trivialize the movement. And it makes sense. When your party is in power, it’s easy to look over things like illegal wiretaps, fake FEMA press conferences, leaks about CIA operatives’ identities for political purposes and botched hurricane responses.Bush’s legacy was clearly a drag on the McCain campaign. But when you are willing to associate yourself with a political system, you have to take its luggage with it. Although McCain told Obama he should have run in 2004 if he wanted to run against Bush, his argument failed. In the end, McCain couldn’t tap into the conservative base while distancing himself from its highest-profile creation. McCain’s problems didn’t stop there. While McCain was once a “maverick,” his selection of the inept Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate was the culmination of the many sacrifices he had to make because of his political association.In contrast, Obama’s success lies in the fact that he represents something different. He got the bulk of his support through an unprecedented grassroots Web-based social networking and a massive online depository for donations — viable because of his ideas, rather than his associations.He was able to unplug the Clinton machine — a complete uproot of Democratic politics — which was no small task.I voted for Obama because I expect him to favor reason over politics. He tackled complicated issues that could not be easily classified as “Democratic” or “Republican.” His refusal to take the political shortcut by striking down the gas tax holiday was soundly based in economics, not politics. It was this single incident that turned me from a fan — admiring his ability to inspire — to a supporter.What’s good for America cannot be summed up holistically as either “Democratic” or “Republican.” Rather, good and bad policies. If the last eight years can serve as any example, we see there is no clear definition of a conservative or a liberal — at some point Bush’s policies have offended both sides’ supposed ideals.The departure from the Bush years with the promise of a young and energetic candidate may be overwhelming for some. Obama supporters, though, must be sure not to gloat. A great opportunity is before us.We have an opportunity to forget about the past eight years and this divisive election and look forward to confront our nation’s challenges — namely a flailing economy and two wars — by working together and engaging in substantive debate.Young people in particular should be wary of continuing the politics of division. Political wedge issues are distracting and put up unnecessary barriers between the “right” and “left.” “We have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of red states and blue states,” Obama said in Chicago on Tuesday night. “We are, and always will be, the United States of America.”Obama should follow through on this notion and appoint a bipartisan cabinet, rather than a lineup of yes men. Because of his intellect and confidence he will be able to challenge himself with diverse ideas.Working together — rather than dividing — will ensure that the best ideas are implemented and will mend a deep divide that exists after this election. Now that’s change I can believe in.—-Contact Mark Macmurdo at [email protected]