Is it Transformational?
EmailThe key question of the 2008 presidential election is whether it represents just a change in administration – or a change in our politics. Is it a reactive election like 1992, or a transformational one like the New Deal, the Great Society and the Reagan Revolution?
Time will tell. But the possibility is there.
There are three reasons this election may represent more than simply a one-time protest against an unpopular incumbent and a poor economy. One is the youth vote; another, the possibility of partisan realignment; and the third, the role of race. Each is worth a look.
Young voters, age 18 to 29, did not turn out in disproportionate numbers; they accounted for 18 percent of voters, compared with 17 percent the past three elections. But their vote was astonishingly lopsided, 66-32 percent for Barack Obama over John McCain – a 34-point gap. The previous biggest margins among young voters were 19 points for Bill Clinton in 1996 and 19 points for Ronald Reagan in 1984. John Kerry, counting on a boost from young voters in 2004, won them by just 9 points. Al Gore essentially split them evenly with George W. Bush in 2000.
First-time voters – two-thirds of them under age 30 – voted similarly this year, 69-30 percent for Obama, again far surpassing Clinton’s 20-point margin among first-timers in 1996, Al Gore’s tepid 9 points in 2000, Kerry’s 7 points four years ago.
We know that voting is habit forming; its best predictor is having voted previously. The question here is whether the Democratic preference of young and first-time voters in 2008 carries on in their age cohort. If so it could have long-lived implications.
Next is partisanship. Reagan forged a fundamental shift in political party allegiance in this country, one that lasted a generation – until Obama upended it yesterday. As reported in our full exit poll analysis, In the 1980 election Democrats outnumbered Republicans by 15 percentage points, 45-30 percent. Reagan won his “Reagan Democrats,” and four years later they’d become Republicans; the Democrats’ advantage in 1984 contracted to a mere 2 points, 38-36 percent. And there it roughly stayed: 3 points in 1988 and 1992, 4 points in 1996 and 2000 and then pure parity in 2004, when 37 percent of voters were Democrats, 37 percent Republicans.
This year, the shift: Democrats accounted for 39 percent of voters in this election; Republicans, 32 percent – their lowest turnout in 28 years. If it’s a one-off, it means little. If it endures, like the Reagan transformation, it would mean much.
Finally there’s race. The country is changing: In 1976, 90 percent of voters were white. That has declined in every presidential election since, to the point where this year white voters slipped under a quarter of the electorate, 74 percent. That’s one reason Obama could lose whites by 12 percentage points yet still win the election.
Obama does not appear to have lost whites chiefly because of his race; after all, Kerry lost them by 17 points, Gore by 12, Mike Dukakis by 19, Walter Mondale by 29, Jimmy Carter, in 1980, by 20. But it’s true, too, that previous Democratic winners did better with whites – Carter lost them by 5 points in 1976, Clinton by 1 in his first election and by 3 in his second. Given the stiff headwinds for the Republican Party this year, it’s fair to wonder why Obama didn’t do better with whites.
Affinity voting may be part of it – the notion that some voters, perhaps less rooted in ideology, may be inclined to support the candidate who seems to have the most in common with their own experience. Greek-Americans for Dukakis. Blacks for Obama. Some whites, yes, for McCain. And certainly, yes, racism may be a part as well.
Regardless, with whites at 74 percent of voters and shrinking, purely race-based voting by whites matters less. And those whites who voted against Obama out of racial discomfort now have four years to think about it. The fascinating question – the one that will answer whether we're seeing a transformation – is what they, like the young, first-time and partisan voters of 2008, do in 2012.
Sen. DeMint: GOP Race Could Go Until Convention 
Obama Avoids Questions on Contraception Rule
Reactive, and the Dow closes down at almost 500 points! :(
Posted by: aware2u | November 5, 2008, 4:31 pm 4:31 pm
TRANSFORMATIONAL.
The American people collectively and DECISIVELY REPUDIATED the politics of division and fear that have been promulgated by the extreme right-wing for the last 20 years.
GOD BLESS OUR PRESIDENT BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA!!!
GOD BLESS THE AMERICAN PEOPLE!!!
GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!
Posted by: Ed from MA | November 5, 2008, 4:53 pm 4:53 pm
As I was watching Obama’s acceptance speech I looked at the crowd and thought about the amount of diversity I saw. You had young and old, blacks, whites and asians etc. It wasn’t one particular group but a snaphot of what America is really made up of.
