This post was written by Hatchet reporter Lauren Hoenemeyer.

A table in the corner of the Sixth and I Synagogue displayed a sign that read: “It could be a long night, but have yourself an Obamaccino or a McCain Mocha,” which accurately described election night thus far in the historic building.

The synagogue hosted an election night watch party for more than 500 people. Peter Edelman, former adviser to Robert Kennedy, and GW law professor Jeffrey Rosen spoke at the event.

“I can’t believe you want to hear from me,” said Edelman. “I’ve been waiting 40 years for this night to come. It is an incredibly historical night for the nation. This is not just a milestone; this is something bigger than a milestone. It’s a nautical mile.”

He cheered on Sen. Barack Obama in front of the numerous big screen televisions.

“I’m being very careful not to believe or say anything until we know, so I don’t mess things up,” Edelman said.

When he served under Kennedy, he said Kennedy predicted that there would be a black president in 40 years.

“Over the last 40 years, we have had a bad time, but we have made some progress with administrations like Bill Clinton’s,” Edelman said.

GW Law School professor Jeffrey Rosen discussed constitutional law and its role in the election.

“Think of the bullet dodged if McCain is not elected,” Rosen said. “We might have had the chance of Roe v. Wade being overturned under his administration. But Obama recognizes that the Constitution is a conversational. He will bring us to defend constitutional matters in a way that we have not ever seen.”

Cheering from the guests of the watch party interrupted his speech when Obama was projected to win North Carolina.

He added, “This is an evening of celebration and hope.”