People lined up to vote at a polling station on election day in Washington. (Joshua Roberts/Reuters)
Obama’s turnout historical in numbers, diversity
The estimated 136 million Americans who voted are part of a radical transformation of American politics – and not just in terms of ideology and party identification.
By Alexandra Marks | Staff writer/ November 5, 2008 edition
Reporter Alexandra Marks breaks down some of the voting statistics from across the US in Tuesday's presidential election.
New York
The turn-out was record high. The voters: a rich palate of American diversity – women, blacks, Hispanics, whites – young people and old.
They made history – redrawing the nation’s electoral map, turning red states blue, and confounding the cynics as they elected the nation’s first African-American President.
An estimated 136 million Americans – as many as 66 percent, the most since 1908 – pulled a lever, touched a screen, or filled in ballot. They are part of a radical transformation of American politics – not just in terms of ideology and party identification. It goes much further than that.
President-elect Barack Obama, harnessing the lightening speed of digital technology, tapped a new generation of young people, inspiring them to work, knock on doors, make phone calls, convince their parents, friends, neighbors, and grandparents that there was something in America still worth fighting for.
Early analyses of the electorate show the percentage of the voting population that was young – 18 to 24 – increased only a percentage or two from past elections to 18 percent. But in terms of actual numbers who turned up at the polls, their percentage increase is expected to far outpace that of other demographic groups. And their support for the Illinois senator is considered pivotal. The “under 30’s” voted for Obama 66 percent to 32 percent for his rival John McCain.
“That could well make them the deciding factor in this election,” says Ian Rowe, MTV’s vice president of strategic partnerships. “We’re entering a new era – not only in terms of voting, we’re entering a new millennial presidency – it’s not only that young people turned out in big numbers, but also the way in which they were engaged in the process. There’s a whole new level of transparency and access that Obama as president will utilize to much more engage young people.”
That was evident in the way Obama reacted to his win. He chose first to send an email to supporters thanking them, before heading out to speak in the glare of television klieg lights to the throngs of tens of thousands of cheering - some tearing-up - supporters at Grant Park on Tuesday night.
“I want to be very clear about one thing…” he wrote, in an understated way. “All of this happened because of you. Thank you, Barack.”
Across the board, the economy was the main thing on voters’ minds, whether they were young, African-American or Hispanic, or suburban whites. Six in ten voters said the pocket book issues, including health care, were top on their agendas. That helped Obama cement victory with key independent voters, which he won by a comfortable margin, according to exit polls. It also helped him win suburban voters, who for the last decade had been trending Republican. The majority of women also pulled the lever for the Illinois senator, as did 96 percent of African-Americans and two-thirds of Hispanic voters.
John McCain won among older votes and whites overall, who make up about three-quarters of the electorate. But he only managed to eke out a majority there, not even close to the 17 point margin George W. Bush had in 2004 against Senator John Kerry. McCain also lost the “new voter” category, only one in five of whom identified themselves as Republicans.
About two-thirds of the new voters were under 30, twenty percent were black and another twenty percent were Hispanic. They went overwhelming for Obama. That also helped the Democrats win comfortable margins in the Congress, although they appear to have fallen short of winning the 60 votes needed in the Senate to prevent Republican filibusters.
Analysts contend that gives the Democrats the opportunity to usher in a new era, but they stress it’s only an opportunity.
“Democrats certainly have an opportunity for long-term change because they’ve mobilized young voters, they’ve won the Latino vote, which will grow over time, and they’re doing well in the suburbs where Republicans used to beat them,” says Darrell West, director of governance studies at the Brookings Institution. “But in the long run, their success depends on their performance.”
The broad base that supported Obama has very high expectations, especially among the young.
Pollster John Zogby calls them the “globals,” the latest demographic group that’s taken the political reigns from the baby boomers and the Gen-Xers.
