Obama supporters at a huge rally Tuesday night in Grant Park in Chicago. (Melanie Stetson Freeman/The Christian Science Monitor)
Obama victory signals new push for unity
Americans elect their first black president and deal a blow to an era of Republican ascendancy.
By Linda Feldmann | November 5, 2008 edition
Reporter Linda Feldmann talks with CSMonitor.com's Pat Murphy about the historic election of Sen. Barack Obama as the next president of the United States.
Washington
Riding a promise of hope and change, Barack Hussein Obama was elected the 44th president of the United States on Tuesday.
Senator Obama’s victory marks the first time American voters have elected a black man as their national leader.
It is a historic achievement greeted with cheers of celebration in urban neighborhoods that have had little to cheer about for years. More important, it is an achievement that may help unite the country and heal racial divisions as old as the republic itself.
“If there is anyone out there who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer,” Obama declared in his victory speech.
Moments earlier, Republican John McCain had conceded the election, reaching across the partisan divide. “I pledge to [Obama] tonight to do all in my power to help him lead us through the many challenges we face,” the Arizona senator said.
The election touched Americans of all hues, but perhaps none more so than African-Americans who had personally experienced a time when blacks had little opportunity for advancement.
“I prayed for the day,” said James Bronson, who was born nearly 88 years ago on the wrong side of Jim Crow South Carolina and never dreamed he would live to see a black president in the White House.
News of Obama’s success left Mr. Bronson almost speechless. “I am very much satisfied,” he said.
In broader terms, Obama’s election in all likelihood marks the end of a conservative era in Washington whose origins date back to the 1960s. In defeating Republican Sen. John McCain, the Democrat Obama will take office on Jan. 20 with expanded Democratic majorities in both the House and the Senate, and a demoralized Republican Party in retreat.
It’s too soon to say whether the rise of Obama also signals a wholly new approach to government, much the way Franklin Roosevelt’s election in 1932 gave rise to the New Deal. But with the nation in economic crisis and mired in two foreign wars, Obama has signaled swift action. Even before his election, he had been working with the congressional leadership on an economic-recovery package that includes an extension of unemployment benefits and spending on infrastructure. Obama has also promised to address Iraq on his first day in office. Healthcare reform remains central, but given the economic crisis it is unclear if Obama can push for that right away.
Historian Robert Dallek calls Obama’s election both a reaction to the nation’s economic woes and a repudiation of President Bush’s eight years in power.
“There is this passion for a shift,” Mr. Dallek says. “One party wears out its welcome. The conservative movement has been in the saddle for quite a while. Now there’s an impulse to shift ground.”
As elections go, he adds, this one could be compared to 1960, when John F. Kennedy overcame concerns about his faith and became the first Catholic president. The election of Franklin Roosevelt in 1932 also contains parallels to today, with a Democrat sweeping to power in the face of daunting economic challenges. Others raise the analogy of 1980, when Ronald Reagan rode his conservative movement to Washington, also promising hope and change.
Like Reagan’s campaign, Obama’s began as a movement – defeating the powerful political machine of Hillary Rodham Clinton on his way to the Democratic nomination – and managed to maintain that sense of youthful optimism all the way to Election Day. At age 47, Obama will be one of the youngest American presidents to take office; his young family provides another echo of Kennedy’s election.
Obama’s election also broke new ground in the mechanics of campaigning. His campaign used the Internet, e-mail, and social-networking sites as community-organizing tools more effectively than any campaign in history. On fundraising, Obama opted out of public financing – the first nominee to do so since the advent of the system in 1976 – and raised at least $600 million from more than 3 million donors, another feat that defied expectations.
But no aspect of Obama’s election is more compelling than his decisive toppling of the racial barrier to ultimate power in America. Ron Walters, director of the African American Leadership Center at the University of Maryland, sees Obama’s election as the culmination of a journey that began more than a century ago.
