There is not much more, at this moment, that needs to be said, except:Barack Obama,
44th President of the United States
44th President of the United States
Grant Park, Chicago, IL, November 4, 2008 - Commemorating the most unprecedented campaign in the history of American politics, Senator Barack Obama was elected as the 44th President of the United States of America Tuesday night, and also the first African American.With a promise of change as the foundation of his presidential bid, the Senator built a grassroots movement that stirred up almost every demographic --beyond the obvious African Americans. He began as one of the unlikeliest of candidates, but created substantial momentum and perpetuated that to victory.
Supporters in excess of 200,000 gathered in and around Grant Park in Chicago awaiting the newly proclaimed president-elect, who addressed the crowd at midnight. Blacks, whites, Asians, Latinos, politicians and celebrities stood side by side heralding much more than the words of the future president. It was a moment of transcendental change
"That's the true genius of America: that America can change. Our union can be perfected," Obama said to them, citing his successful run for president as further support for the potential of a fundamental shift in the country.
Obama thanked his wife, Michelle, running mate, Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) and campaign staff before showering America with gratitude. "This is your victory," he told the crowd.
He also took the opportunity to recognize his daughters, Sasha and Malia, and grandmother, Madelyn Payne Dunham, who died of cancer just one day before the historic election.
Barack Obama, the junior incumbent senator from Illinois, emerged late Tuesday night to claim what ultimately became a landslide victory of mammoth proportions. Major news outlets unanimously projected Obama the winner shortly before 11:00 p.m. EST. At about the same time, he received what was described as a gracious concession from his opponent, Republican Senator John McCain (AZ).
The national appeal of Barack Obama was manufactured by his campaigns willingness and ability to infiltrate states and territories that had not historically voted with Democrats or a minority candidate.
In securing the election, Obama flipped an incredible 9 battleground states that were traditionally in the Republican slot: Florida, Ohio, Indiana, New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada, North Carolina and Iowa. Furthermore, he muscled a win in Virginia, which hadn't gone to a Democrat in more than 40 years.
When all ballots had been tabulated, the declaration of a landslide was solidified. Obama claimed 364 electoral votes and McCain, 173.
Senator Obama defeated Senator McCain in a highly contested campaign that grew at times, divisive and extremely negative. Political experts say Obama's championing of the economic crisis was the ticket to his win on Election Day.
National polls in the month leading up to the election overwhelmingly favored Democrat, Obama. Nonetheless, McCain promised an upset on November 4th. Even the Obama campaign admitted that they were cautious of over inflated poll numbers and continued to work intensely.
Obama resounded the sentiment of hard work to his supporters at Grant Park saying, "those who've been told for so long by so many to be cynical and fearful and doubtful about what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.
"Reactions to the historic feat of electing the nation's first African American president were broadcasts all over the media. Tears flowed and voices soared, in city streets, in the sanctuaries of churches, at the posted stools of bars and yes - even overseas- at U.S. military installations.
Black Americans young and old searched for words to express the feeling of seeing their race elevated to the highest regarded, most powerful office in the world. Time after time they uttered the same phrase with the a tender disbelief: "I never thought that I would see this in my lifetime.
"Two prominent Chicago figures, Rev. Jesse Jackson and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey wept publicly at the Grant Park rally, shoulder to shoulder with ordinary Americans for change.
"It feels like hope won. I feel like America did the right thing," Oprah Winfrey said to CNN.
True to the persona he has exuded throughout his political career, Barack Obama channeled humility, even as he was "the one" in the very limelight of this mentality-shattering election.
Only in recognition of his heritage and not as a method of generalization, did Barack Obama employ the use of race. He appealed to America and they heard him. And they spoke back.
Barack Obama: "This is our time, to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids. Yes we can!"
God Bless America
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