Yes, he has

I did something today that I have never done, at least in a non-journalistic capacity: I talked about politics with a complete stranger. Usually, a bad idea, or at least, bad manners.

But this was different, and very, very cool.

I am 40, he's in his 50s or 60s — he said he remembered JFK in 1960. He identified himself as a liberal Democrat, I confessed to being a conservative Republican. Chances are, come November, we will cancel out each other's vote.

So what bridged the gap between us, as we sat at the counter of a local burger joint? What made us agree, despite our differing experiences and our differing beliefs, that maybe this time, this November, it will be different for America?

The audacity of hope.

I will never reveal here my choice for president (except, as the public record shows, I voted in the Florida Republican primary earlier this week). I have my job to consider, and more importantly, it is none of your business.

But I will admit this: As a journalist, and as an American, this is the most exciting presidential campaign of my life. A big reason for that — regardless of whether come November, if he is on the ballot, I vote for him or not — is Barack Obama.

I do not say that lightly, and I do not say just because the above video gave me chills. At my age, and because of my professional experience dealing with politicians, I have learned to not be naive about politics and politicians. More often than not, if you invest too much in a candidate and/or his message, they will disappoint.

Obama is different, because of what he already accomplished, for how he has made many Americans forget about those things that divide us and to remember again what might unite us. For many, especially the young, Obama has already lead them to reject their cynicism about politics, and inspired them to hope, for themselves and for their country.

It is a feat that will not be diminished, regardless of the results on Super Tuesday and beyond.

My new friend and I agreed that Obama is not a "black candidate," nor even a "Democratic candidate," but a true American leader whose message and whose character — moreso than his "experience" or his "positions" on the issues — has the potential to shift, to transform the nation's politics unlike any other politician since Ronald Reagan.

In fact, starting at lunch counters across the nation, he already has.