Last night, 'Yes we can' became 'Yes we did' as Barack Obama was elected the 44th President of the United States. This is the triumph of the American dream, Sandwiched Boomers. It's is what other countries have admired about our country, as a place where all things are possible. And now it's safe to say to our children and grandchildren, that - with hard work - you really can be anything you want.

John McCain made a gracious concession speech, urging the Republican party to get behind this transformational event and find ways to come together. And Barack Obama made a commitment to heal the divide: "For those whose vote I didn't win tonight, I hear your voices, I need your help, I'll be your president too."

This was the election over hope and fear. Now the question is how realistic are the expectations and will they be met? Obama faces daunting challenges and seems to recognize the gravity and magnitude of the work that lies ahead. He said last night that it won't happen in the first year, perhaps nor in the first term.

What do you think? Will the country maintain it's enthusiasm and go from cynical, fearful and doubtful toward the promise of a better day?

Today is a presidential election of historic proportions, Sandwiched Boomers. It's an opportunity to set our country on a new path - for our families and our future. The polls are open and voters are already making their voices heard. Despite the long lines, a record turnout of over 140 million voters is expected.

It's a singular moment. On the Democratic side, Illinois Senator Barack Obama, the first black nominee of either major party, has infused the American political experience with speeches that have motivated young supporters like never before. Republicans, in choosing Arizona Senator John McCain and Sarah Palin, paired a man of deep experience, compelling background and a stubborn independent streak with the first woman ever on a GOP ticket.

The election comes with the nation's financial institutions in crisis, the stock market in convulsions and government's effort to restore equilibrium to the economy. The candidates agree that it's time to get America back on track. And both are ready to hit the ground running.

The stakes are high today. Emotions run deep, as history is in the balance. So do your part - fulfill your civic duty - get out and vote.

Ending his speech to the American people with thundering applause as he promised, "I fight for you!" John McCain accepted his party's nomination to become President of the United States. Positioning himself as a fighter, a reformer and a patriot, he told his personal story of dedication to country and his political story of pragmatic reaching across party lines to accomplish national goals. And he challenged the American people to "fight for what's right for our country…the ideals and character of a free people."

Portraying himself as an agent for change in Washington and a maverick not an insider in the beltway, McCain demonstrated his responsiveness to the people. "I don't work for a party. I don't work for a special interest. I don't work for myself. I work for you." He talked about creating energy independence, improving schools, lowering taxes and reducing big government. To achieve these, McCain said, "I will reach out my hand to anyone to help me get this country moving again. My friends, I have that record and the scars to prove it... I’m not in the habit of breaking promises to my country. And when we tell you we’re going to change Washington, and stop leaving our country’s problems for some unluckier generation to fix, you can count on it.”

Earlier in the evening his wife, Cindy McCain, came onstage with their seven children and spoke about their family and her charitable and philanthropic efforts here and overseas. Reaffirming the theme of trust and straight talk, Cindy said "It's going to take someone of unusual strength and character - someone exactly like my husband - to lead us through the reefs and currents that lie ahead. I know John. You can trust his hand at the wheel."

Now that both parties have concluded their conventions, it's off to the races. Let's hope that the Presidential and Vice-Presidential debates give us all facts to digest and plans to consider as we move toward making the important decision about whom to vote for in the historic election in November.

Supporters and critics alike agreed that Vice-Presidential candidate Sarah Palin's speech last night at the Republican convention was a big WOW. She introduced herself to the American people, embodying the contribution women make to their families and communities. She was poised and comfortable - a natural - as she stepped into the spotlight of history, a woman showing her toughness, yet with a smile.

Reaching out to women in the electorate, Palin said of her place on the Republican ticket, it proved that, "Every woman can walk through every door of opportunity." But, just as a double standard is often applied to women, not everyone agrees that she is the right choice. Is the argument that Sarah Palin, mother of five, shouldn't try to take on the enormous responsibilities of the Vice-Presidency anti-feminist? The positions of liberals and conservatives on women's rights and opportunities seem to have flipped as far as this issue is concerned. Some of the most liberal of feminists contend that Sarah Palin should not be on the ticket whereas conservatives state that she can balance her family responsibilities along with one of the most important jobs in the federal executive branch. What are your thoughts?

In her speech, Palin praised small-town America and appealed to the core, saying "Small town people love their country in good times and bad." She positioned herself as everywoman, while acknowledging, "Our family has the same ups and downs as others." Proving that she's willing to get into the trenches and join the fight, Palin took a dig at the Democrats while supporting her candidate for President, saying "Some politicians use change to promote their careers and others, like John McCain, use their careers to promote change."