I am glad that we have broken that barrier of race in this country by electing a biracial candidate. I had tears in my eyes when they announced that he had one.
I wasn’t a big fan of his in the primaries, but he has shown that he has the determination to do what is best for this country to get us back on track.
Posted by: Jwench | November 5, 2008, 4:53 pm 4:53 pm
If Obama moves slightly to the right of center for the good of the country and his supporters stay with him, we might just have a chance at getting our country back on track. I’m hopeful. Please, Obama supporters, keep supporting him as he does what needs to be done even if it seems to go against what he promised in his campaign. This is what Joe Biden was referring to – decisions he will have to make that seem to be wrong, but are actually “right”.
Posted by: Kitty | November 5, 2008, 4:55 pm 4:55 pm
I did not vote for Obama and I do not think he has the knowledge and experience to deal with our issues.
Having said that, I do feel sorry for him for the position he is assuming. The people who voted for him and support him are living in some sort of dream where they believe once he takes that oath, all of our problems will be solved. The Federal government simply does not have the power to get us out of this mess. It will take years, and Obama said yesterday it may take the entire four years just to straighten things out. There are people posting on these websites who already have that tax cut spent and who think they will have free health care come the end of January. With a deficit in the trillions, there is no way he can cut taxes, and he backed away from unniversal health care for everyone but children a couple of months ago. And even with just that, there is no money to pay for it. With FDR and the New Deal, people were no longer starving in numbers and began to recover somewhat but the country remained in a recession/depression like state for 8 years until the start of World War II and all of the factory orders for supplies and weapons and the need for troops put people back to work.
What people do not realize is how much time it will all take. The reality is that many more people are going to lose their homes and jobs. The recession will get worse and may go into a Depression before it turns around. The stock market today is a case in point. Usually, the day after an election it will soar if the investors feel the right choice was made. It dropped like a rock today.
In all likelyhood, Obama can run for reelection in 2012, and make the same promises for free health care and tax cuts, because we still won’t have any of it by then.
Posted by: Melanie | November 5, 2008, 4:58 pm 4:58 pm
Posted by: Kitty | Nov 5, 2008 4:55:33 PM
I agree. He won’t be able to do everything he promised, but will steer us in the right direction.
Posted by: Jwench | November 5, 2008, 5:02 pm 5:02 pm
My hope it puts the far right and the far left in the category of fringe politics.
Our only hope is to move towards the center
Posted by: Thinking | November 5, 2008, 5:05 pm 5:05 pm
“My hope it puts the far right and the far left in the category of fringe politics.
Our only hope is to move towards the center”
***********************************
Thanks, “Thinking”!
The FAR Left and Right have made a mess of this Country. I think it will be the “CENTER” that fixes it.
Posted by: ajax | November 5, 2008, 5:14 pm 5:14 pm
If that that this election achieved was to end the politics of division, then that would be more than enough to call it transformational. A return to civility would be great. If it happens.
If you look at the older senators like Byrd, Kennedy, Inouye, McCain and Stevens. They might be on opposite sides of the aisle, they might not agree, but they remain civil to each other — and actually like each other. But the 90s brought in a different breed of politicians. They favor a more “scorched earth” policy. Unfortunately, the McCain who ran for president adopted the same divisive rhetoric that he’s usually railed against.
So I don’t hold out much hope for a return to civility. It might take another civil war before people figure it out.
Posted by: cjsamms | November 5, 2008, 5:47 pm 5:47 pm
Its transformational. This is the dawning of the new age. The aquarian age is upon us and this is the first sign. We will see two things happen.
Posted by: babbayaga | November 5, 2008, 6:07 pm 6:07 pm
It will be interesting to watch the faces of those who elected Barack Obama – they will rapidly change from their wide-eyed wonder – to confusion, then to apprehension, then to disbelief, and finally to horror as they discover their new leader is as hollow as the promises he has made.
Joe Biden is right – Barack Obama will be tested, and the entire Democrat-controlled Congress will be tested – and they will not have the luxury of blaming anyone else for their own failures.
And fail, the Democrats will.
And fail, Barack Obama will.
And then comes the judgement of the American people.
And it will be severe.
No more whining, Democrats – now you get to be the punching bag – and deservedly so.
And this includes YOU, Liberal Media.
