By Jeremy Zogby

With the election now over, we await Barack Obama's inauguration. In the mean time we should reflect on the whole Obama experience.

Seeing Obama for the First Time

For most of us of the First Global generation (labeled by John Zogby to describe those born between 1979-1990), our first encounter with Obama goes back to the Democratic National Convention in July of 2004. Before then, only few knew of him but many saw and heard him for the first time the night he gave his energy-charging speech. Many of us were quite impressed and began to wonder about the early talk of him being a potential candidate for 2008 or 2012.

Anticipation and Curiosity

First Globals were more likely than any previous generation to attend schools with a more diverse student body, for many of us the excitement was quite a normal thing. In fact, our June 2007 poll showed that 72% of 18- to 27-year-olds agreed with the statement "The American people are ready for an African American president." (18-29 is the actual age of those identified as First Globals).

The Campaigns - Hope and Change vs. Attack!

Obama announced his run for the presidency and quickly his message became one of hope and change. For those of us who are First Globals, this resonated because of the embarrassment of the last eight years. While no doubt the last of the Clinton years became a laughing stock for much of the world, many became disillusioned with the mismanagement and arrogance of our current administration. The first round was a battle between two candidates both fighting for their respective historic achievement. It boiled down to this -- many First Globals were tired of the Clintons. And then came the showdown and we were especially skeptical of John McCain's dated world view.

The Aftermath

CIRCLE reported that there were between 21.6 and 23.9 million Americans between 18 and 29 who cast a ballot in this election, up from 19.4 million in 2004. This was more than in any election since 1972, when the voting age was changed from 21 to 18. Also, Zogby numbers show 72% of this group voted for Obama and 27% for McCain. While Obama awaits a grand historic inauguration, we wait for the promises of change so that at least some of our hopes can be fulfilled. It is important to note that Obama will inherit the most powerful presidency the U.S. has ever seen, and a Democratic Congress.

Questions to Ask

With high expectations, during the first part of his term should Obama act ambitiously with several sweeping reforms, or act more realistic and carefully? What is the first thing Obama should do - focus on an economic recovery plan, bring the troops home, reform healthcare, heal U.S. relations with allies and other nations, alternative energy, or tax reform? Will the momentum fade quickly, thus breaking the bond with the First Global generation?

Jeremy Zogby lives in Prague CR and teaches history at Metropolitan University of Prague. He holds degrees in history and is a close observer of political and cultural, social trends in the Czech Republic.