His

Had a quick conversation with a friend I hadn't seen since the election, a high school social studies teacher with a rather challenging student population over in the Valley. A natural liberal per his place of birth, development and habitation (Santa Monica/Pacific Palisades), in recent years he's gone against the grain in understandable reaction against some of the more kneejerk Westside liberalism, as well as disagreement on key issues with his fellow teachers and union.

Despite any of my reasonable arguments prior to the election, he went ahead and voted for John McCain.

But when he collared me in passing the other day he was actually ebullient over the Obama victory. He said that now that the election was over, he was thrilled -- now that Obama was "his President." Moreover, he said that the kids in his classes were completely activated by the election and gave one big example.

As they have every four years, the teachers at his school held a mock debate between the two candidates. Usually the students are beyond (or below?) apathetic. But, guess what, this time was different. The auditorium was packed. The students were attentive. This time really mattered.

So as our President-Elect enjoys something like an 80% approval rating prior to even taking office, I couldn't be happier, even if clear-eyed about the massive challenges he -- and we -- face ahead.

And he's won over at least one Westside skeptic.