Pooped Out Obama Still Goes Strong

In this campaign, Barack Obama has slogged through the most competitive election days than any nominee, only one more day is left to endure. Within the past 22 months, Obama has a face with more creases and lines, hair with more grey, a look of exhaustion, and yet an everlasting smile.

But how can he stay so composed when knowing that in hours his whole life could potentially change? According to the New York Times, whatever anxieties or uncertainties he may feel, he shows little of it. He stays close with his advisors, expresses his confidence, and holds a calm and collected temper. He may be called arrogant by critics for his relaxed attitude, but he just avoids the criticism and continues to move forward.

He is constantly focused, instead of taking the few free minutes he has to nap, he continues to keep himself busy by ready reading newspapers and political science books, and vigorously checking the poll status and voting tallies on his blackberry. Or he may pace around the small amount of floor space of his private plane to think, carefully tiptoeing around his advisor, who sleeps on the floor.

"In a marathon, when you are on mile 20 and you start getting tired, but when you are on mile 25 and you don't," Mr. Lippert said, who is familiar with Obama when traveling. "That's where he's at."

Friends are now explaining that Obama has been pushed through the toughest test during the past 22 campaign months, and he is now more than ready to take on the job as president. Yet imagine what he is feeling now? He has gone through so much fight and effort within the past year, even the closest of friends cannot fathom how he is feeling. He is full of conflicting emotions, as he realizes that he could potentially be the next president of the United States to build a better future.

He is constantly on a plane flying through different time zones, working long nights, going to meetings and attending many public appearances. He even takes extra time making sure he shakes the hands of his supporters, taking pictures, and even getting their book signed. He spends minimal time with his family, as he even missed out on trick-or-treating with his daughters-something he loves to do. And even when he arrives back at his hotel at 1:35 am, he still needs to make his round of calls and emails before he gets some shut eye.

But what keeps him going? He simply doesn't want to disappoint people, and the thought of ever disappointing someone keeps him trucking.