“You have to go back all the way to the 19th century, when Frederick Douglass’s name was put in nomination for the vice presidency of the United States by the Republican Party in 1882,” says Mr. Walters. “That’s when I start my analysis of the fact that presidential politics began to evolve in the strategy for African-Americans and [became] something to aspire to.”
Obama’s campaign was steeped in historical references. When he announced his candidacy in February 2007, he stood on the grounds of the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Ill., where Abraham Lincoln delivered his “House Divided” speech against slavery in 1858. A year and a half later, Obama accepted the Democratic nomination for president on the 45th anniversary of civil rights leader Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
And two days after that, historians noted the 100th anniversary of the birth of former President Lyndon Johnson. It was in 1964 that President Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act, signaling the end of racial segregation in America – and, ultimately, paving the way for Obama to run for president 44 years later.
“It’s a Johnson moment, too,” says Dallek.
Along the way to his election, the mixed-race Obama first had to convince African-American voters that he was “black enough,” then convince white, Latino, and all other hues of voters that he would represent all Americans, not just African-Americans. Obama’s post-racial pitch was reinforced by his own heritage, with a black African father and white American mother. His father left the family when he was two years old, leaving him to be raised by his mother and her parents. Obama’s grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, passed away on the eve of the election, giving his victory an added poignancy.
Obama’s childhood, spent mostly in Hawaii, included four years abroad in Indonesia, adding to his multicultural persona. As the new face of the United States, Obama represents a profound change to the rest of the world and the prospect of an improved American image. Throughout the campaign, Obama promised more emphasis on diplomacy and a willingness to talk to America’s enemies.
Across America itself, voters of all ideological stripes – including McCain voters – spoke with pride of the nation’s historic step.
“Every American ought to celebrate tonight,” said Karl Rove, President Bush’s political guru, on Fox News after Obama won.
But perhaps no group felt more pride than African-Americans.
“What I’m most excited about is how greatly he would affect the image of black people in America – a first family with a first lady who is extremely intelligent and fashion forward, with two kids, and a man who is all about everyone working together to make the United States a better place,” says Nakia White, an Oakland, Calif., resident who is black and who works at a Barnes & Noble bookstore.
“I don’t really know if the nation as a whole is changing, going liberal,” she continues. “I don’t think this proves that suddenly race relations are [fixed], all discrimination or prejudice is gone. I just think it means there was a black man who was able to touch across the color lines.”
What does it mean to Faith Kinyua, a Kenyan with a green card living in Oakland?
“To me, it’s that America is actually what I always dreamed it was. Color has no meaning and Obama has proved it. Can you slap me? If I’m dreaming, I do not want to wake up,” she says, moments after the networks called the race for Obama. “Do you know what this does for kids in Africa, whose parent died of AIDS? It’s not just black America, it’s blacks all over the world.”
Then she says: “Now they have to protect him,” meaning the Secret Service. Several people in the generally jubilant crowds in Oakland mentioned their worry that he will be assassinated.
Not all McCain voters were ready to embrace Obama’s election. Anna Marie Hulma, a white resident of Alameda, Calif., says she started out as a Hillary Clinton supporter and vowed not to support the Democrats if she was not the nominee. She rejects the notion that the election signals that the country has changed much.
“It seems to be a pendulum – it swings one way, people get tired with that, then people vote the other way,” she says. Obama, she adds, strikes her as more like “a white man’s image of a black man, rather than an actual representation of what I have seen of the black community.”
A. Raven, a white Berkeley mother of two, is relieved that Obama won. “It’s truly an inspirational moment for all Americans,” she said. “Barack Obama reflects the real America, he reflects my American family, and even just the idea of what you call him – he’s biracial. I have many members of my family who are biracial and that’s what they look like. He’s a true American.”
– Staff writer Ben Arnoldy contributed to this report from Oakland, Calif.
Comments
4. Patrick | 11.05.08
Now the work begins.
Obama’s Presidency is historic alright, but it could be great. What will determine that will be the level of coalition building that the administration engages in (i.e. courting the left, the center, and yes the right) AND the level of participation by the ordinary public.
