President Barack Obama

By Jeralyn, Section Elections 2008
Posted on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:22:00 PM EST
Tags: Barack Obama, 2008 (all tags)

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Update 11:21 pm: McCain gives concession speech.

1100 pm: CNN, NBC and ABC News: Obama wins. He's over 270.

Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States.

< Obama Wins Florida | Obama's Victory Speech Live Blog >

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President Barack Obama | 69 comments (69 topical)

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YES WE DID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 (5.00 / 0) (#1)
by coigue on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:02:10 PM EST

Juan Williams verklempt (5.00 / 1) (#3)
by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:02:46 PM EST

Me too.

: Honeymoon (none / 0) (#43)
by Pepe on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:49:15 PM EST

will last until April then it will be watered down bi-partisan middle of the road policies that will thrill the losing Right and upset those on the Left who won't get what they thought they were voting for. But of course that was all in the cards from the beginning.
It will be interesting to see the faithful become the new definition of what a PUMA is.

Parent

Indeed (5.00 / 0) (#4)
by andgarden on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:03:09 PM EST

This was important for so many reasons.

I am so glad ... (5.00 / 0) (#5)
by cymro on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:03:53 PM EST

... that my earlier doubts have been proved unfounded. It is a great relief!

I'm ecstatic (5.00 / 0) (#6)
by Jeralyn on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:04:23 PM EST

Really, really happy.

Well, this is no time for a honeymoon: (5.00 / 3) (#8)
by ThatOneVoter on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:07:55 PM EST

This is a time to let Republicans know that their input is NOT desired.

I'm with you. Stick it to them and get (5.00 / 1) (#15)
by Teresa on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:12:52 PM EST

everything we want that is right and good. They sure wouldn't hold back for our sakes.

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Boy are you in for a surprise. (1.00 / 0) (#48)
by Pepe on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:50:26 PM EST

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: this is great (none / 0) (#57)
by skippybkroo on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 11:22:36 PM EST

it's a much better than i felt 8 years ago at this time of the year.

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Thank God!!! (none / 0) (#42)
by MTSINAIMAMA on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:48:44 PM EST

Now I can get my life back!!!

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Obama said just the opposite though (none / 0) (#66)
by andrys on Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 05:59:05 AM EST

and the thoughts were considered beautiful.

His approach is bi-partisan and post-partisan, which will cause problems with some but this is what he promised and it's what's needed, if people are able to go along with him on that, making the words a reality, which means not ideal for some, but better for more.

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Hallelujah (5.00 / 0) (#10)
by MyLeftMind on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:09:45 PM EST

Now the real work begins.

Finally, I live in a Socialist Country!! (5.00 / 0) (#11)
by ThatOneVoter on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:11:36 PM EST

woohoo

Yay! (5.00 / 1) (#12)
by squeaky on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:11:44 PM EST

Glad it is over, at last.

: Nice to see you again Squeaky (5.00 / 2) (#24)
by Molly Bloom on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:18:36 PM EST

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I'll never forget this moment. (5.00 / 0) (#14)
by byteb on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:12:28 PM EST

Barack just won Florida (5.00 / 1) (#16)
by caseyOR on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:14:27 PM EST

CBS just called Florida for Obama.

Karl Rove's dream---smashed (5.00 / 0) (#18)
by ThatOneVoter on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:15:14 PM EST

like a pumpkin.
What a night!
The only place Republican Congressmen can hold a majority after tonight is in prison!

Barack Hussein Obama (5.00 / 0) (#21)
by coigue on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:16:13 PM EST

is the new face of America to the world.

It's a beautiful day. With his name and his face, we saw past all of that and voted him in soundly.

37th legislative district seattle (5.00 / 1) (#22)
by Faust on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:16:24 PM EST

There are fireworks going off in my neighborhood and people running through the streets screaming in joy I $hit you not.

Me, I admit, I have a tear in my eye (and that's not something I do).

It just hit me that it is really over (5.00 / 1) (#29)
by ruffian on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:26:44 PM EST

after all these...YEARS. god.

Classy concession (5.00 / 4) (#30)
by andgarden on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:27:48 PM EST

Well, I think that McCain still wants (none / 0) (#32)
by ThatOneVoter on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:29:24 PM EST

to create a legacy. Right now, the only avenue open to him is working with Obama, across the aisle.

