November 4, 2008

Barack Obama Wins The Presidency!

The Democratic Senator from Illinois defeats Republican Senator John McCain of Arizona to become the President-elect.

by Martha Pickerill

A crowd of thousands gathered in Grant Park, in Chicago, Illinois, on November 4, awaiting a moment that many thought they would never see. Shortly after 10:00 P.M. in Chicago, that moment arrived, bringing with it a sense of historical significance that seemed to overwhelm many in the crowd. Senator Barack Obama became the President-elect of the United States.

ELISE AMENDOLA - AP Senator John McCain and his wife, Cindy, greet the crowd in Arizona before McCain congratulates Obama on his victory.

While every new presidency is the beginning of a new era in the United States, Obama's victory is a remarkable milestone. He is the first African-American elected to the office. As recently as 45 years ago, many African Americans were not even assured of their right to vote in an election. Although not all of this year's votes were counted by the time Obama was named the winner, he appeared to have won a decisive victory. His message of hope and change connected with a majority of voters in the states with the biggest populations. His running mate, Senator Joseph Biden of Delaware, will be the next Vice President.

"Change has come to America," he told the sea of supporters at Grant Park. "This is your victory."

Uniting the Nation after a Long Fight

McCain, whose military and government service to his country have gained him wide admiration, vowed to stand behind Barack Obama when he is the new President of the United States.

"The American people have spoken, and they have spoken clearly," McCain told a crowd of his supporters in Arizona. "I pledge to (Obama) tonight to do all in my power to help him lead us through the many challenges we face."

McCain faced an uphill battle from the very start. His party's sitting President, George W. Bush, had become very unpopular with voters before McCain even won the Republican nomination. Many voters were upset with the President and the direction of the country. They were less likely than in past elections to vote for any Republican candidate. Polls also showed that McCain's choice of vice-presidential running mate, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, concerned some voters. They thought she had too little experience for the job.

Grateful, and Still Hopeful

Obama will take over as Commander-in-Chief at a time when financial problems have Americans worried. Many companies are making less money than they expected to, this year. Thousands of workers are losing their jobs. Being the leader of this country will be no easy task, especially in the early days. But Obama told his supporters how grateful his for the chance to lead the nation out of these challenging times.

"Two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial disaster in a century," he said. “The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep, we may not get there in one year . . . but America, I've never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.”

In January, Obama and his family will move into the White House and begin a new life. For President Barack Obama, that is when the real work will begin.