OBAMA WINS
By DAVID ESPO
President-elect Barack Obama walks on stage with his daughter Sasha, 7, to deliver his victory speech at his election night party at Grant Park in Chicago, Tuesday night, Nov. 4, 2008. AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais
WASHINGTON (AP) Barack Obama swept to victory as the nation's first black president Tuesday night in an electoral college landslide that overcame racial barriers as old as America itself. "Change has come," he declared to a huge throng of cheering supporters.
The son of a black father from Kenya and a white mother from Kansas, the Democratic senator from Illinois sealed his historic triumph by defeating Republican Sen. John McCain in a string of wins in hard-fought battleground states - Ohio, Florida, Virginia, Iowa and more.
On a night for Democrats to savor, they not only elected Obama the nation's 44th president but padded their majorities in the House and Senate, and come January will control both the White House and Congress for the first time since 1994.
Obama's election capped a meteoric rise - from mere state senator to president-elect in four years.
Read the speech
In his first speech as victor, Obama catalogued the challenges ahead. "The greatest of a lifetime," he said, "two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century."
He added, "There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president, and we know that government can't solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face."
McCain called his former rival to concede defeat - and the end of his own 10-year quest for the White House. "The American people have spoken, and spoken clearly," McCain told disappointed supporters in Arizona.
President Bush added his congratulations from the White House.
In his speech, Obama invoked the words of Lincoln and echoed John F. Kennedy.
"So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism, of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder," he said.
He and his running mate, Sen. Joseph Biden of Delaware, will take their oaths of office as president and vice president on Jan. 20, 2009.
Obama will move into the Oval Office as leader of a country that is almost certainly in recession, and fighting two long wars, one in Iraq, the other in Afghanistan.
The popular vote was close - 51.3 percent to 47.5 percent with 73 percent of all U.S. precincts counted - but not the count in the Electoral College, where it mattered most.
There, Obama's audacious decision to contest McCain in states that hadn't gone Democratic in years paid rich dividends.
Obama has said his first order of presidential business will be to tackle the economy. He has also pledged to withdraw most U.S. combat troops from Iraq within 16 months.
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Comments
mnbvcxz (anonymous) says...
Yes! Thank you God!
November 4, 2008 at 11:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
love2teachkinders (anonymous) says...
To God be the Glory! With God nothing is impossible! Continue to pray his strength in the Lord. We gave him our vote now he needs our continued prays for him and his family.
November 4, 2008 at 11:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
FreeThinker (anonymous) says...
It was a long campaign...
I do think all this talk of an 'historic win' is incorrect..
Remember Obama is half-white. He was raised by his white Mother and white Grandmother.
Sad, so sad, that his grandmother did not live to see him elected.
November 4, 2008 at 11:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
NewBreed (anonymous) says...
America has spoken. This country has seen change for well over 230 years. The country changes as the people change. This is what makes America great. One group will not rule forever, the time has come to start turning over the reigns to a new generation of leaders. Tonights election shows the willingness of Americans from all walks of life, from all races and ages that we as Americans can accept change. President Elect Obama congratulations.
November 4, 2008 at 11:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
NewBreed (anonymous) says...
John McCain is truly a class act and deserves equal respect for his campaign.
November 4, 2008 at 11:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
FreeThinker (anonymous) says...
McCain's speech conceding defeat was gracious.
Classy speech.
November 4, 2008 at 11:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
camigreen (anonymous) says...
I just hope that ALL Americans can change and take this change of events and begin to thrive. Let see what happens, I hope the excuses cease.
November 4, 2008 at 11:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
KidYendor (anonymous) says...
The press and the liberal elite have gotten the results they wanted and completely ignored requests for coverage to implore Obama to produce a valid birth certificate. The news that Graham, Brown, and Clyburn have been re-elected and not held accountable for their votes, stances and bills is sad in that it shows that we really don't want change here in South Carolina. We could have lead the country and directed Congress to follow a path of true conservatism and austerity but South Carolina has caved in and collapsed like a wet, soapy rag. We rage that we need to throw the bums out and it is no wonder our country and Congress are in such a dark mess when it never happens. When amnesty and bailouts and liberal socialistic polices proliferate our future my hand will not have been tainted by voting for Obama, Graham or Brown.
November 4, 2008 at 11:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jeffmiller (anonymous) says...
love2teahkinders-- What's this got to do with God? people just voted for who they wanted. Gobamba!
November 4, 2008 at 11:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kontact (anonymous) says...
McCain has bowed out respectfully; He deserves the upmost respect. I voted for Obama though. Jane, Evilgenius, cracker-looks like Obama routed McCain and it wasnt even close -WOW. Hate to say I told you so but guess what-I TOLD YOU SO-The reverse Bradley effect-People want change and that is OBAMA-THE PRESIDENT ELECT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!!Now somebody do something about this economy please
November 4, 2008 at 11:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
swampfoxreb (anonymous) says...
FreeThinker:
In anticipation of tonight, I predicted that some would have exactly your response, a response you would not have volunteered had the result been different tonight, a response you would not have volunteered last week. As a white male born and raised in the American South, and proud of everything that goes with that, let me remind you that there was a time when: not only could African Americans not vote, much less run for office, but a person with 1/8 "Black blood" was not only considered not white, but was deemed chattel and thus less than human. ("Chattel" means property, so-called FreeThinker). That in only 40+ years since the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts an African American could be elected the leader of the free world, by a WHITE MAJORITY, is absolutely a historic moment, not just for Blacks, or Whites, or any specific group, but for America as a country and an affirmation that differences need not divide, and that in a country where "the content of our character" matters more than the "color of our skin" anything is possible. So, please, don't temper the significance of this moment with your ignorance. Thanks.
