Barack Obama's remarkable campaign has brought him to the pinnacle of political aspiration among African-Americans in this country. As historic as this is, he has run a campaign based on vision and issues that unite Americans rather than divide them. He did not run for the purpose of "making history" -- though he undeniably did just that.

One cannot escape an assessment of the role that Obama's race played, positively or negatively, on what propelled him during the nominating season -- and what that portends for the subject of race in the upcoming November election.

Race has played a relatively insignificant role to this point, as became increasingly apparent in the primaries and caucuses of Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Oregon, Montana, and, yes, Virginia. These states are not bastions of numerical majority for African-Americans. Nevertheless, Obama was not only competitive in those states; he was able to win them without making racial appeals that would have sacrificed his message of unity.

Democrats now have a prime opportunity to carry Virginia in the November election for the first time in nearly a half century -- if only the party decides to compete here.

Back in November 1992, I was standing next to Hillary Clinton as we watched the presidential returns in Little Rock, Ark. She excitedly shouted, "Look at the returns in Virginia!" as her husband came within fewer than 5 points of carrying the commonwealth -- a much slimmer margin than many would have expected. My response was, "Look what could have happened if he had campaigned in Virginia."

Obama is gifted with an ability to inspire us unlike any political figure in decades, and Virginians are clearly attracted to him. Two years ago, he discovered a state ready to be competitive for Democrats as he campaigned for Jim Webb, who won the 2006 U.S. Senate race. An overflow crowd greeted Obama at a rally at Virginia Union University and cheered wildly when he appeared on stage. As a featured speaker at the Jefferson-Jackson dinners in 2007 and 2008, he attracted huge crowds at this annual Democratic Party event.

Virginia is neither a red state nor a blue state. Its citizens are too independent-minded. Having been elected as the first African-American lieutenant governor and then governor some years ago as a Democrat here, I can say that voter support depends more on a particular candidate than it does on party affiliation.

This is a new day in America, one that has been long in coming, yet somehow pre-destined. In view of Obama becoming his party's presumptive nominee, Thomas Jefferson's eloquent words that "all men are created equal," though unmatched by deeds, carries a new meaning for all Americans. With Obama winning the primary here, the Commonwealth of Virginia rightfully takes its place in the pantheon of those who believe in a fresh beginning and a redefinition of "We the People."

As a child, I was fortunate to have that belief instilled in me by my parents, especially my mother, who said that the high possibility of potential could be achieved -- notwithstanding halters of any kind -- if preparation and perseverance guided one's commitment to succeed.

My pride for Obama's accomplishment is matched only by what I felt on the night of my election as Virginia's 66th governor in 1989. We both have benefited from the count less sacrifices and efforts of those who, in decades past, had given their all for our own "special day" to come. We stand on their shoulders. Their struggles led to opening doors that enabled subsequentgenerations to achieve in ways that many could never imagine.

Obama's high moment causes us to be mindful of Langston Hughes' often-quoted poem, "Dreams," which warns, "Hold fast to dreams for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly." This phrase also served as the title of a book written about my election as Governor, at a time when so many had advised me not to run for higher office.

When Deval Patrick became the governor of Massachusetts in 2007, I took tremendous comfort in the confirmation of my long-held belief that my election as governor was not some sort of aberration that could never happen again. As I had commented at the time, "Being Number One means nothing until you know there is a Number Two, to show that there are dreams and hopes and opportunities available to all individuals."

This year's presidential election is about opening up the doors to a new generation of leadership, because so many people are tired of the partisan bickering and the status-quo cynicism. Obama's candidacy is inspiring unprecedented numbers of individuals to actually care about participating in our government and our future. His mastery in uniting people, rather than dividing them, is what our country so desperately needs at this critical juncture.

America is crying out for leadership that takes possession of the problems we face. We all want better schools, availability of good jobs, a safer community, and opportunities to succeed. These are the issues that unite us. I have long held to the belief that "the people" are always ahead of the "leaders" when it comes to what's important in one's day-to-day life.

As an inspiration to millions of individuals of every stripe and color, Obama has transcended the color barrier without ever seeking to invoke its name.
L. Douglas Wilder, America's first elected black governor, is the mayor of Richmond. Contact him at AsktheMayor@RichmondGov.com.