Despite the fact many people are dissatisfied with the two major presidential contenders, I believe the Founders would have been impressed with both of them.

There’s John McCain, who would be the oldest man ever elected president. He was a rowdy young man, served heroically in the military, survived years as a prisoner of war, overcame political setbacks, and won his party’s nomination despite opposing many of his party’s policy positions. He might not be your cup of tea, but surely he’s an impressive politician.

Then there’s Barack Obama. Even many Republicans find themselves attracted to his rhetoric of change and unity. More important still is his race.

The Founders recognized that they were making a pact with the devil when they sanctioned slavery. But they believed the necessity of a union that included the southern colonies outweighed the moral and practical horrors of slavery. Leaders like Thomas Jefferson understood the potential for disunion that lurked beneath the infamous slave clauses of the Constitution.

So I believe those who signed the Declaration would be pleased that the American nation that came through the searing experience of the Civil War and reunited, eventually—after much hardship and pain—came to welcome black as well as white as part of our political union. They would recognize that Barack Obama’s candidacy helps heal two centuries of racism and demonstrates America’s uniqueness to the world.

In short, the men who signed the Declaration 232 years ago would be impressed with the nation they helped create. “Well done,” I believe they would say, while enjoining us not to rest on their—and our—laurels. For truly we have much yet to do. But as Americans, we should never doubt our ability to prevail, whatever the challenge.