YOU are the ones that have betrayed America with this Trojan Horse Socialist imposter, Obama.
Posted by: One_American | November 5, 2008, 6:47 pm 6:47 pm
dont expect blessings for this country from God when we elect a candidate who supports murder of children, homosexuality, and the like. more likely we will pay for our rebellion to him!
Posted by: pace | November 5, 2008, 6:58 pm 6:58 pm
both
Posted by: javi | November 5, 2008, 7:04 pm 7:04 pm
The 2008 election did nothing more than show how much money is required to buy an election, and how impressionable many people are (biased media). This country is in worse trouble now than it was before. God help us!
Posted by: MyFellowAmericans | November 5, 2008, 7:12 pm 7:12 pm
Yes, we have control of the government. And yet, i believe the republicans had control of the government a few years ago, and those weren’t the greatest years. and a “trojan horse socialist impostor”? really? because he wants the government to help people who dont have the benefit of health care, and give tax breaks to those who need the money to pay their grocery bill, instead of those who just use it to pay their country club membership?
Barack Obama may change the way politics operates, but i doubt there will be a drastic change of policies. Sure, a few more bills favoring democrats instead of the GOP, maybe something saying the government can’t put there nose into people’s love life. But saying that the democrat controlled government will lead to doomsday is a ridiculous stretch. When it comes down to it, they are still all politicians.
As for the liberal media, you have conservative media too, you dont hear us complaining about a certain unnamed news network (dont want to advertise for other networks). Give you a hint, think 20th century ____.
Posted by: Another_american | November 5, 2008, 7:15 pm 7:15 pm
Can the posting please have the courtesy to accept that change was decided not by people abroad but by us, those who live here, those of us who are not in the majority, those of us who have suffered and been excluded for being Latino, black, women, handicapped, gay, foreigners… the victory is for us and for our children. No one thinks that Obama will solve all our problems, but we have hope in ourselves and our fellow citizen that one man achieved what others couldn’t. That’s what Obama represents, hope. If we go into this election thinking he will solve our country’s problems, then we might have as well chosen McCain, but no, we understand he’s not a savior, just a person with a new view.
Posted by: Enrik Van Depaalm | November 5, 2008, 7:15 pm 7:15 pm
One_American..
Dems can say what they want but they will eventually have to live up to their idiocy when they realize “change” wasn’t for the better. McCain too had changes he wanted to see through. But then again.. they will have to live with their own decisions.. oh lordy.
Posted by: foxychick87 | November 5, 2008, 7:23 pm 7:23 pm
One_American You have a right to your own opinion and the right to STATE them. Shows true colors eh??! I voted McCain also but will still give Obama the benefit of the doubt. He is after all, our president now. I am curious to see how all this turns out…
Posted by: foxychick87 | November 5, 2008, 7:27 pm 7:27 pm
TRANSFORMATIONAL ? You bet, we’ve thrown the Founding Fathers under the bus.
Posted by: Ron | November 5, 2008, 7:40 pm 7:40 pm
Why do we need him to lead just right of center – what is wrong with slightly left of center?
Posted by: jozy | November 5, 2008, 7:43 pm 7:43 pm
1st Big Mistake. Rahm Emanuels Dad is an Israeli. Rahm will be seen as an Israeli by the Arabs and Muslims. How does Obama expect to seek peace as an honest broker when his first job handout is to an Israeli??
Posted by: Dennis D | November 5, 2008, 7:52 pm 7:52 pm
Jozy,
We need him to lead just right of center because thats what the majority of America is. No lefties, no righties, down the center please.
Posted by: Glenda | November 5, 2008, 7:58 pm 7:58 pm
The differences in our country are great. Just look at the red states and who the largest group of voters for Obama were yesterday. I hope the president elect is up to the challenges facing him or he will be like Carter and serve a long and only one term.
Posted by: William | November 5, 2008, 8:02 pm 8:02 pm
It’s too early to tell if it’s transformational. Something has changed but we’ll know more in six months. Yes, the center is the best place. These wide swings in the pendulum aren’t healthy.