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: Yeah and they will (none / 0) (#49)
by Pepe on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:51:53 PM EST

meet in the middle!!!

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Yes. (none / 0) (#41)
by TChris on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:46:28 PM EST

It was a gracious and generous speech. His call for unity unfortunately didn't seem to move his audience.

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Calls for unity (5.00 / 1) (#45)
by ruffian on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:49:39 PM EST

rarely move Republican audiences. A point several of us have been making for months.

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: But the call to unity is (none / 0) (#67)
by andrys on Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 06:08:15 AM EST

also met with statements excoriating the Republicans "because" they would do that had they won.
I still say, he wants to get beyond that when the campaign's over. His thing is for all to listen to what is important to the other side. True of his lectures at Univ of Chicago too.

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McCain Crowd (5.00 / 0) (#46)
by MTSINAIMAMA on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:49:48 PM EST

The booing was disgraceful. BTW, anyone else notice the chill between the McCain's and the Palin's?

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: The boos were shameful. (5.00 / 0) (#52)
by sallywally on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:55:26 PM EST

So interesting from a group of "gracious" upper class elites.
I guess now that you mention it, the McCains and Palins were standing on opposite sides of the stage.
The crowd did cheer Palin more than anyone else, though. Also shameful.

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: Yes (5.00 / 0) (#56)
by CCinNC on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 11:00:58 PM EST

very perfunctory, dismissive hug (or whatever it was) from McCain to Palin. Then they avoided each other.
Her eyes were wet.

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Actually (none / 0) (#51)
by Pepe on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:53:37 PM EST

he also called for compromise. And anyone who has honestly observed Obama, compromise is what McCain will get.

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Yes (none / 0) (#61)
by cal1942 on Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 01:42:39 AM EST

Best speech McCain ever gave. They must have taken some time to write this in advance. It was too good to have been sketched up in a few minutes.

Even sushed his followers when they started to get fiesty.

The one bad part was the word compromise.

No compromise.

If Obama wins big enough, like maybe over 350, there is no excuse for compromise, it won't be necessary. Broder and the rest of the Village MUST be ignored.

Parent

The 'excuse' for 'compromise' (none / 0) (#68)
by andrys on Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 06:13:29 AM EST

is that Obama said very strongly that he will be President also for those who didn't support him and he'd listen to them. That is a constant of his general philosophy and much taught by him in his classes. Hear the other side, realize they have (not evil) reasons for what they think, usually.

In a diverse community, compromise is necessary and he will continue pushing for that.

When he attracted people with his 2004 speech about no divided red/blue America but a united one, it's my take that he meant it, and that is possible only by going part-way toward the others or at least having a respectful discussion about what concerns "the other"...

http://elections.nytimes.com/2008/results/president/map.html

That's what Obama is up against.

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No compromise (none / 0) (#70)
by cal1942 on Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 09:27:08 AM EST

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: Helping him to succeed (none / 0) (#72)
by andrys on Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 12:36:25 PM EST

(in his overall message, to boot -- I wonder why avid supporters are so loathe to follow a message that attracts them; unity is never easy)
He's already made it known the last couple of days that he wants bi-partisan solutions, which means there must be compromises. All or nothing is exactly the partisan politics he campaigned against, since that tends to result in nothing.
Ah, well.

Parent

Thanks to all the readers here (5.00 / 2) (#31)
by Jeralyn on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:28:22 PM EST

who encouraged and supported the Democratic ticket. You are all part of the reason we won.

: You are welcome (5.00 / 1) (#39)
by coigue on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:44:28 PM EST

Thanks for providing such a wonderful and fertile place to do so.

Parent
: a few of us who did not (5.00 / 1) (#55)
by jes on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 11:00:06 PM EST

also helped a bit, in the final moments. Oh here comes the Oman. It is his time.

Parent

It's been a tough year (5.00 / 0) (#33)
by Baal on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:31:18 PM EST

and things got a bit tense at times.

But WE WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I really thought he would win (5.00 / 0) (#35)
by lilburro on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:35:07 PM EST

but this landslide is sweet and says so many good things about our country. And PA, thank you! I knew McCain couldn't squeeze through by winning you.

I think this speech will be really beautiful.

With tears in my eyes, I welcome everyone (5.00 / 0) (#36)
by LatinoDC on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:36:31 PM EST

to a new era....