November 4, 2008 at 11:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
NewBreed (anonymous) says...
Swampfoxreb...APPLAUSE
November 5, 2008 at 12:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MSC (anonymous) says...
The Taliban and Hamaas just got their wish.
Wave goodbye to your money now.
How did so many American people get fooled?
November 5, 2008 at 12:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Missthang (anonymous) says...
Yes we can and yes we did!!!!!!!
November 5, 2008 at 12:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
NewBreed (anonymous) says...
MSC...Get a crying towel and an education.
November 5, 2008 at 12:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dogdoc12 (anonymous) says...
Say goodbye to small business, sad day...
November 5, 2008 at 12:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SeaSaw (anonymous) says...
We did it! What a great man and country! Congratulations President Elect Barack Obama.
Thank you John McCain, for such a wonderful speech. I hope that America will heed your advice to unite to fix the country's problems.
November 5, 2008 at 12:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Spunky_Monkey (anonymous) says...
Obama's victory speech was wonderful!!!!
I am so very proud of him and look forward to what he has to offer this country!
I only wish his dear mother and grandmother could have been here to take part in all of this, witness this, and be given the praise they deserve for raising such a wonderful man and President Elect!!!!
Congratulations to all!!
November 5, 2008 at 12:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
NewBreed (anonymous) says...
Dogdoc12... Give me a reason why? I take it you are a vetenarian? Sounds like you just need a better tax attorney to advise you how to preserve more of your income. No one man will be the death of your small business...Please!
November 5, 2008 at 12:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
YankeeLiberal (anonymous) says...
This is your opportunity to come to terms with your prejudices, misconceptions, mislabeling...this is a special night for my wife and children, our fellow citizens who've suffered (and continue to suffer) the indignities of racism, hatred, and prejudice. Just as importantly, we can leave the last almost 8 years behind us and move this country forward. Hope is at hand, but only if we join together...
November 5, 2008 at 12:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
educ8edguy (anonymous) says...
I'm disappointed in the outcome, but that disappointment is a small price to pay for the privilege of participating in free elections in the greatest country on Earth. Congratulations to President-Elect Obama; I hope and pray that he is worthy of the trust that We the People have placed in him.
--ed
November 5, 2008 at 12:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
Congratulation President Elect Barack Obama! No Depression this year!
I would like to thank John McCain, who I feel would have been a good president for the humble concession speech, but the same could not be said about the other people in the crowd, there boos just made me chuckle a little!
November 5, 2008 at 12:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
buff_o_rilla (anonymous) says...
The time for pretty words is over, Now its a time for action. Unfortunately Obama has made a career of Pretty words and no action behind the words he speaks. He better shine like a new diamond, If not it will be a very long time before another minority is elected as President.
November 5, 2008 at 12:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jifdeng3 (anonymous) says...
WAL-MART and big buisness already has crushed small buisness.
November 5, 2008 at 12:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
buff_o_rilla (anonymous) says...
The real one thing i hope that comes out of this, is that the Black Community will see there is more to life than rap music, guns, drugs and violence. That if you invest your life in a constructive way there is no limit to what you can achieve in this great country!!!
November 5, 2008 at 12:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
Posted by jifdeng3 on November 5, 2008 at 12:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"WAL-MART and big buisness already has crushed small buisness."
Damn skippy!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 5, 2008 at 12:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
iceman1978 (anonymous) says...
Posted by jifdeng3 on November 5, 2008 at 12:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
WAL-MART and big buisness already has crushed small buisness.
------
I was thinking the exact same thing.
Congratulations to Obama.
November 5, 2008 at 12:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
UnoCubanito (anonymous) says...
Congratulation Mr. Obama, I voted in FL where I am from in Miami. I know many young Cubans like myself and older Cubans who felt this man would bring something different.
November 5, 2008 at 1:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
statusquo (anonymous) says...
Tonight creates a new chapter in American history rather you agree or disagree with the president elected. This opportunity gives us all a chance to revaluate where we stand as Americans. Let's all move forward to make our communities, this state and our country better for the sake of us all. Black, White, Asian, Latino or whomever we are all Americans first, South Carolinians second all other labels we place on each other are insignificant. God Bless America.
Give the race issue a break, please its time to move on. This is so old people are tired of talking about it.
November 5, 2008 at 1:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justjerry (anonymous) says...
Posted by NewBreed on November 5, 2008 at 12:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Dogdoc12... Give me a reason why? I take it you are a vetenarian? Sounds like you just need a better tax attorney to advise you how to preserve more of your income. No one man will be the death of your small business...Please!
------------------------
Unfortunately we will all need better tax attorneys, but there are probably several from the former Soviet block countries who would be happy to immigrate and set up shop here. I am sure that they have the experience necessary to handle the issues that will arise given the type of economic systems they are accustomed to.
I wish our new president the best and congratulate his supporters, which as one of "We the People" I am now among. It is too bad that his family was not all here to see him in his moment of triumph.
As with any president, hopefully he will truly unite the country and make the right decisions. Decisions that will keep us safe from our enemies and decisions that will insure that we have a vibrant and free economy that is not hampered by government regulation and over taxation.
November 5, 2008 at 1:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
noname (anonymous) says...
Hey Jane,
In case you misssed it, your new president elect is
Barack Obama!
Gurl, Anderson Cooper is HOT!!!!!!
November 5, 2008 at 1:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlestonhome (anonymous) says...
Congratulations to President-Elect Obama, but I'm still going to hide my wallet!
GetSerious: 3 or 4 percentage points is hardly a "landslide"!
November 5, 2008 at 1:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
carolinagal (anonymous) says...
why do they keep saying,black... he is 1/2 white too incase any of you forgot!
November 5, 2008 at 12:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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