Posted by: Brad Melton | November 5, 2008, 8:31 pm 8:31 pm
Gary, the July 2007 estimated U.S. Population was 301,139,947. How can any one person lead all of the people all of the time? That is what I wonder. The sheer magnitude of our population is mind boggling. An outstretched hand reaching across the aisle will not be enough. The negativity that permeated this country, to some extent, I believe, came out of heavy manufacturing that refused to evolve to meet world class standards in a predictable and responsible manner. We knew as far back as the early 1970s what we needed to do as a nation. (a) peace-time industry (b) produce high quality exports competitive with other nations of the world who undoubtedly also chose peace.
When investments made in defense can not be readily transitioned to peace time use we have invested in the bottom less pit of fear-based culture. Has the readership noticed that when our nation accuses others of what we are doing wrong — that backfires? Ronald Reagan’s message was walk softly and carry a big stick (i.e., great communicator). I believe the Clinton Administration was something like “we can do better.” That seems to have stuck in the national memory. We don’t need a transformation — we need a resurrection of who we were and who we are as a people when we are encouraged to be our best. That doesn’t happen when gender bias undermines all. Hillary Clinton was not the wrong person to be President of the United States. POLY tTICS — GOT IN THE WAY. President-elect Obama is a polished young man. But not capable of hindsight tempered by the wisdom of his experience. Fractal theory applies here. We need to lead by example. One misstep and the doomsday theorists will have their cake and eat it too. We do not undo the damage we have caused to other people by changing administrators. We undo it by making amends as a people. How we going to do that with a trillion + dollar debt? The only word that scared me in Senator Obama/President Obama’s Victory Speech was “sacrifice.” I have sacrificed more than this individual will ever know to fight for what is right in my country on home court. The transformation needed will be coming from our ability to resurrect the constitution of the United States — the First Amendment. That Rove undermined it — and ABC and everyone else for that matter – bought into that culture — says it all. You are a reporter, Gary. What happened to your own reporter, Esa Eslocker in Denver? Follow it up with investigative reporting — then we’ll believe that ABC News isn’t a negative paper -that’s all it takes for transformation. It didn’t take an election. It doesn’t require a swearing in. YOU CAN DO THAT YOURSELF TOMORROW. WHY ISN’T WESTON BACKING YOU UP ON THIS?
Posted by: Wisdom | November 5, 2008, 10:11 pm 10:11 pm
It is inspirational for now but psychologically it is transformational. Already just during the campaign he brought changes in the world.
The US started talking to Iran and starting withdrawing troops in Iraq and the Afghanistan President has begged him to stop the bombing of civilians in his country. Whenever the bombing of civilians takes place, I am reminded of Vietnam and it also gives me an uncomfortable feeling that he US is loosing the war and therefore resorting to intimidation of the civilians or misplacement of bombs, instead of talking to some of the Tribal leadership. Obama can do a lot more as a president besides just getting the budget passed or the legislation signed. He can start using his good will and the bully pulpit to campaign for people to take responsibility for their own health, to fight the obesity epidemic (eating less oily, sweet and junk foods), stop or reduce smoking (like he himself did), responsible sexual activity, get people to increase physical activity even just walking to the nearby grocery store and to church/temple/mosque/synagogue or cycling to work. Change has to come starting with measures that don’t need government spending and yet save the government on healthcare. A healthy nation is a wealthy nation. Foreclosures will be on the rise and unemployment will be on the rise. Some of the bailout can go towards temporary housing for those who have lost their homes. Government can buy the auctioned houses and house the occupants at a rent that would be affordable. With regard to creating jobs, the US can get a high speed railway and get the Chinese, Japanese and the UAE to finance it to create jobs. Such a railway can get thousands of passengers from NY to Chicago in 6-8 hours and carry a ton of weight compared to Amtrak taking a day or two. President, congress and senate has term limits why not judges and government employees. Government service is a opportunity that should revolve every few years with term limits and limits of service, this will give the young people and a range of people to serve the country. Obama can also start building the consensus for what he plans to pass through congress without waiting to assume office so that the wheels of government can move smoothly and speed up progress. One thing Obama keep talking about is going line by lines through government spending and decide what is wasteful. I think the government probably hs a million lines of spending and it will take his entire administration to tackle this . Instead start with across the board cuts of say 25% of all expenses except defense (that needs rebuilding). Very soon unnecessary travel, wasteful projects and pork will be eliminated. Congress and Senate should take salary cuts in view of poor performance by government leading to a trillions of dollars in deficit. Obama ran a superb campaign with millions of people giving their time for free and hard earned monies, he can also make government service a pride in itself and rewards do not have to be monetary.
