I don't normally watch TV or the news much, but tonight was different as we in America are witnessing history as the first African-American, Barack Obama is now to be our 44th President. You may or may not have voted for him, you may have been a die-hard McCain supporter, but that really doesn't matter now does it? I think we as a people now should bond together and hope for nothing but the best for our newly elected President and hope and pray we really do see change for the better. Also no matter whom you supported I think we should send nothing but our best prayers for Obama that he will be safe during his Presidency considering the fact that their may be fanatical parties who may oppose an African-American as President... Will this truly be a new era for our country? Only time will tell.
[question posted by pyewacket]responses and comments:
This is a historical moment for all the world, not just America. I'll bet Obama's policies would be radically different from his predecessors as he has been talking about "change." What I'm curious to know is: 1) What stance would he take about Iraq? 2) Will he endorse resolutions for additional aid in Africa? My country, the Philippines, is a close ally of America. I wonder how this new presidency will affect my country's relations with yours. [SeishiroX]
Unfortunately very few politicians keep their promises one hundred percent...I guess time will tell for Obama [pyewacket]
I really hope this does signal a new era for America. Maybe, for once, the race issue can be put to rest. I don't think it will ever totally go away, but hopefully this begins an awakening of American society that the color of one's skin is no measure of the skills, talents or character of a man or woman. I, too, hope that the USA will do was the late President Johnson once said: "Yesterday, we voted as individuals, today we go forward as one." (or something like that). USA is still the greatest Country in the world! [celticrogue]
yes as obama becomes the president it really changes the course of Politics in america because colour divide a very prelavent issu in america begins to lessen [aerialnavigator]
I think it is wonderful that he won. He is from my home state of Illinois. He seems like a very levelheaded fellow. I also hope he serves his Presidency safely. McCain's concession speech was lovely. Very calm and conciliatory. This may seem like a stupid question, but: Barack Obama is also half white in addition to being half black. Why is he always touted as the African American democratic candidate? Why not just the Democratic candidate who happens to have a Kenyan father? Maybe I am just too young to be of the mindset that one drop of blackness in your gene Pool makes you black to the exclusion of all else. [Trace86]
I have found that usually a person takes the race or nationality of their father over that of their mother. My wife was always considered hispanic because her father was hispanic (mexican) while her mother was white (northen european), while her best friend was always considered white because her father was white while her mother was hispanic (mexican). Of course it is all arbitrary anyhow, as both are true, yet only half-truth. [celticrogue]
I do pray for nothing but the best for our country and everyone in the world, actually. No matter who you voted for, I agree, we should all come together as a community, country, human population, and work together... Sadly, I doubt that will happen. [Bethany1202]
we can only hope that yes, maybe our country can really come together and work together or at least the beginnings of it. [pyewacket]
Hey, Pye! We were both thinking the same thing at about the same time! I say WHOOPIE!!!!! w00t This is my daughter's second Presidential election and she is THRILLED! My mother is also happy. She detested GWB - couldn't even stand to hear his voice. I took her up to vote today and had to help her in the booth. She refused to let me get her an absentee ballot. I do think it's a new era. I think this will help restore our respect throughout the world. I also think there will be people who will literally "gun" for Mr. Obama. I hope he is well protected! But, if it brings the snakes out into the open, then we'll know who to lock up! I'm looking forward to seeing him in action - I hope we aren't disappointed. [jerzgirl]
No negativity here. I'm thrilled, but the rest is up to him. And, I commend him for saying in his acceptance speech that there is a lot to do and he may not be able to get it all done in four years. So many get up there and think they're superheros. They're not - there's only so much they can do. I have hope for the first time in a long time! [jerzgirl]
Oh my god, I am truly phucking amazed!!!! Hahahahaha! I never thought it could happen! This is just too funny! I love it! I was just sitting here wondering what was going on with that fiasco, and here came your discussion answering me, hehehe. [zigzagbuddha]
