Yesterday, the Inauguration was filled with millions of eyes, filled with hope. Today, the Obama “image” or “movement” will turn to focus on President Obama, the man.

I encourage all Americans to do your part. Get involved, be responsible and help out in any way you can. Volunteer, be resourceful, pay your bills and be a great citizen. It’s time for everyone to come together to create the change we have all been saying we want.

Just remember: President Obama is just one man, and he is going to need the help of many. Today, I invite you to take a long hard look in the mirror and ask yourself this question “What can I do on a personal level to help our country out, starting today?” Answer that question, and then go implement one action. If 50% of our country took one action today to help out, we can all get there together.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Gosh…I am now in a dilemma, as I thought I was going with Obama, but Governor Palin is a sharp cookie. The democrats are saying she’s “more of the same,” but I’m not sure about that.

I watched this presentation two times through before I posted it, and I have to say, it is one great speech by Michelle Obama. She focused on family and her personal life as a woman, wife, mother, sister and daughter. This is what America wants in a first lady.

Yes, I know…every pundit, supporter and eager Clinton fan wants to know the answer to this question.

First of all, I concur with Corey’s post from June 6 on Senator Clinton carving her own path. Here, here! I also believe that there is a place for her in our political system. Senator Clinton is sharp, and the area where I believe she has the most passion and knowledge is on the topic of healthcare. While I am not convinced that an Obama/Clinton ticket is a wise move, I do believe that if elected, Senator Obama will be thinking about where and how Clinton can best serve our country. In my opinion, a position such as Secretary of Health would be a great fit (but of course, this is just according to the world of Bea.)

I have watched Clinton speak on a variety of debates and interviews and speeches over the last 16 months, but I have to say that watching her yesterday was a joy for me. I finally felt like I liked her. I don’t know why, but she seemed to be putting her energy and strength behind the democrats…a smart move indeed. And, I do wish her well and believe that she should indeed be in a leadership role for the United States. She’s got spunk and stickability, and we need that!

My husband Mike was the Mayor of Southern Pines at the early age of 32.  He served for two terms, and he has been politically active since that time.  He is now somewhat of a sage.  People from all political parties and all sides of issues walk in and out of his office throughout the week to get his advice on a variety of topics.  Why him?  Because he knows where the land mines are.

In leadership, developing political savvy is a must.  Otherwise, you run the risk of being governed by your followers.  While I am a huge fan of self directed leadership, at the end of the day, someone high at the top has to have the credibility, trust and integrity to make tough decisions, and this comes from being able to navigate complex political situations with finesse.

It is not uncommon for leaders to shy away from corporate or community politics, and in my opinion, this is just being naive or just plain stupid.   Politically savvy leaders know to operate well behind the scenes, who the key players are and how to engage those key players with integrity so that they get on board.  A politically savvy leader also knows where the land mines are, and they walk gingerly around them.    A politically savvy leader never plays favorites, but he or she knows exactly what to say and when to say it and understands that working the political system is like walking through a maze…you eventually get to the result, but it is confusing and strategic at each and every turn.

If you are someone who is politically savvy, congratulations.  If not, I highly recommend the book Political Savvy by Joel  DeLuca.  The book offers a political mapping technique that is simple but so effective.  Just remember…knowing where the land mines are and knowing how to navigate the political system in your organization are half the battle!