“Obama is the first global [president,] he’s one of them. He looks like their friends, he looks like their future – they have a planetary sensibility that they see in him and, wow, did they turn out to vote,” says Mr. Zogby. “These are Obama’s people…but the question now is: Are they the Democrats’ people? They’re clearly not the Republicans’ people, but the question is can the Democrats hold on to them? There are going to be a lot of high expectations.”
Indeed, Obama used his speech last night to begin playing down those expectations, repeatedly talking about the challenges ahead. And as he made clear in his email to supporters that he does not intend to meet those challenges alone, isolated with advisors in the White House.
“We have a lot of work to do to get our country back on track,” he wrote. “And I’ll be in touch soon about what comes next.”
That could determine whether Obama’s historic victory also ushers in a new era the way Franklin Roosevelt did with the New Deal almost 80 years ago.
“Obama and the Democrats will now get a chance to govern and we’ll see how well they govern, and that’s going to determine it,” says Larry Sabato, a political analyst at the University of Virginia.
Comments
2. Robert | 11.05.08
The press decided this election. It is obvious that the 4th Estate is now the Fifth Column of the DNC.
3. Alexandra | 11.05.08
The New Deal was a raw deal.
The change this country REALLY needs is someone who would uphold the Constitution. That means criminalizing abortion, repealing all laws restricting guns, ditching the IRS and the Federal Reserve, and repealing the “Patriot” Act for starters. Oh, and restoring habeas corpus and Posse Comitatus.
Last thing we need is people depending on Big Brother Government to give them freebies.
4. ThePhotogsBlog | 11.05.08
Congratulations to Senator Obama. Do your best to bring Americans together and put the past behind. Always look forward, and listen to everyone.
5. edge | 11.05.08
Where did those numbers come from?
Right now GOOGLE News shows:
McCain (R) 46% 55,542,743
Obama (D) 52% 62,680,702
and the 2004 Bush Kerry totals were HIGHER:
BUSH 62,040,610
KERRY 59,028,444
edge.
6. MTS | 11.05.08
Now and as so rightly deserved.. African Americans have taken position in all fields of work, careers, government, education, business, sports, entertainment, military, politics and positions of power. In fact, the most powerful and influential jobs in the world are held by African Americans. Is there still an argument for the need to continue affirmative action? Has it finally served it’s purpose?
7. John | 11.05.08
I think that many voters saw in Obama a man of now, a man for the future,meanwhile Sen. McCain represents a man of the past. Not just in terms of age but in thinking, the “battles” that McCain spoke about in his campaign were the old battles ,between “good and Evil” etc. Abortion,Socialists,Terrorists etc, fear basically. Obama on the other hand campaigned on moving us forward,resolving current problems and facing future issues.It’s a given that any President will be tough on terrorists,will protect our interests and safety,campaigning on those issues is short sighted and “small” if you will,it cost McCain.I believe that made a huge difference when it came time to vote.
8. Robyn | 11.05.08
Congrats to the American people who voted…who believed that one voice can make a difference…
President-elect Obama’s message from the beginning was to drive out the cynicism that had been choking America. I hope America has turned the corner on the partisan bickering and hate mongering between parties.
He instilled hope in those of us who felt down-trodden and without hope for a better nation to leave our children and our children’s children.
If we, as a nation, don’t support him, it won’t matter if we elected Rumplestilskin…it would be more of the same. Neither he nor John McCain could make any changes if the American people don’t change.
We have to quit listening to partisan pundits who deride, divide, and separate us. We have to stop being so lazy and learn to listen and think for ourselves…
We have to keep participating and believe that only through sacrifice can we acheive the greatness we once had…We can become the next “Greatest Generation”.
9. GABRIEL O.E | 11.05.08
It is a wonderful thing that aa Afrian-Amerian man can win a global post like this. That tells us that the Americans are for the best, they are for somebody who can offer them something not minding his origin, not just any man,not just race. Am glad for this just victory.
