Barack Obama is Person of the Year 2008

Barack Obama is Time's Person of the Year.

I don't normally pay attention to Time's annual accolade, but it's impossible to deny: If there was ever a person of the year for 2008, it's indeed "The One." In my twenty-five years of studying politics, I've never seen a personality cult like this. Here's a bit from Time's "Why We Chose Obama":

David Von Drehle's masterly story on our Person of the Year not only sketches out what's on Obama's mind but also reveals new details about how and when he realized that his first 100 days had to start on Nov. 5, the day after voters elected him to become the 44th President of the United States and the first African American to hold the office. Von Drehle also tells us — with Obama's help — how we should hold the new President accountable. Beyond his mastery of the issues, Obama revealed a more personal note: a slightly rueful sense that the world was tightening around him, that he would no longer be able to take a walk or shop for groceries. He seemed to be girding himself for the loss of being simply a regular citizen [emphasis added].

It seems like an incredible concept, but just the assumption that a new administration takes over the day after the election is utterly mind-boggling.

It's bad enough the we now have an America where a millions of people look to our new president as a "Lightworker," but on top of that, Barack Obama appears to believe it of himself.

This is going to be a long four years.

Photo Credit: Anne Savage, "Dare to Hope: Faces from 2008 Obama Rallies":

Everytime I photographed a Barack Obama rally the size and diversity of the crowds moved and amazed me. I spoke to so many people who all spoke of unity and inclusion. Barack Obama said at his acceptance speech, "This election has never been about me. It's been about you." His message has inspired so many to be involved and to dare to hope.

These are their faces. This is their voice.

More photos at "Barack Obama on Flickr."

Hat Tip: Memeorandum.