Jesse Jackson... (5.00 / 6) (#37)
by mike in dc on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:36:41 PM EST

...weeping openly on national TV. That pretty much nailed the significance of this, above and beyond the politics of the moment.

That was just beyond (5.00 / 1) (#38)
by Lil on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:43:28 PM EST

totally makes up for the lump in my throat in 2004. I don't even have the right adjective to describe how I feel. But exhausted and relieved is part of it too. Congratulations everyone and thanks again.

: I feel sad, really.. so little, so late. (none / 0) (#40)
by ThatOneVoter on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:45:35 PM EST

What's to celebrate, after so much death and destruction?
I hope Obama enters office with a very ambitious agenda which will address the emergencies Bush has left behind.

Parent

For tomorrow (5.00 / 1) (#44)
by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:49:29 PM EST

The EmergED Democratic Majority

"White voters continue to support the Republican presidential candidate, as they have for many years. In the exit polls reported thus far tonight, 53 percent of whites say they voted for McCain while 43 percent of whites voted for Obama.

Obama, however, has a dramatic edge among African-Americans (96 percent), Latinos (67 percent ) and Asians (63 percent). Significantly, America's non-white vote is increasing as a proportion of the entire electorate. In the 1992 presidential election, whites made up 87 percent of all voters. This proportion fell to 83 percent in 1996; to 81 percent in 2000 and 77 percent in 2004. So far in today's exit polling, whites make up 75 percent of the electorate. Projected demographic trends indicate that the proportion of non-white voters, particularly Hispanics, will increase further in the future."

All the TV stations (1.00 / 0) (#54)
by Pepe on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:57:12 PM EST

have been saying the same all night, of course it has not been a big secret. Yes the demographics have shifted. It will be interesting to see how those people react when Obama can't lead them to the promised land.

Parent

Have we hit the tipping point? (none / 0) (#53)
by ruffian on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:55:29 PM EST

I was thinking yesterday that it may be a while before Dems nominate another white male.

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: Of course (none / 0) (#71)
by cal1942 on Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 09:33:16 AM EST

Democrats will again nominate a white male.
The fact is that Democrats can't win without white votes. Including white male votes.
Do the math.
Ethnicity and/or gender should NEVER be a rationale for casting a vote.

Parent

Finally it's over. (5.00 / 1) (#50)
by lilburro on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:52:19 PM EST

Bush has been president since I developed a political consciousness. It's been an 8 year trauma! Now I finally get to experience what it is like to have a President open to ideas, who has respect for all the people in our country.

That's my personal tale. Very happy.

Icing on the cake? (5.00 / 0) (#58)
by CoralGables on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 11:35:23 PM EST

It's hard to nail it down this early but looks like Obama will win the 1 Electoral Vote from District 2 in Red State Nebraska.

:-D (5.00 / 0) (#60)
by CST on Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 12:05:48 AM EST

So drunk on kool-aid right now.

Thanks TL for being an awesome hangout this election, putting up with me in the primary and coming home in the end.

I know in a few days/weeks I'll be angry about something again, I just don't have it in me tonight. This day is my family's "high holiday" as we are not religious but follow politics religiously. Not a dry eye in the house right now. I don't think anyone can look at the faces in the crowd tonight and not feel like this is an exceptional moment. Very proud of my fellow youth who turned out today and everyone else who helped provide an incredible victory today.

The Sun Is Shining (5.00 / 0) (#65)
by john horse on Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 05:50:51 AM EST

the flowers are blooming
and the birds sing sweeter still.

Man the ER's (none / 0) (#2)
by eric on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:02:45 PM EST

heads are exploding!

Rejoice! (none / 0) (#7)
by Landulph on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:05:55 PM EST

The nightmare is over. The beast is dead. On the down side, Campaign '12 beginneth tomorrow.

This is brilliant. (none / 0) (#17)
by liminal on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:15:11 PM EST

Here's to tomorrow.

When will McCain concede? (none / 0) (#19)
by ThatOneVoter on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:16:00 PM EST

Surely he just wants to go to bed now.

He did a few minutes ago (none / 0) (#23)
by CCinNC on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:17:58 PM EST

per MSNBC

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Very classy (5.00 / 2) (#27)
by CCinNC on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:22:47 PM EST

concession speech.

