Today I attended a Obama-Biden campaign rally at the University of Delaware, featuring Joe Biden. I’ve long ago decided I was voting for this ticket, but I attended the rally to hear Joe speak on the campaign trail, and to see how he connected with the audience as well.

I was struck by a number of things- the diversity of the crowd, in particular- young people, old people, union workers from the local auto plant, racial and ethnic diversity, and people just wanting others to get out there and exercise their right to vote.

I recorded the speech, and it’s here at the bottom of the post as an mp3. I was particularly moved by the ability of Joe to inspire people to be their better selves, to help our Country by doing things- helping others, and putting verbs into those sentences.

I cam away feeling that good leadership is not just about pointing everyone in a particular direction- it’s about inspiration. The reason why community organizer is actually a great job pre-requisite for President in that Obama and Joe Biden will have to inspire our national community and the international community to work together to make things better. The devil is always in the details, but people move mountains when inspired. People will go to the ends of the earth for things they believe in. And for one of the first times in my adult life, I feel truly inspired by this election and the possibilities it holds.

Click here to listen to Joe Biden’s speech from the University of Delaware, October 31, 2008