It really is amazing isn't it? well gee, I guess Tia Faye is out of a job...she won't be able to do her Palin impersonation anymore....LOL [pyewacket]
I wasn't fond of either of the two major candidate choices, but now that Obama has won I really hope that he can and does change this country for the better as he has promised. I believe that we really are due for a change. I agree that we should bond together in hopes for the best. Regardless of everything, I also have to admit that there is a part of me that finds it exciting to witnessing history. All that aside though, here's to hoping for change for the better! [betsyraeduke]
Well only time will tell just how much of a real change Obama can do...he's inheriting a lot of shat to deal with isn't he?... [pyewacket]
I have his victory speech on now. I watched McCain's concession speech too. It was a great speech. You could really see how much he wanted to win and it was hard for him to accept that he did not. [Ruthep]
I had to go to bed so I didn't get to see all of it. Sometimes it sucks when you got to get up at 6 in the morning. [Ruthep]
WOOOOHOOO obama :D Thank the goddess we dont have the rich old man with 7 damn houses and stupid idiot palin as president and vice president. Should have seen it at work tonight lol. Living in Memphis theres tons of blacks here. Well where I work is of course tons of blacks lol. Every time one of the managers would update us on how the polls were going, all the blacks would cheer, jump around and chant obama obama lol. Guess my parents arnt to happy lol, since they are old they wanted the old man to become president. Even lectured me saturday night on why I should vote for mccain and not obama. [darkjedi]
Yeah that would have been the problem since then palin would have taken over. *shudders* Thats a scary thought. [darkjedi]
I have just scan that news ,I believe he will be a good president .and I also think he will creat a more beatuful Amerian I wish him. [yaokai2008]
I think we're all hoping for the best here [pyewacket]
Congratulations!Your country to elect anew president.I belive that Obamma led by the Americans will live better and more efficient response to the cunrent finanical crisis. Americans are the best of luck. [mikeshaws]
I think a lot of us here are hoping for the best for Obama. Sure feel sorry for him..he has an awful lot of mess to clean up in our government [pyewacket]
As most Americans must surely understand, the USA has a tremendous direct or indirect impact on each an every nation on this planet and we in India were waiting the results with bated breath for the results. For one, the USA outsources a lot of jobs to India and the recent economic slump has laid off many workers here. Secondly, whether outsourcing itself stays or not, depends a lot on govt policies so we'll see what's Obama's stand on this. Thirdly we'll see what's his stand on Iraq and Afghanistan is, as Islamic terrorism in India is on the rise mainly because of late, India has been hobnobbing with the USA, a country which many Muslims view as their enemy no. 1. Fourthly, many students look forward to studying in the USA and their future is at stake too, as many of them have taken huge bank loans to finance the expenditure. There are many other issues too, but your post was very nice and in the correct spirit. We all just hope that he does something better, something which will be beneficial to the entire world. As it is, he will go down in history as the first black president of the USA, I hope he has many other good deeds to his name. [sudiptacallingu]
I at least would like to wish him all the best…not only the USA but the world definitely needs a change in the positive direction [sudiptacallingu]
We should always back our government but we should also let them know if they are not doing their jobs. Re-electing politicians that do not do their job is just dumb. I am glad the Bush era is done. I feel Bushwacked and hope that this new president will do the job that he hopes and plans to do. I have to say that he is an absolutely wonderful speaker. No president is perfect, but they do not run the country alone. My prayers are with all of them that they will remain safe and will be guided to do the best job possible. I am glad that a new barrier has been broken, just like when JFK was elected as the first young president and the first Catholic president. It shows how our country has grown and, although more work needs to be done to fight racism, this is proof that Americans are learning that color is only a shell. Time will tell and let us hope that it is good. No miracles are expected, but just a good man doing a good job. Let us pray hard for that. [nanajanet]
Yes we really do need to pray hard that Obama can straighten all the messes that have gone on so long, I sure don't envy him in his multitude of tasks he needs to do and whatever plans he does put forth I hope he gets support from the other political leaders in Congress. [pyewacket]
