Now that the final ballot has been cast for the 2008 presidential election, it’s time for another time-honored tradition in American politics to begin.

The crying.

There will be complaints about the system, complaints about the media, complaints about the other side, complaints about the losing campaign.

Oh yes, there will be complaining.

But after the dusts settles, people will go back to their day-to-day lives and hope Barack Obama can in some way make a positive difference for them.

For some Americans, the fundamental differences in the two major parties make it difficult to embrace the other fully.

But this historic victory comes at a critical juncture in American history. The challenges that face America cannot be met with just half of the country. Much was made in this campaign about bringing the country together, and that can only occur with an Obama administration that is willing to bridge the gap that exists in Washington today.

Likewise, it is imperative that all Americans put their differences aside with the new president to find the common ground that will enable them to have the confidence that the change he talked about is more than an empty promise.

Barack Obama cannot bring unity to the United States on his own. He cannot solve the the nation’s problems on his own. He cannot bring about substantive change on his own. He cannot be a productive president on his own.

It would be naive to think that Washington politics will somehow vanish. They will not, but there is no question that it will take the talent, resolve, innovation and collective skill of Americans to face the days ahead.

Barack Obama needs to believe in America, but perhaps more importantly, America needs to believe in Barack Obama.