As with any democracy, power flows from the people in our country so the blame for failures that occur must be partially shouldered by the electorate. This is true for those that will inevitably occur during the next administration’s tenure as it was during President Bush’s term. We must stay involved, we must listen to dissent, and we must always reach out to ALL Americans.
Let us all learn from the last eight years and move swiftly on into a prosperous and free future.
Patrick Gillespie - Registered Green, Obama voter, and unashamed Liberal
5. Mallo | 11.05.08
Unity? Seriously? I’ve never seen something divide the races more than this election.
I think you should have to pass a test (written or oral, so as to not discriminate against those illiterates in any races) in order to vote. Those who voted based on race - didn’t deserve to cast their ballot.
6. Lilith | 11.05.08
I am inspired by America today and looking forward to working for a better tomorrow (using Obama vision and plan). Let’s go! And Thank you for voting!
7. Eileen | 11.05.08
American redeemed herself yesterday - showed the world we Americans can recognize our mistakes and work to correct our course.
I could not be more proud of my country than I am today.
8. rita guthrie | 11.05.08
He is NOT black! He is ‘mixed race’ I find it interesting that those who are all black are not at all supportive of mixed race black people when that person is not in total agreement with them. I think they even call them a very disrespectful name! Kind of smacks at racism to me! BUT in Obama’s case….do African Americans see a ‘free everything in the future for themselves and now all ( African Americans) embrace him as their own? and are incorrectly calling him the first black President? He is NOT black…He is the first mixed-race President..
and Obama-nation is ahead, I fear, as the ‘gimme-gimme more’ sweeps our country. I figure to lose my life savings as a senior citizen ad the Democrats take it away.
9. Jeremy Keith Hammond | 11.05.08
Patrick said it well. We should celebrate the historical achievements of last night: The highest voter turnout in history; the election of a black man with a multicultural heritage; the thwarting of a social conservative movement that threatened democracy; a victory for grass roots movements; and the OPPORTUNITY for change.
We have not won CHANGE itself. It is not within Obama’s power to put our country on a track for betterment. THAT is the power of the PEOPLE. We have elected the candidate who will listen to and support ALL of the people of the United States AND consider the welfare of the rest of the world which holds such a large stake in the progress of our country.
There is momentum. There is a force that has risen in our country that hasn’t existed since WWII but it is a small spark that needs kindling and a soft breeze. We’ve elected a man who can nourish a progressive movement but it is up to YOU - the American citizen to harness that momentum - stay on track and make the change in the world. Only YOU can make a better society.
As Gandhi said: Be the change you wish to see in the world.
10. disagreement | 11.05.08
“Barack Obama reflects the real America, he reflects my American family, and even just the idea of what you call him – he’s biracial. I have many members of my family who are biracial and that’s what they look like. He’s a true American.”
Good Gracious, you’re celebrating the demonstration of a new level of acceptance amongst various people, by saying that he’s a reflection of American people by virtue of the fact that he looks like them! Wow, the irony is sickening.
11. Stephanie | 11.05.08
I am a proud American citizen today. The best person has prevailed. God Bless AMERICA!
13. Gary | 11.05.08
Barack Obama won because he is black. He would not have been the Democratic nominee without those landslide primary victories in which he got 95 percent of the black vote in states where the black vote was about 50 percent of the Democratic electorate. I suspect that black turnout and black cohesiveness flipped several of the battleground states. Had white America voted for McCain in such disproportionate numbers we all would have been (rightly) scandalized.
14. James | 11.05.08
it ashames me the way people vote in this country. No one has any morals and now we are an Obamination in God’s eyes. Obama has every anti God Biblical view there could be. I’m terrified to see what the moral state of this country goes over the next few years. God forgive us.
15. oc4life | 11.05.08
Historic it may be, but all these are the wrong reasons to elect a president.
“those that do not know their history are doomed to repeat it”. This election, to me and few others, has not been about race, it has been about ideology.