10. Henry Landis | 11.05.08
Yesterday’s choice of Barack Obama signalled America’s Bar Mitzvah….its Coming of Age. Those of us who were witness to it will be remembered by our descendants for this, if for nothing else. Our nation now, once again, stands as the example and shining beacon that tugged the heart strings of untold millions and drew them to the only place where they knew they could realize their dream of freedom and equality among their neighbors. We all stand taller….and none too soon.
11. Elyse_D | 11.05.08
“An estimated 136 million Americans – as many as 66 percent, the most since 1908.” Since women did not have the right to vote in 1908 does this mean that this IS the highest percentage of the population of the U.S. to take part in the election? I am assuming the 1908 figure only includes those who had the right to vote in 1908. Did 66% of the entire population vote in 1908? I’m guessing not, since only about half the population had the right to do so, and many black men, who were given the right to vote with the 15th amendment were prevented from being able to do so in many areas.
12. Andy | 11.05.08
“The voters: a rich palate of American diversity – women, blacks, Hispanics, whites – young people and old.”
Is there a reason to so conspicuously leave out men?
13. Kaedence E | 11.05.08
I have always been glad to be an American. Today, I am proud to be an American. It’s nice to finally begin practicing what we’ve preached all along. I believe we can change for the better. I know it will be a long road, but I have faith (for the first time) that it’s the road we’re on. -That is a beautiful feeling.
14. Anon | 11.05.08
I am not sure who wrote the following, but it is so pertinent at the moment.
——————
Republicans sometimes like to mix politics and religion. But for Democrats politics is religion. The reason Republican speeches are generally much less memorable, much less inspiring is that they don’t promise us the dawn of a new millennium. They might praise America and invoke patriotism, but mostly they are about workaday politics. If anyone doubts that the Democratic Party is the true party of religion in the United States, let them doubt no longer. Democrats may not talk about God as much as Republicans, and a lot of Democrats might be die-hard secularists, but their politics is so invested with the hope of a ‘completely transformed world’ in which all problems and all divisions are overcome that, for them, politics is a form of religion. If Obama himself was to appear in resplendent white robes with the ‘The Age of Aquarius’ playing in the background, no one would be surprised. If he was suddenly to be transfigured, if he appeared in a vision with those earlier prophets, Martin Luther King and John F Kennedy, his followers would think it the most natural thing in the world and they would erect a tent for them just like in the Bible. It is this lack of a sense of proportion that makes some of Barack’s speeches so completely overblown. His impressive baritone voice, his skill with words, and the way he can deliver those words in the rhythmic, hypnotic tones of the best black preachers help disguise the fact that he is a man suffering from a very severe case of Messiah-complex.
Only such a man could say, on the day he knew he had secured the Democratic nomination, that “this was the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal”.
Barack needs to realise that politics is just politics. It’s not religion. We’re not at the dawn of a New Age. We’re not about to evolve to a new and higher level of consciousness.
15. Joan | 11.05.08
“These are Obama’s people…but the question now is: Are they the Democrats’ people? They’re clearly not the Republicans’ people, but the question is can the Democrats hold on to them? There are going to be a lot of high expectations.”
Obama’s people are Americans. Not Democrat, not Republican. They are the first wave from a population sick of divisive and hateful politics. The Republican party has raised the shameful spectre of McCarthy-era politics. You are either for us or against us. The slander, the lies, the accusations we don’t need. In America you can disagree, but still be a patriot, and still be an Aemrican. That is what it is all about.
I am very happy to see a younger generation that decided to take back their birthright.
16. Purl Gurl | 11.05.08
Yesterday, we elect Obama. Today, our stock markets are crashing.
Okpulot Taha
Choctaw Nation
17. basementfrog | 11.05.08
Well, what a day, what a night.
Yea, Obama.
As an active participant in the 1960s, this is the first time I have felt pride do to my citizenship, and I’m an Irish-American…white.
What a day. Finally, after 27 years of darkness, the American people have risen up and taken their country away from the selfish, greedy, hate-filled interests that have ruined our country.