Undoubtedly we have a new President, but I can honestly say I don't like him any better now than I did before and that it troubles me because I think we have a black President because he is black not because he is the best one for the job. I guess what I am saying is that I resent having a President just because he is black. I felt right from the beginning that he was capitalizing on the fact that he was black and I think that is just as racist as the KKK. I think he has biten off more than he can chew and I hope the country can survive him. [sumofalltears]
I come from a different point of view. You see, I believe that some things were meant to be and the outcome was inevitable. I do not recall at any time that Obama capitalized on the fact that he is PART black. If he has, I would really like the links to the articles or Videos about that. I never like to make a statement unless I am ready to back it up. It just makes sense. [nanajanet]
I am praying that all people, on both sides of the aisle, will now make the decision to come together, to work together, and to heal this land and its people. We are all Americans. We are a people in need of healing. Let us remember that all of those who are living here are part of the same family. We are all brothers and sisters, with many faces, forms, beliefs, ideas, wishes, hopes, prayers, and dreams. We are all unique Creations... Yet we are all one people. We all have a responsibility to reach out to heal each other and also to accept our own healing. Let us choose to accept that responsibility and to heal each other and ourselves... so that the next four years will see us all in a better place than we are now, so that our children and their children and all those who come after us will be better because we were here, alive and breathing here in this moment. I pray for all peoples for all are my relations. All of you are my relations... I breathe out with love for you all now. And am thankful to be able to do so. It is a good thing to be alive in this day of changes... One more page of life has been written on. One more dream has been realized for many. One more day has set... and I for one am happy... Peace to all. Peace to all. Peace to all. Amen Aho Om [whiteheron]
Yes I did. Thanks for letting me know that you liked it. [whiteheron]
happy Congratulations America. The whole world is looking forward to all the changes Obama will bring to your country and to the world. happy [toni_nakama]
A lot of non-Americans were rooting for Obama from what I understand [pyewacket]
Yippee!! I am so glad. I really do hope that this could be a new era for your country. He has an awful mess to try and fix and there was a Yale professor on last night saying it could still get worse before it gets better. I hope he is wrong but only time can tell. I do hope that he can turn the country around and make life better for many people. [sharra1]
I actually feel sorry for him as he has a real mess to clean up in our government [pyewacket]
I guess America needs a person just like you are. A pretty coold American that is open and accepting to the changes the majority of voters have chosen. That is Democracy at work within you and it is just right that each and everyone should accept what the majority chose in practicing their right to vote. [rsa101]
Well I am glad he won, as I did vote for him...now lets hope he really does make a change for the better in our country [pyewacket]
Yeah I guess we won't know. I am really worried though. My husband is at boot camp right now and even though I didn't like McCain I thought he was a bit more true to his word. [sedel1027]
I got a call from him tonight but didn't have a chance to ask. Maybe he will write it in a letter LOL [sedel1027]
I agree with you completely. It is time we all band together to support our new president. Things have been bad for a while and this is the time for much needed change, and only if we work together no matter what the race of our president will we succeed. I wish the best for President Obama and all of us. [venus7992000]
I just hope he can keep his promises to us....there's an awful lot to work out there...a real mess if you ask me. [pyewacket]
i am not from your country.. and (honestly) i didnt really bothered myself to know about Obama or McCain.. but the results are out, and Obama is going to the White House.. my wish is that our two countries will maintain their good relationships as per current, Mr.Obama will really become the leader/president that he said he would be.. [4mymak]
I think a lot of people, not just Americans are really hoping for the best with our newly elected President and that some positive changes come about. [pyewacket]