The United States is not the ‘envy of the world’ because it is just like the rest of the world. The United States is not the superpower of world, because it is just like the European countries that we gained our independence from.
Tonight, America voted for change, but change can go in two directions - progress or regress. What America has chosen today is regress instead of progress. Today, the voters have decided to follow instead of lead, to imitate Europe and its ideology rather than remain the envy of the world.
Time will be the judge of their choice, but if campaign rhetoric and the little known history of a candidate is of any indication, we are choosing the wrong change!
16. Dr Bloodaxe | 11.05.08
‘A White man’s image of a black man’?
He’s a human being, who happens to have a bit more pigment to his skin than Ms. Hulma.
White community, black community… We’re the human community. It’s past time to break free from the stereotypes, folks. We’ve got a whole heck of a lot of problems to solve, and we can’t waste time bickering or demonizing. President Obama isn’t going to be a ‘Democratic’ president. He’s going to be an American president, to guide and lead ALL of us, not just ‘the liberals’ or ‘the blue states’. It’s going to take hard work from EVERY American to set us back on a path our ancestors first strode over 200 years ago. Roll up your sleeves. The real work hasn’t even begun yet.
17. Michael | 11.05.08
It should not matter what color a person is we are all human beings but what is disturbing is black voters voted for Obama because he is black not based on if or if not he was the best person for the job. This election was driven br race nothing more and in the end its yet another sad day for this country it only shows Americans are still racist no matter if your black or white! Untill the day people support each other without looking at color the world will never change.
18. Gus | 11.05.08
Yes, remember, this guy can’t make the same mistake Bush did: he’s not president of the Democrats and master of unwilling Republicans. He’s our nation’s president - that goes for the deep blue of the northeast and the deep red of the south. Dems can’t govern as the Republicans did unless they want to loose it all in two years. Also, while this was an electorate landslide, Obama only won 52% of the popular vote. A great president doesn’t alienate 48% of the voting public; he inspires us all to compromise which is the most saintly thing a politician can do in this country.
That being said - I am elated this man is my president, and I can’t wait for January.
19. Guy Thompto | 11.05.08
After each George W. Bush election, no one in the media declared that it was time for the parties to work together. Now that the media has their man on the saddle, the conservatives should get a backbone and become the loyal opposition. No to the Fairness Doctrine. No to redistribution of wealth through taxation. No to the Kyoto treaty. True conservatives would not support any of these changes. Just as Bush was blocked through threatened filibusters, so too should Obama be blocked from these horrendous changes. Stand up, face the onrushing crowd and Just Say No.
20. Bob Snyder | 11.05.08
Viva Obama/Biden.!
Now, we can work on our nations many problems & challenges.
Unlike during the previous 8 years when much of the nation’s energy and focus went into expensive, unnecessary and undeclared wars and lecturing other nations on why they should follow the US model (which had looked pretty weak), rather than working WITH other nations/peoples to solve global problems.
21. Bob Snyder | 11.05.08
Viva Obama/Biden.!
Now, we can work on our nations many problems & challenges.
Unlike during the previous 8 years when much of the nation’s energy and focus went into expensive, unnecessary and undeclared wars and lecturing other nations on why they should follow the US model (which had looked pretty weak), rather than working WITH other nations/peoples to solve global problems.
22. Tyler | 11.05.08
I’m not an Obama supporter, but I will not be an Obama basher. He has a big job ahead of him with serious domestic and foreign policy issues to be resolved. I believe his biggest challenge will come from within his own party. Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi will want their way. New moderate and so called “blue dog” democrats in the House will oppose his more left leaning policies. Hillary and other “woulda, coulda, shoulda” members of Congress will resent his rise to power without “having paid his dues.”
I will support Obama when I think he’s right and hope that the Republicans in Congress will oppose him vigorously when he’s wrong, but in the end, his ability to lead will be based on his ability to rally the factions within his own party. I think I’d rather heard cats.