Now its Obama’s job, by a very popular demand, to correct the misguided policies that have led us astray for a quarter century.
May God guide him in his effort. After 27 years of Godless leaders (the last real Christian was Jimmy Carter), we have a Christian leader who has actually worked with the poor and comes from humble roots himself.
Thank God.
Now tomorrow lets start making him live up to the promises and not fall back on our hind legs in our usual stoop.
Onward and, finally, upward.
18. John Quimby | 11.05.08
John Zogby said:
“Obama is the first global [president,] he’s one of them. He looks like their friends, he looks like their future – they have a planetary sensibility that they see in him and, wow, did they turn out to vote,” says Mr. Zogby. “These are Obama’s people…but the question now is: Are they the Democrats’ people? They’re clearly not the Republicans’ people, but the question is can the Democrats hold on to them? There are going to be a lot of high expectations.”
Wrong point. Howard Dean found them and brought them to the dance.
As head of the DNC he held the Party Establishment responsible for running losing campaigns and risking everything on “must win” states. The people who built the campaign for Governor Dean in 2004 laid the foundation for Barack Obama.
19. lori Mcneil | 11.05.08
I am geatly moved about Obama’s win. I cried and still my spirit is weeping I know that this is not about black and white it’s let the best man get the job. However i believe that this was a devine appoinment for such a time as now. Obama had a vision like the rest of us. My kids can dream the sky is the limit and there is NOTHING they cannot do. He is Hope for the Black and a bidge for the whites. For the first time in 42 years I have never felt or say that I love and proud, to be a American. It is a start to my recovery of healing. This is beyond my wildest dreams. Only through God Blessed America that we was living to witness. Love for everyone Lori McNeil. 717-877-4349.
20. Charles Sequeira | 11.05.08
Sorry I have no website. But I am compelled to state, how excellent your coverage of the news in general is, and of the 2008 election has been.
Clarity, integrity, and the absence of sensatonalism, and remarkable professional journalism!
Thanks for this great public service
Charles Sequeira
Edmonton, Alberta Canada
21. Lynda Puett | 11.05.08
We are extremely fortunate to have Barak Obama. He is truly a leader and a visionary. We as a people should do whatever possible to make his job easier. His position now has to be more overwhelming than any time in history. I thank God for his victory.
22. Dottie Collins | 11.05.08
Half of this country is outraged about the outcome of this election. I cannot believe Americans could vote for someone who has the support of George Soros and Moveon.org not to mention his association with Aeyers and his minister. I am afraid this will be the downfall of America.
24. nana t | 11.05.08
It’s true many of us were inspired and we are not all Democrats. Some of us are women and seniors at that, but we are centrists and that’s what we are looking for. Someone who cares about all Americans, regardless of creed. economic, education level or color. Someone who will guide us with inspiration and give us the tools to go to work with our new fishing poles and build a great society of caring Americans again!
I have hope again and I have confidence in President-elect Obama.
We have voted, we have spoken and now we are ready to go to work for our safety and our grandchildren.
25. Jeff | 11.05.08
I like how Obama has all these great plans to get himself elected and then emphasizes “it’s going to be hard” just in case he can’t do anything about it. I heard an Analyst say “now that Obama is president elect we can find out what he’s really about”. That statement truly scares me. We should
96% of the African American voters and 2/3 of the Hispanic vote tells me they really understand what he stands for…. wait…no it says they don’t care at all what he stands for, only that there is a minority in office. Choosing a president based on appearance is probably the most irresponsible decisions I’ve ever heard of.
John Zogby makes my point. “Obama is the first global [president,] he’s one of them. He looks like their friends, he looks like their future – they have a planetary sensibility that they see in him and, wow, did they turn out to vote,”
People voted for him because he “looks like their friends” and he “looks like their future”.
It sounds like a vast majority of voters voted based on emotion(looks) instead of rationality(issues).