This election process continues to be exciting and history-making. Get involved and enjoy the ride!

Who would have thought eight years ago when he was running for Vice-President on the Democratic ticket that Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman would be giving an impassioned prime-time speech in support of presumptive Presidential nominee John McCain at the Republican convention? Lieberman, transpartisan himself, praised maverick McCain for reaching across the aisle time and again to forge bipartisan accords between Independents, Democrats and Republicans in an effort to improve government for all Americans. Speaking directly to the undecided voters at home, he urged them to support McCain, casting him as a seasoned and principled candidate. Calling McCain his own man, Lieberman reminded voters that they knew him and could trust him.

With the theme of the Republican convention being "Country First," prime-time speaker former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson eloquently highlighted John McCain's record of service to his country as a Naval flier, prisoner of war and Senator. After relating the grueling story of McCain's torture and imprisonment, Thompson said, "John McCain’s bones may have been broken but his spirit never was. Now, being a POW certainly doesn’t qualify anyone to be president. But it does reveal character." Thompson described McCain's character as embodying the traits the country needs in a President: strength, wisdom, courage, determination, honor, service to country.

Both speakers agreed that reformer John McCain was the experienced candidate who could actually bring about change in Washington as he had in the past. As you deal with your own personal and family challenges, what helps you make the changes you need? Do you find that cooperation and compromise are essential as a Sandwiched Boomer tackling the difficult problems confronting you as you care for your growing children and aging parents? Serving as chief executive of your family in flux, you may find that your experience gives you greater insight into the election process this fall.

Presumptive Presidential nominee John McCain has again demonstrated his commitment to put country before party. Concerned about Americans of the Gulf Coast in the path of Hurricane Gustav, he suspended most of the activities of the Republican Convention on Monday. Touring the emergency management center in Mississippi for closed-door briefings before the storm hit, McCain said, "We must redirect our efforts from the really celebratory event of the nomination of president and vice president of our party to acting as all Americans."

Calling on his party to "act as Americans…not as Republicans" McCain has asked corporations sponsoring the convention to focus at this time on fundraising not partying, support not celebration, the Red Cross, not the red states. Cindy McCain mirrored her husband's focus, reminding us, as Hanna and Ike form behind Gustav, “The challenges will continue in the days ahead. I would ask that each one of us commit to join together to aid those in need as quickly as possible. This is a time when we take off our Republican hats and put on our American hats.” In response, Republicans at the convention in St. Paul have been using some of their downtime to raise money for relief efforts along the Gulf Coast. One telethon raised more than $1 million in the course of an hour Monday afternoon.

As Sandwiched Boomers facing challenges in your own lives, you may find yourselves in the same dilemma McCain struggled with - making difficult decisions about when to direct your efforts to meeting your own needs and when to put others first.

Last night, Barack Obama delivered his acceptance speech after becoming the first African-American major-party presidential nominee in the history of the United States. During his 50-minute address, the culmination of the Democratic Party's four-day national convention in Denver, Obama promised to repair "the broken politics of Washington."

He challenged John McCain on issues at home and abroad. More combative and sharply focused, Obama addressed doubts about his readiness to lead and answered critics who say his rhetoric is vacant.

Talking specifically about the changes that this country needs, he spoke to restoring moral standing and a sense of common purpose. He said, "this election isn't about me, it's about you," and called for individual and mutual responsibility. Obama's comment that "it's time for us to change America," symbolized his grass roots approach.

Some of the pundits called Obama's speech a masterpiece, others saw it as transformational. His moral outrage was palpable, his inner strength apparent. Personal and open, he tried to find the middle ground on tough issues like abortion and gay marriage. Showing that he has the fight in him, he seemed to be the Barack Obama the Democrats have been waiting for - as if he's growing into the possibility of being the next President of the United States.

If you think that the U.S. Supreme Court functions as the Founding Fathers might have envisioned it - an august body, removed from the input of ordinary Americans, part of the system of checks and balances, and impervious to the day-to-day winds of political climate change - think again.

