He gave a great performance Tuesday. The speech itself, however, was a dud. So much skill operating on so lifeless a text. It was Vladimir Horowitz playing Chopsticks. A speech that has hardly begun gives us clouds that are “gathering,” storms that are “raging,” a fear that is “nagging,” grievances that are “petty,” interests that are “narrow” and decisions that are “unpleasant” displays an alarming hospitality to cliché. Is there a dull-adjective shop in the new White House?

Check out the article here in yesterday’s Globe and Mail.

His message of hope has already been vindicated, let’s just hope he can deliver on his promise of change.

Indeed, Obama will have to start managing his electorate’s, and indeed the world’s expectations. The recession, the American involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan, global warming—none of these issues will respond to campaign rhetoric alone, beautiful as it is.

There is no doubt in my mind that, in order to take on the issues, Obama will need bi-partisan support. It was a sentiment underlined by John McCain’s eloquent concession speech, wherein McCain acknowledged the historic significance of Obama’s victory and urged Americans to put aside their differences in order to reach mutually beneficial goals. Obama shouldn’t hesitate to embrace any of McCain’s good ideas. For his part, McCain can help Obama bridge the partisan divide in Washington.

I am hopeful because this week, I am part of a generation of young people that is bringing a message of hope and change to the world and, while not American, I share in the joyful anticipation of the possibilities of an Obama administration and its implications for the entire world.