I think we all should begin contacting our newly elected officials and expressing what is important to us. For me its our congressman who has managed to get elected his 10th term, Republican, and I want to make sure I still will hold in the interest of wind (along our shoreline) and getting the jobs back here in America because its not just about Obama alone but our officials doing what they have to. I want to see fuel efficient Cars and progress made within the next 2 years and that very important to me because this oil independence needs to end and --CAN-- [revellanotvanella]
Yikes you have a congressman that was elected his 10th term? How old is he? 150? LOL I think a lot of people get apathetic when it comes to writing or contacting their politicians, thinking they won't be heard, but I've often written and emailed politicians. Yes, we really do need to stop our dependence of foreign oil/fuel..Obama is against off-shore drilling and so am I...only reason I am, is that I understand there are literally millions of acres of designated land areas set aside for drilling and have never been tapped...Like Huh? [pyewacket]
I entirely agree with your sentiments. [whiteheather39]
Thanks whiteheatherhappy [pyewacket]
the world feels a safer place this morning. [Galena]
Were you hoping Obama would win? [pyewacket]
We still have to wait to see ... The electoral votes in December is what will clench the deal. In some states the elector can go against what the people voted and cast the vote in favor of the opposing party. This was done when Bush got re-elected. So don't put your cart before the horse so fast. And to be a true African-American he would have to be born in Africa and then became an American. Just because his biological father was African doesn't make him one. He ran for president on this lie, passing himself as "black" when he was of mixed race. He who speaks with forked tongue is not a good choice for any government office. [Kowgirl]
Unfortunately that seems to be the "politically" correct term in African American, just as other people call themselves Irish-American, German-American, whatever, and I guess he just identifies more with his African heritage than white, so I don't know if it's necessarily a lie though [pyewacket]
"DITTO" I agree Pye I agree with you!!! I hope and pray we do see a change for the better; happy rolleyes [dreamweaverjan]
I hope we see a change for the better as wellhappy [pyewacket]
I think we are never going to get the miracles we all hope for Pye no matter who is the president, so we might as well, as you said, just go along now and be supportive of whoever it is that is holding office. Course, Bush would not let us do that would he? heheheh Hugs xooxox Happy new president day to you! xoxoo [OceanTiara]
I actually was feeling sorry whoever was to be our next President as there is an awful lot of "mess" to clean up. Really do hope we see some positive changes. [pyewacket]
There are so many challenges ahead for us and for our government. I was overjoyed Obama was elected, because it means my country chose its better angels in my view. I have found the last eight years so divisive and dark. I think it can definitely be a new era as long as people open their minds. I think when Obama starts naming his bipartisan cabinet it will help towards healing & unity -- and I do believe that he will. I am definitely saying my prayers. [MoonlightSerenade]
Yes Obama certainly has a lot on his plate to contend with after all the messes created for the past eight years. Hope he's up for the real challenges. [pyewacket]
I think with his intelligence, charisma, and compassion, that Barack Obama with be an excellent 44th US President. I also have a lot of respect for the contributions that John McCain has made in his lifetime, and God willing, will continue to make. The healing of this country will not be painless, but with the overwhelming support of the people - across age, gender, economic and racial lines - is an excellent starting point. I'm looking forward to the next 4 to 8 years. [catdla1]
yup only time will tell if he keeps his promice af all he said last night I have never watched another president elects speach but I did his! [Lakota12]
I voted for him. I am excited to see what he will do to turnt he country around. After the last 8 years I dont think he can f*ck it up anymore than Bush has. My husband voted for McCain and he's realyl upset that Obama won. It wasn't even really close though. Obama was the one who got all the yougn people to get out there and vote. I think he deserved to win. I am looking forward to that income redistribution cause I am so middle class and I need some extra money. [angelface23]
I'm glad to know a lot of the younger voters made it a point to go out an vote, that's what probably helped to get Obama in. I don't think younger voters could relate to a candidate that looked like their grandpa.lol [pyewacket]
I pray that President Obama will be safe and well protected during his tenure as President. His parallels with Kennedy and even Lincoln are close. Hopefully Security has evolved to the point that it is less than a risk than ever before. Long live President Obama! [snowy22315]
