On election day, I was co-leading an Executive Education course for the University of Virginia Darden Business School with Professor Jim Clawson. On November 5, the program continued and we spent some time discussing the results. Although the class was comprised of a good mix of Obama and McCain supporters, there was a consensus that this was an historic day and a healthy, healing development for the country. It was particularly poignant to be at the University that is a reflection of the vision of Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson founded the University of Virginia in 1819 as an embodiment of his belief that “Almighty God has created the mind of man free.” Although Jefferson was a slaveholder himself, his vision included freedom for all Americans. One of the great achievements of his second term was the prohibition of the expansion of the slave trade. Jefferson wrote, “There is nothing I would not sacrifice to a practicable plan of abolishing every vestige of this moral and political depravity.” Despite his own participation in this depravity Jefferson helped create the foundations that led, years later, to the Emancipation Proclamation. When President Lincoln issued this world changing document he declared: “All honor to Jefferson”. Today we celebrate the fulfillment of the vision of Jefferson, Lincoln, and many others who championed freedom and dignity for all.
Like Lincoln, Obama is tall, slim lawyer from Illinois. Both came from humble backgrounds and rose through an exceptional gift of emotional intelligence at the service of a unifying vision. Like Lincoln, Obama actually writes most of his own speeches, One of Lincoln’s most powerful speeches was his second inaugural address. It included these stirring words:
With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan–to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations. President Abraham Lincoln
President Obama has pledged to follow a similar direction. He emphasized his alignment with Lincoln through a number of gestures including taking the same route to his inauguration as that followed by the 16th President. And he offered a similar message:
“On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.” President Barack Obama
The President demonstrated uncommon grace in his kindness and generosity toward both Senator McCain and President Bush. Let’s follow his example in our behavior toward those with whom we may disagree. Let’s take this as an opportunity to redouble our efforts to keep our minds free and to look for opportunities to promote reconciliation and harmony in our lives every day.
