A Historic Moment – Barack Obama Elected U.S. President

It is a monent that has redefined American history.

For the first time, the White House will be occupied by an African-American.

Barack Hussein Obama II was elected in a landslide on November 7, shrugging off scandals involving his personal associations and lack of experience to become President of the United States.

Obama campaigned on the one big issue of 2008 – change. He pledged to end the war in Iraq, cut taxes for the middle class, and restore the economy and rebuild the nation’s infrastructure.

But more importantly, he stands as a testament to a new kind of politics. Whereas McCain campaigned on an agenda of fear and apprehension, Obama campaigned on the heartfelt optimism and belief that America could be restored to her former greatness. And, whereas McCain campaigned on inexperience, his opponent showed candor and grace under fire.

Said Obama, “If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

“It’s the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen, by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different, that their voices could be that difference.

“It’s the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled. Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of red states and blue states.

“We are, and always will be, the United States of America.

“It’s the answer that led 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.”

Obama also saluted McCain for his service to America, and thanked his family and campaign staff for their support. He also told his daughters that they had earned the new puppy that was coming to the White House with them.

He also called on the American people to realize that the government could not do everything for them. He said that the economy would take time to fix. That it would take a while to restore the confidence of the world in America. That it would take a parent turning off a video game and making sure their kids did their homework.

He also saluted the voters for their faith in standing in long lines and voting their conscience.