Posted by: gjkotw01 | November 5, 2008, 10:18 pm 10:18 pm
While historic, Obama’s elevation to President represents more than new party ID. Whether deliberate or inadvertent it demonstrates a disturbing ideological shift. Nearly all educated youth vote mostly democrat because youthful idealism naturally leans socialist (as does modern education), we just accept that. Vote tallies show us that age usually reduces that bent. However, to many who voted Obama/Biden, Barack is a riddle wrapped in a mystery. His media supporters have done no-one any favors by minimizing his serious political associations and beliefs cued in his speeches. Socialism may be the new fashionable taboo, but it’s a difficult master offering the elusive spectre of social justice while ultimately delivering unexpected oppression.
Posted by: A Difference | November 5, 2008, 10:23 pm 10:23 pm
You might want to find out why the Denver police failed to read Mr. Eslocker his Miranda warning as well. That’s what “We the people” refer to as the Fifth Ammendment.
“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
I do believe that there is more to that oath than making sure it is not stolen out of the temperature controlled glass case.
Is it not in the public interest for police to uphold the constitution of the United States?
President-elect Obama — who is a constitutional lawyer by training, right? Do we need to wait for his swearing in ceremony to come out in full force in favor of upholding the constitution 1st and 5th in plain sight of the nations of the world? I think not. ABC NEWS — why have you left one of your own out to hang? Why not resurrect Mr. Eslocker’s good name? Where is the trade off? All we’ve seen is he hired four lawyers. What’s been the outcome of this situation. Is it the precedent setting nature of this situation — reverting to a culture of peaceful congregation on a public side walk that undermines coverage of one of our own problematic? I now live in a town where police are very helpful: local, county and state. Where’s the line to be drawn in the rest of the world if we can’t demonstrate consistency and continuity across our homeland. Perhaps Obama’s added value is that — according to his bio – -he knows constitutional law. That is the hindsight that will make the difference in our minds. We will be willing to follow a leader who upholds the law starting with the first and the fifth. Is Esa invited inside for further coverage now? Has that amend to Mr. Eslocker been made possible with Obama’s election? That’s all we need to see. The Innocence project, in his home state, Illinois, will be an important factor in determining how we will see this presidency. It would be nice if this was your TOP STORY tomorrow morning. Lead by example.
so that WE THE PEOPLE may follow.
Posted by: Wisdom | November 5, 2008, 10:46 pm 10:46 pm
I don’t know who said this but it’s true, that a society or culture is judged best by how it treats its most downtrodden. Understanding that Republicans can never understand this is why I’m a Democrat.
Posted by: Danny | November 5, 2008, 10:48 pm 10:48 pm
Thank you Americans! I’M PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN! It has been so long since I really thought that! That, in and of itself, is transformational. Once again, the US can be a “beacon of hope to the world.” I am ready to work with all other Americans to help this country become all that it can be. IT FEELS SO GOOD TO BE TALKING ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER INSTEAD OF TEARING EACH OTHER APART!
Posted by: kdallas999 | November 5, 2008, 10:55 pm 10:55 pm
Every generation must re-learn the lessons of history apparently, so must the new one. I hope the consequences of their vote won’t prove too costly in the end. Big government has utterly failed us in the past, but we will have to learn that a new, fasten your seat-belts?
Posted by: Todd | November 5, 2008, 10:55 pm 10:55 pm
An honorable man has lost his bid for the White House, as Washington does not want to be REFORMED.
Posted by: patia | November 5, 2008, 10:57 pm 10:57 pm
We’re about to see big government up close and personal now that Obama and his leftist ideals are headed to the White House. Big Brother is going to get bigger now.
Posted by: Jeff | November 5, 2008, 11:05 pm 11:05 pm
I will admit I did not vote for Obama. While I was saddened at my candidates’ loss of the election, I was saddened even more that the struggle of the African American is not truly represented by Obama. Yes, his father in Kenyan however, Obama’s father, grandparents, etc. Did not suffer through the oppression that the families of most African Americans suffered. They did not struggle, in face of harm, to move to the front of the bus or drink from the same water fountain as a white person. Obama was only four when African Americans saw the day they could enter a polling place and vote for the first time. Yes, Pres. Elect Obama is half African American, but he cannot truly represent the struggles that generations of African Americans have endured at due to racism. Mr. Obama is a first generation American. It is for this reason that I am sad that he was elected. As I watched the tears of Jesse Jackson roll down his face, I could only think it was He, Mr. Jackson and those who have walked the streets of hostility who deserve the right to be called the First African American President of the United States. It is only, in my opinion, when we elect an African American whose family has turned the soil and fought for equality that we will have truly given honor to the past of African Americans.
