By LaToya Irby

I have never been more proud to be an American. I was even proud of John McCain last night as he gracefully gave his concession speech. One of my favorite lines: “Tonight -- tonight, more than any night, I hold in my heart nothing but love for this country and for all its citizens, whether they supported me or Senator Obama -- whether they supported me or Senator Obama, I wish Godspeed to the man who was my former opponent and will be my president.”

Obama’s speech was also excellent. Last night in Chicago’s Grant Part, he said “I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.” Me too, Obama.

Though there are many things I’d like to see from an Obama administration, like better health care options, I realize he’s inherited a tough situation with two wars and an economic crisis. He’ll have hands full with just those issues, but here are the top 5 things I hope to see from Obama.

1. A winning team. There’s already been speculation on who Obama will choose as his Chief of Staff and Secretary of State. His first order of business will be to choose the people who will make his job as President successful.

2. More jobs. The economy needs stimulating. Every day large corporations report layoffs of thousands of employees. It’s impossible for our economy to recover if people are losing their jobs in droves.

3. An end to the wars. I am not in favor of the war. Obama has already promised to pull out of the war. Though, we’re likely to end that war and ramp up the one in Afghanistan, I hope that both wars have a swift end.

4. Decrease in the budget deficit. The deficit increased significantly over the past 8 years, putting our country in a vulnerable position. We cannot remain a world power with as much debt as we have. Obama will have to come up with a plan to decrease spending and raise revenue for the country.

5. Resistance to an extremely liberal government. Democrats now have control of the House and the Senate. They could quite possibly take the country to a place none of us ever wanted to go. I would look to President Obama to recognize when we’re headed too far and help bring us back.

“…And I won’t forget the men who died who gave that right for me.” The chorus of Lee Greenwood’s touching anthem replays in my head. America has come a long way and for the first time in years, I’m excited about the direction it’s headed. Obama has a great task at hand. Can we do it? Yes, he can.

This week's previous posts (most recent first): Obama Wish List, Will McCain Lose His Own State?, For Better or Worse, VOTE!, Why John McCain's Election Matters, Accepting Personal Responsibility