And thus ends an election cycle.

I've heard throughout the day that its been nearly two years since the start of the current election cycle and it culminates with the final casting of the ballots. The campaigns of the two candidates are coming to a close: McCain is attempting a final push back deep in his own territory while Obama is continuing his 50 state plan with the confidence of a man who knows its almost over. Barack Obama has stood up to more investigation and criticism than any other candidate before him, starting way back in 2006, even before this year's hard fought primary season. It's hard to think that it was only a few months ago that Hilary Clinton was not only putting up a fight to be remembered, but took it to the wire with an army of rabid supporters.

Then came Palin, the GOP bounce and McCain's piloting of his ticket like a jet fighter who was recklessly shot down. More than once. It's trivial to go back and nit pick over McCain's constant gaffs and blunders because what matters is this: Obama has done everything right, nearly every step of the way. He resisted the urge to fight dirty against Clinton and Palin, and has renounced those who did. He's been scrutinized more for casual affiliations than any other candidate before him, and the figurative rounds fired at him have only ever turned out to be blanks.

Barack Obama has proven on every stage that America has to offer that he is the choice to lead us out of 20th century and into a future, however uncertain it may seem.

I proudly supported Barack Obama when I cast my ballot and I can only hope that intelligence can prevail in the country, for at least once in my life.