I remember hearing that while Obama was campaigning that he was surrounded with more Secret Service agents to protect him that the President ever has. I suppose that he'll have to have that protection more than ever now. [pyewacket]
The most important thing now is that we pray for our nation and pray that the directions will be the very best for our people. I put more faith in God then I do in man. We are Americans and we will have our vote again so in the meantime,we stand together in hopes of a better future for all. [eaforeman6]
Yes we really do have to stand together hoping for a better and brighter future now for our country [pyewacket]
I do hope for change. Good change. I saw lots of tears and emotion last night on both sides. Some of happiness and some of sadness. Now it is time to see what the next administration will bring. I do hope that at the end of his term he is as well loved as he is now, and not like the one we have now who so many people hate. It seems that feelings change with the wind in politics.. so I hope he will be supported by everyone, even if they voted for him or not. [OreoCookie3]
Yes I hope he gets continued support not only by we the "common" folk but with all the politicians as well and cooperate with him [pyewacket]
Hi pye, Congratulations to Barrack Obama the New President of the U.S.A. and I agree with you pye, I really hope he can make your country a better place for everyone, though he will have a long slog to clean up the mess that had been made. I sat up to 5.30. a.m British time to watch the whole thing enfould before my eyes and yes its has made history for a first black man to win the preidency, never thought it will happen in my life time, well done to Mr. Obama. Bright Blessings. Tamara [tamarafireheart]
Yes he has a real fine mess to clean up after from the prior eight years of Bush's Administration. Glad you were able to see the telecast even though it was so early for you [pyewacket]
Hey pye! I am so happy that this has happened in my lifetime! I have lived throught so much misery in my time. I have seen the deaths of JFK, RFK, MLK, 9/11, Nixon and more! I am proud to say that I was part of the process that got President Barack Obama elected and I am very happy that I lived to see this happen because growing up it was drilled into me that this would never happen in my lifetime and it did! I pray that he will be safe and will be able to somehow fix some of the mess that the moron we have had to suffer with for 8 years has made of this country. No I won't apologize. I had nothing to do with putting him there and I know it is wrong to disrespect the President but he has shown little respect for this country and the people! [Opal26]
I grew up in the same period as you and yes remember exactly where I was when I heard of the death of JFK. And don't forget the tragic death of John Lennon that was really sad as he was trying to get his life back on track again. Nope, I sure as heck didn't vote for Bush either and still wonder how he got in a second time...do sure hope Obama can heal this nation and it's problems [pyewacket]
I was thrilled with the results of the election. And I was excited to know that my one little vote played a tiny part in Obama winning. I hope our country can not turn around and get back on track. And that the "change" we all have voted to get helps to make our country strong and happy once again. [TessWhite]
Yes this country really does need a change for the better and hope Obama can do those changes [pyewacket]
I don't usually read or reply to political discussions, but this time I just have to say something. Yes this is a historical event. A black president. There was another historical event. JF Kennedy. The youngest candidate to ever run for the office, and a Catholic. He did make some changes, he was a progressive president, but remember how that ended. It makes me sad that my mind goes to this negative place, but knowing there are factions that do oppose the whole idea of a black president, and that there are a lot of powerful people that don't want the changes he has proposed makes me really apprehensive about the next 4 years. [thebeaddoodler]
I actually don't feel like being all that fair right now, but more like the media has been over the last eight years, day after day after day.. hammering its opinion to the nation and world. [flowerchilde]
I did not care for either of the two but obama won because he is black and we all know it rather we are black, white, hispanic, purple, green or yellow. He got over 95% of all afican american votes? And over 50% of all white votes, so with those facts I think blacks can quit yelling racism now, we can cleary see by the votes who is racist. [Firefly99]
Obama is sure to help the people of America hes the kinnd of man all countries need to run their country id sya he will be a great success and decision to all [marym14]
