Last night was an emotional experience, as Obama and Romney were neck-and-neck for Electoral College votes. I was in a night class, and during every break it seemed that someone new had taken the lead. At one point, the popular vote was almost too close to count.
Obama eventually won the election, and Romney conceded. The true highlight of the evening was not the big flag-waving dance party in Chicago, the fact that three more states legalized same sex marriage or even the moment when President Obama delivered his victory speech and promised to rebuild the American dream. It was the woman peeking out from Obama’s shoulder that stole the show.
Like many Americans, I thought hearing the speeches was something worth staying up late for.
Romney gave a mature and professional concession speech, but I was eagerly waiting for Obama. He finally came on stage, and during his speech there was someone behind his shoulder.
At first it was easy to pretend she was another important person who got to sit behind Obama, but instead of waving her tiny American flag she choose to do the practical thing and stuck it in her hair. To be fair, I have had my fair-share of fashion crimes, but, while this one was not particularly ugly, it was distracting.
Obama gave a great speech that made me feel that even in a strong Republican state like Wyoming, I helped play a role in his re-election. His speech had great points about fixing the economy and education, and establishing America as a world leader in technology. During all of this there was a tiny American Flag bopping up and down.
Twitter took Flag Hair Lady to a whole new level. Apparently, I was not the only one who found one of Obama’s supporters’ hair accessories  distracting. Now, as a handy new meme has pointed out all of America’s great women wore flags in their hair. Harriet Tubman and Wyoming’s own Nellie Taylor Ross could rock the flag-in-the-hair look. I predict that the style may soon become a political standard similar to the flag lapel pin. Maybe in 2016 a candidate will be delivering a victory speech with an American Flag in her hair.
Obama pointed that all kinds of people can make it in America, no matter their skin color, religion, family, education level, sexual orientation or what distracting accessory they choose to wear in their hair.
Mr. President, I await what you will do in the next four years, and what becomes of your flag-wearing friend.