I saw a number of interviews where the voter said he or she voted for Obama because he is black. Why is it that an African American can say he/she voted for someone because he is black and that is called “change”…but if a white man/women says he voted for McCain because he is not black it is called “racism”?
Now that Obama is my next president I will support him and the decision he will make that affect my future but I think it was irresponsible how this decision came to pass.
26. Mary | 11.05.08
Today my daughter received an email from one of her clients in France. Subject: OBAMA Message: YES
Signature: Thanks, Michel Those with whom she shared it have been elated. Enjoy!
27. Proud American | 11.06.08
I’m so happy I will be able to call Barack Obama my next president. He inspired so many people to go out and vote in record numbers. It was amazing to see so much people waiting in long lines just to go and vote. It’s great to see that Americans still believe in this country and care enough to go out and vote and have their voices heard. I’m 21 years old and I’m glad I voted for Barack Obama. His race did not matter to me. I voted for him because I felt like he was the right man I can trust with the future of this country. He wants to help all Americans and not just the rich few. I know many voters are holding high expectations for him, but I’m realistic and I know that he won’t be able to do everything he promised right away because of the economic situation that we are in at the moment. He is no miracle worker but he is a man who will do the best he can to help this country overcome the hardships we are facing. I believe in Barack Obama. Thank you to all of those who voted for the right man to lead the country in the next four years. GO OBAMA!!
28. arash | 11.07.08
i am happy that we will actually have a president with the guts to speak to enemy countries to prove to them why we are right and they are wrong.
that way, the next time we (god forbid) go to war, we will have more support and not let china and the EU (ew) take advantage while we suffer.
and those worried about the affiliation with ayers, REMEMBER that Papa Bush and son had (or perhaps still have) ties with the Hussein and Bin Laden families…go figure
29. Joan | 11.07.08
@22 said “Half of this country is outraged about the outcome of this election.”
Half of this country was outraged at the outcome of 2000 and 2004. You just happend to be getting your turn to be the outraged half. We did it your way for 8 years, and we have suffered the consequences. By the way, more than half the country voted for Obama, not since Reagan have we seen such a large majority of votes go to one candidate.
“I saw a number of interviews where the voter said he or she voted for Obama because he is black. Why is it that an African American can say he/she voted for someone because he is black and that is called “change”…but if a white man/women says he voted for McCain because he is not black it is called “racism”?”
And I saw nasty signs saying “vote right, vote white”. We can all cherry pick incidents to make our case. We are a diverse country, and we have diferent reasons for how we act. In the end the result is Obama won a large majority, more than anyone for a long time. So, quit assuming that blacks or hispanics voted for Obama’s skin color and maybe they will return the courtesy and not say you are a racist for not supporting Obama. It takes two to make peace,you can decide to make peace with the future or continue to struggle to hang on to the past.
The entire world is awe struck at the results of this election. For me, Obama was simply the most intelligent, most visionary and most promising candidate I have seen for a long time. We were on the wrong path, the vast majority of the country agrees.
Seeing Europeans in the street waving American flags is incredible. How can anyone not be moved by hearing people in China, Japan rejoicing to see America fulfill the promise of once again showing the world how it should be.
30. Judy Bassnett | 11.13.08
I just now, November 13, read an excerpt from this article on the Barack Obama website, and I feel compelled to respond. I was a volunteer team leader for the Obama Campaign for Change here in rural Missouri - the Ozarks. We had hundreds of volunteers here in Camden County and they were not young people (though we had a few)…we were primarily women 50 years and older! Our canvass addresses were miles apart and so we never walked a neighborhood but drove hundreds of miles. We drove rural roads, gravel and dirt, and up and down coves and hollows We were Republicans, Democrats and Independents. We never stopped - driven by the character, vision and spirit of now Pres.-elect Obama. We remain a team and will serve our community. His inspiration continues: bipartisan we reach out to our neighbors.
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1. melissa | 11.05.08
go obama!!!!