People can debate the semantics of landslides all they want. This is undeniably one of the great moments in American political history, and Obama one of its great figures.

It is encouraging, even inspiring, that an American political system showing such tattered edges over recent cycles can lead to this. A majority of the country has repudiated Bush and the party that spawned him. The tragedy is that we’ll be living under Bush’s shadow for years to come.

Already the conservatives are debating strategies for opposition. That’s natural. I would love to see the spirit of McCain’s gracious concession speech inspire Washington for at least a few months, but more likely is that aside from McCain himself, the minority party will leave the hard choices entirely to the new majority, and let the Democrats take the blame for the sacrifices that will be need to be made.

But that’s later. Today’s for dancing.