Posted by: xsmyheart | November 5, 2008, 11:05 pm 11:05 pm
Wait to see Hussein in action. Those stupid people, crying, screeming, voting for him will see what a Marxist is.
Posted by: erbis | November 5, 2008, 11:06 pm 11:06 pm
I wonder if Mr. Obama’s election will do anything to help the epidemic of black illegitimate child birth? Almost 70% of all black children are born into a home with a single mother as the only parent which is a leading cause of poverty, drug abuse, and other types of anti-social behavior.
Posted by: DonG | November 5, 2008, 11:07 pm 11:07 pm
This election showed that there has been a dramatic shift in the demographics and ideological thought in this country. America has rejected the GOP fear and smear tactics…
Posted by: sandy | November 5, 2008, 11:18 pm 11:18 pm
Transformational? How can a change of government be that? Only a transformation of the hearts of the people can transform the country. As long as we continue to look inappropriately to government and taxation to solve social and economic problems, there will be no transformation. It will be same old corruption, same old waste, same old war of all against all, same old war of US against the world.
Posted by: Ron | November 5, 2008, 11:21 pm 11:21 pm
Transformational? Obama aided and abetted the Telecom Amnesty bill to protect those who illegally invaded the privacy of innocent Americans from accountability. That tells you all you need to know about whose side he is on, the People’s or the Corporate State’s. We already know whose side the cheerleading media is on
Posted by: Ron | November 6, 2008, 12:12 am 12:12 am
Everyone, welcome to New People’s Republic of America, we’re going to replace the faded stars and stripes with a lovely rainbow design to reflect our truly diverse new nation. Here our modern slogan will reflect views your leaders have regarding glorious new five year economic plan we’re working on which goes “You pretend to work, and we’ll pretend to pay you.” Much better than tired worn out phrase like “home of the brave” don’t you think? Thank you for your attention – Moose and Squirrel.
Posted by: Obamsky | November 6, 2008, 12:31 am 12:31 am
I have compared the state-by-state education statistics from the 2000 census with the state-by-state presidential vote. This is the breakdown:
The voting by state gave McCain 22 states versus 29 (including D.C.) for Obama.
When comparing the vote-by-state with the states with the highest percentage of advanced degrees, the top 16 states were all Obama states and at the bottom, 13 of the 16 states with the least number of advanced degrees were McCain states.
When comparing the vote-by-state with the states with the highest percentage of bachelor’s degrees, 15 of the top 16 states were Obama states and at the bottom, 12 of the bottom 16 were McCain states.
When comparing the vote-by-state with the states with the highest percentage of high school graduates, the trend is a little weaker with Obama getting 9 of the top 15 high school educated states and McCain getting 10 of the bottom 15 high school educated.
John, Ph.D.
Professor of Business Administration
Posted by: John | November 6, 2008, 1:09 am 1:09 am
Are you saying then, that the more educated people in any of those States broke in favor of Obama, what, are you implying?
Posted by: Todd | November 6, 2008, 1:26 am 1:26 am
Hello, can someone please tell me in what way electing a black president will change the lives of AA people…hope is alive…for what? AA people are doctors, lawyers, professors, dentists, athletes, governors, etc. What does it mean when Oprah and Colin Powell say “hope is alive”? Please tell me? I thought AA americans were whatever they wanted to be already.
This country has elected a man to protect this nation that has no experience. This country has elected a man we don’t even know to be commander in chief of this nation. The college kids voted for him because it was “the cool” thing to do. Blacks voted for him because it was the only thing to do! I am afraid…not because he is black, but because he does not have the experience to do the job.
This country made a decision based on a history making, emotional love affair with an attractive, eloquent, gifted black man who promised to change the world! I hope he’s the best president we’ve ever had because if he fails we ALL do!
Thanks to the MSM, we only got to see and hear what they wanted us to!