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: Yes. Nice job (5.00 / 0) (#28)
by ruffian on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:25:03 PM EST

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: I'll give him props. (5.00 / 0) (#34)
by Landulph on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:31:32 PM EST

Nicely done.

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Ah, cool. Has Palin announced for 2012 (none / 0) (#26)
by ThatOneVoter on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:18:56 PM EST

yet?

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News from upstate via AP (none / 0) (#20)
by nycstray on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:16:06 PM EST

In upstate New York, former congressional staffer Dan Maffei won election to succeed retiring GOP Rep. Jim Walsh, becoming the first Democrat in nearly 30 years to represent the Syracuse-based district.

And if Massa can hang on, we'll get another flip :)

My rep pulled 89% {grin}. Now I'm just waiting on 2 CA districts and their props.

Right now I am cursing the Obama win. Renegade fireworks going off which is a huge problem with my fearful dog and also creates a walking danger with her. I've had a-holes blow off those things too damn close to her :(

sweet (none / 0) (#25)
by connecticut yankee on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:18:39 PM EST

Victory, eh? It's been awhile.

PBS with Gwen Ifill (none / 0) (#47)
by sallywally on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 10:49:56 PM EST

Stuart Rothenberg and a woman whom I recognize but whose name I don't know are talking about how it is not a fundamental change in electoral map, only a few states that were close last time flipped into the Dem category. Ifill is so nonchalant about this. I just don't get her. She is such a Village insider.

I guess it's true that the national vote spread for Obama isn't that gigantic - compared to the electoral vote count, assuming the vote count for the western states and Hawaii have been included in that count. Pretty much 52-48%, what Bush got last time.

Or I am way off?

You are correct (none / 0) (#62)
by BOHICA on Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 03:10:10 AM EST

"will last until April then it will be watered down bi-partisan middle of the road policies that will thrill the losing Right and upset those on the Left who won't get what they thought they were voting for. But of course that was all in the cards from the beginning." -----

You are correct Pepe on your assessment. Obama is a politician. Plain and simple. And a good one at that I might add, but at the end of the day, the only thing he, like the rest of vote gathering promisemakers only care about, is themselves. Wait and See.

Good luck Obama (none / 0) (#63)
by BOHICA on Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 03:42:17 AM EST

You know...it is sad to see all the exuberance on this post filled with messages of hate and lack of cooperation. This is exactly why I became a Libertarian many years ago. The right seems out of touch, and the left are always whining. Both assuredly, most Republicans and Democrats share one thing in common...that is disdain for the other. How sad it is to see both lavishing with some sort of self proclaimed, "Lets stick it to them" attitude whenever one of the parties wins an election. Both parties over the years have spewed hate filled rhetoric and displayed resentment and chosen their ideology, over progress on most issues. The politicians just sit back and laugh at all the Republican and Democrat "sheeple" lapping up the Kool-Aid, the latest elected official has served up. Unfortunately, our political system is flawed with the predominance of two parties. This is America and it is about choice. I congratulate Obama on his win, but I see in him, just another politician. I hope that I am wrong and this is someone who will follow our Constitution and help to bring about responsible growth for our nation. He faces many great challenges. We will see if he is up to the task. He is untested and I hope that he selects competent and qualified people to assist him in these tough economic times for all of us. Bush did have a few good selections, as well as Clinton, in regards to people who served the country well, but most of the folks in those administrations just towed the line and really contributed little. So I think, the most important decisions Obama will make, will be the core people he selects to assist him in his job and decision making process. This is vital. Reagan, Kennedy, Roosevelt...they all had excellent advisors on their staff, in their cabinets, etc. This was crucial to their successes. Obama is smart. I predict you will see some rather shocking appointments into his administration. Hard core liberals will be angry, and the far right will be scratching their heads in confusion by some of his picks. Anyway, it was great to live through another hurdle our country has crossed historically. I hope that he is really a good free thinker in disguise, socially liberal and fiscally conservative. That would make a believer out of me. Congratulations again Obama. You have accomplished something great...now don't screw it up like Bush and Clinton did. Godspeed to our new President, he has his work cut out for him.

Number 1 Emotion (none / 0) (#64)
by ding7777 on Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 04:35:20 AM EST

Bush is gone... finally!

: I wish he were. (none / 0) (#69)
by andrys on Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 06:21:11 AM EST

It'll be a long 2 months.

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President Barack Obama | 69 comments (69 topical)

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