23. Concern | 11.05.08
One minus point left, American democracy has not shown that a woman is electable as a president.
24. Wisconsinite | 11.05.08
“As with any democracy, power flows from the people in our country so the blame for failures that occur must be partially shouldered by the electorate. This is true for those that will inevitably occur during the next administration’s tenure as it was during President Bush’s term. We must stay involved, we must listen to dissent, and we must always reach out to ALL Americans.” True enough, Patrick.
The new administration has to dethrone the pernicious rich who have unduly influenced this last administration especially. The rich should pay their fair share of taxes. The rich should not be allowed to trash the environment and, in general, make life miserable for everyone else.
When the new administration hits DC they will, no doubt, immediately be inundated with big-money interests who want “business as usual” as they had under the GOP. But Big Oil needs to go as well as the lobbyists who advocate causes that are contrary to the health and lives of average citizens.
If the Wall street bailout did not underscore this enough, we need intelligent regulation of all of the nation’s important industries and utilities, as well as, serious enforcement for the good laws that are already on the books.
Many people voted for the Dems out of a fear of the rich who have now threatened the average person’s very ability to survive. Unprecedented numbers of formerly middle-class people have lost their jobs, their homes and cannot even afford the increased cost of basics for their families such as food and fuel. As a former Chicagoan, I assure you that anyone who was raised on the South Side of Chicago (like Michelle Obama) knows these middle and working class people.
So, let’s hope the people that we are sending to the White House do not forget us in the deluge of money, glamour and special interests once they get there.
25. Joe | 11.05.08
How sad that Americans would rejoice in the the election of a candidate on the basis of his skin color. This has set America back 40 years to the awful race riots of the 60’s. It’s a tribute to the American system of government that any American can run for office and be elected to lead our country.
Why not measure a candidate by his or her character and those they claim as close associates. That is the true picture of who they are and what they think.
We have lost our moral footing and are deviating from the basis upon which America was founded. Rev. Wright may very well get his wish that God “damn” America.
26. joe blow | 11.05.08
i am very proud that our nation was able to mobilize to choose the better candidate. mr. obama has consistently demonstrated his forward thinking, his coolness and positivity. this man has brought hope to more souls on this planet than any other in decades.
possibly, race relations will begin to develop positively.
possibly, economic forces will begin to develop positively.
possibly, civil and human rights will begin to develop positively.
will they? no one can know. but for the first time in a long time WE HAVE HOPE.
thank you, (52% of) America, thank you mr. obama.
27. Simon Legree | 11.05.08
Obama will never be able to live up his promises. He just said what weak minded people wanted to hear to get their votes. He and his “First Time I was Proud of MY Country” wife are laughing all the way to the White House.
28. Ian from Ohio | 11.05.08
You are all sheep. Mindless, fatted sheep. Blind to the fact that the bottom fell out of this country after the Democrats took over the House in 2006. Now you’ve elected an inexperienced nothing of a man with a bag full of empty promises and charisma on his lapel. **** line his flock and lead it into the darkest hours it will ever see. Shame on you.
I’ve read my share of these messages regarding how proud we should be to see the first black president, and it makes me ill to think that COLOR was more important than the ability to govern. For the last 6 months, I have heard accusations for supporting a candidate that actually understands politics. Who’s racist now? Shame on you.
Goodbye democracy. 232 years. Not a bad run. Hello socialism. Hello communism. Argentina, Russia, Cuba, got any tips.
Shame on you all.
29. galaxy48 | 11.07.08
There is a definite shift in consciousness with the election of Barack Obama- who in his person, represents the fusion of people who have traditionally been at loggerheads and separated by bigotry. Let us celebrate this and leave the critical, partisan, school yard quibbling behind. The future is now!
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1. Bill Fleming | 11.05.08
Hip Hip hoary!!!! At last the American people have voted from the heart and now they can start to repair the damage caused by Bush over the past eight years. I only hope when our time comes to vote in a few years from now that we will have the same courage and vote in change that will help to heal a broken world.