I have mentioned, in other posts about this, that it is a great moment in history for the USA as far as race is concerned. I think that he will do his best to do a good job, but we all have to remember that no president rules alone. I think that it is definitely a new era for us. [nanajanet]
oh yes... i have read that obama had win the elections... i wish him all the best and hopefully he can do lots of good things to improve the conditions of your country... congratulations for your new elect president... take care and have a nice day... [lingli_78]
why should we - the democats never got behind Bush? [ElicBxn]
It was so energizing to see him in Grand Park and to hear his speech. His speech was well done.(Oprah complained to use portable toilets first time in her life, but she didn't want to miss anything going home) [polachicago]
I am excited to see him take office. This will be a new era for our country; it already is. For the first time, a person of color has been elected to the highest political position in this nation. [wilsongoddard]
I am very much skeptical, but we shall see. Actually I am far beyond a skeptic, but let's not go there. [zhuuraan]
Let the man do what he is planning to do for the country and let's not be too negative about his victory in the election of 2008... I personally don't like Obama because of his campaigns, but at least what we can do is just see what he does to manage to country for the next 4 years (or maybe another 4 years if he's re-elected in the election of 2012) The man is working for the change in America (well change in what?) and let's see how well he can handle the change in America... definitely this election has became one of the major turning point in the history of America.. the first 1/2 black&white man to become a president of United States... haha [animeniak]
Congratulations to the new US President, his speech was really great but he'll be under a lot of pressure, I just hope that he can deliver. Because of this new administration I just wonder how will it affect the Philippines. and to the American people Congraturlations :) [workinggurl]
I remember how I felt when Bush was given the presidency back in 2000 and I believe McCain supporters reserve the right to be as unhappy as I was.I hope they will see that Obama has their wellfair in mind too.In his speesch , he seemed to reach out to the Republicans. I hope they will join him. Looking back, more things got done when there was a Democrat as president and a Republican Congress. In other words bi partisanship.If we stay in the middle , it can work. [sarahruthbeth22]
man,i feel sorry for obama.he has the worst national debt to deal with than probably any president has ever had.that's one hard load on your shoulders. [scarlet_woman]
I am worried about what IS going to happen. Really really really worried. Honestly, if I thought that Obama had any chance of winning, I would not have okayed my husband going the Marine Corps. [sedel1027]
Obama does have a lot to do and he will be having a harder time then some. I fear for his life. I am sure he has more secret service than some. I have a friend who goes to a church who believe that Jesus is coming any day now. She preaches it to us every time she sees us. She feels it it her responsibility to tell the masses about Jesus and to be prepared that he is coming tomorrow or the next day. Her now thing now is she believes that Obama is the anti Christ that is written about in the book of Revelation. She believes that he is a muslin also. Now I do not believe it and I think she is way out there. I just listen to her and at times I have told her that I do not want to listen to her preaching. When she is prefect I will listen to her. I have not heard her personally talk about Obama or the "Whispering Campaign" against him. I pray for him and hope he can turn this county around. He sure is stepping into a mess. [teapotmommommerced]
I do agree with what you have written. No matter what is your political affiliation or whom you have voted for, a democracy entails that we pull the same rope to make a better environment for everybody. I hope that the new promised change will come over in the coming years.© ronaldinu 2008 [ronaldinu]
I agree with you. I won't even disclose who I was for but it regardless...who cares at this point...it is a done deal. Obama is the president and he will be running our country regardless of anyones feelings. The best thing to do is to pull together and help him succeed. I see so many hateful and angry and fearful posts here. It is those negative people that are going to hurt us more than Obama ever could. I would feel the same if McCain had won. Heck...I never ever liked Bush but when he won, I hoped and prayed that he did better than I thought he would...he did not but that is no reason to be hateful. The thing to do is to learn from the past and move forward and strive to do better. I , too, fear for Obama. There is an amazing amount of hatefulness out there. It is a new era...we can only pray that it all works out well. [sid556]