This week, the Supreme Court has come down with two decisions that are certain to lead to lively discussions and debates. Yesterday, as they struck down the District of Columbia's right to regulate gun ownership and upheld the right of private citizens to own guns for self-defense, the close 5-4 decision was split along familiar lines of liberal vs conservative justices, with Justice Anthony Kennedy joining to form the majority, with Justices Roberts, Alito, Scalia and Thomas. In another decision, presented earlier this week, the court again ruled 5-4, with Justice Kennedy again joining the majority - only this time with the four judges on the other side of the ideological split, Justices Bader Ginsburg, Breyer, Stevens and Souter. That decision prohibited - as cruel and unusual punishment - the institution of the death penalty when the accused was found guilty of raping a child. Earlier in the month, Justice Kennedy again joined with the liberal bloc to form the majority opinion that the inmates at Guantanamo have the constitutional right to bring their case for release into federal courts. Clearly the Supreme Court has demonstrated its active role in addressing many of the issues important to the American public today.

Interestingly, both presumptive Presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama have come out in support of the Supreme Court decisions, although Congressmen and Senators have taken sides for and against. So what does all of this mean to you as Sandwiched Boomers? Issues of great importance to you and your families are likely to be brought before the Court in the next several years and with four of the Justices already over 70 - Justice Stevens is 88!- it is almost certain that at least one new Supreme Court Justice will be nominated by the new President and considered for confirmation by the Senate. So get informed and involved in the coming election. Learn about the candidates and their policies. Make choices about whom you want to represent you and your family for the next four or six years. Your votes could affect the make-up of the Supreme Court as well as that of Congress and the White House.

In an effort to keep her campaign alive, during the Cleveland democratic debate last night Hillary Clinton referred to herself as a fighter - saying that's the kind of president the country needs in these difficult and complicated times. The debate was contentious and she was feisty, both with Obama and the moderator, Tim Russet. But was that only because she's struggling to stay in the race or was it also because women, by nature, tend to be more emotional and expressive?

Clinton and Obama went back and forth about foreign policy, health care plans and their positions on NAFTA. Neither made any major mistakes nor said much we haven't already heard.

As Sandwiched Boomers, which one do you think is addressing the issues most important to you? Or are you supporting McCain who, according to the latest polls, poses a challenge to either of his potential Democratic opponents?

You never know who is going to win until the game is over. Just like yesterday when the New York Giants, the underdogs, won the Superbowl even though all along the New England Patriots had been favored.

Tomorrow is Super Tuesday and the stakes are high. Who can win the election in November has become a major issue.

Romney has made enough of a comeback to keep the race against McCain going, even with Huckabee still somewhat of a force in the South.

Although Obama is on the move, Clinton is holding her own. It's too close to call as the Democratic voters make their final decision about whether to choose change or experience.

As Sandwiched Boomers, where do you stand? Which of the candidates will best represent the concerns of you and your family? Talk about the issues, keep the buzz going and take the opportunity to make your voice heard.

Yesterday was a day for political comebacks - both Hillary Clinton and John McCain overcame their losses in Iowa and won in New Hampshire, surprising pundits, volunteers and maybe even themselves. As they each addressed their cheering crowds last night, we thought about the support that had sustained them in their struggles. What can we Sandwiched Boomers learn from them to apply to our own stressful challenges?

Chelsea Clinton has been on the campaign trail stumping for her mother all over the state; John McCain specifically thanked each of his seven children for their efforts. The candidates were able to ask their children to pitch in and help them out when they needed it. We too need to recognize that our offspring can step up and have a greater degree of participation in the responsibilities we face. At each stage of their development, there are certain jobs we can give them - with increasing levels of complexity and importance. This reliance on them is a win-win situation for all - our burdens ease as we delegate chores and responsibilities and, at the same time, our sons and daughters mature and learn to depend on themselves. They are then less likely to boomerang back into the nest when they become young adults. It's a matter of first recognizing what kinds of things we can ask of them and then actually doing so, even if they resist at first.

You don't have to wait until you run in a presidential primary to initiate your growing children into the responsibilities of adulthood - you can begin today to create a healthier sandwich. It's not too late to make your own comeback, relying on the support of your family. Bon appetit!

John McCain is the Republican frontrunner in New Hampshire. Only last month, when his campaign manager quit and his funds were low, it looked as if his race was over. But just like his tenacity served him while imprisoned during the Vietnam war, it has defined him in this political marathon. Reflect on his example.

As a Sandwiched Boomer, access and rely on your own strength. Dig deep and find your inner voice – listen to what it has to say about caring for your family relationships and nurturing yourself personally. Set some specific goals about what you need from your family and for you. Step by step, work toward achieving them.