Posted by: Astounded | November 6, 2008, 7:00 am 7:00 am
For those of you who seem to be unable to accept the resounding defeat of the Republican candidate for President and the ability of Barack Obama and the Democrats to provide constructive change to America, you surely have a memory problem. When you consider how Bush thrust us into an unnecessary war, stepped all over the Constitution (the holy grail of the U.S.A.), threatened us as a political convenience with the perceived “War on Terrorism” and abused executive privilege under that flag to do virtually whatever he wanted, was lazy during the Katrina natural disaster, appointed people who would be amenable to his notions moreso than actually facilitative to the needs of the country (i.e., “friends of Georgie”)and to top it all off embarrassed our nation on the world stage with his inability to articulate Presidential matters and his offensive postures … then how hard will it be for Barack Obama to make change for good? Sounds like a cakewalk to me. Barack will surround himself by the right people and, with his good judgment and even temperament, make the right decisions at the right time. I predict he will be right far more often than wrong.
Posted by: BarackWeCan | November 6, 2008, 8:06 am 8:06 am
Yes, it is transformational. We will have “more” corruption and “more” socialism. What other “change” has Mr. Obama offered?
Posted by: Theresa Jones | November 6, 2008, 9:51 am 9:51 am
Nothing built on a lie is transformational!!! There are alot of kool-aid drinkers in for a rude awakening!!!
Posted by: lovingpolitics | November 6, 2008, 9:53 am 9:53 am
Wisdom:
Senators are required to take an oath of office as well. And so far, Mr. Obama has not honored his oath. What makes you think he will honor it as President?
Posted by: Theresa Jones | November 6, 2008, 10:02 am 10:02 am
The Germans voted for “change”, and the Cubans voted for “change”…..Don’t think they, and the world, got the “changes” they wanted or expected…….
Posted by: christy | November 6, 2008, 10:58 am 10:58 am
Most opinions shared, here, are reasonable; made by reasonable people. I like those, well reasoned and supported by fact (not misunderstandings).
What it means to be a Democrat and what it means to be a Republican are important concepts but not stated in specific enough fashion to allow people to understand the concepts for which they are voting. We usually only hear and read the extreme of the Democrat but not the extreme of the Republican, the extreme of the Republican may scare people and it that reason the Republican convention disassociated itself from the Republican name.
Posted by: Gerald Spencer | November 6, 2008, 12:16 pm 12:16 pm
Everyone keeps talking about right, left or middle. Get over it people. We are a single country that used to be the greatest in the world. Drawing lines, or sides just keeps this country devided. How about we do whats best for the United States to become that beautifull nation we once had. I know theres always going to be a difference in opinions, but together we’ll put this great country on the map for all the right reasons, and not at the bottom of the barrel like we’ve been. Lets get out of the “me” mentality and into the us. After all we are all AmeriCANS not AmeriCANTs. Our country has been evolving and growing from day one. Lets shape it into something we all proud of and not something we are ashamed of. Lets go America. Open your eyes and see where we are and see what you can do for it! Greates words ever put together,” And so, my fellow Americans. . .ask not what your country can do for you. . .ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world. . .ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the Freedom of Man.
Posted by: LosAngelesPride | November 6, 2008, 1:52 pm 1:52 pm
This election proved true 4 things I’ve been told my entire life.
1. Enough money can buy you anything.
2. The most qualifed people don’t always get picked for the job.
3. Be careful what you ask for because you just may get it.
4. Past performnce is an excellent predictor of future performance.
Obama with his skimpy resume & large sums of questionably legally raised money purchased the White House Since his performance as a Senator was not so great, heaven help the USA!
Posted by: Marilyn Swatzell | November 6, 2008, 10:29 pm 10:29 pm
If past performance is a predictor of Obama’s future performance, then America just picked a winner. Obama’s ‘resume’ may be ‘skimpy’ by your standards, Marilyn – but his track record for problem solving, organisational prowess and ability to understand an issue and find the best people to advise and guide on resolutions is all second to none. It is a key reason for his election. He’s the right person for the job.
Posted by: chester burns | November 9, 2008, 8:41 am 8:41 am
I do feel that things are going to start to get better, I know it will take time, that is why I know that we have to be patient with our new president. Obama is the best person for the job and let us keep supporting him.
Posted by: Michael Dukes | November 15, 2008, 12:22 am 12:22 am
Just to give a partial CHEROKEE INDIANS point of view. IT DOES NOT MATTER WHO IS IN THE WHITE HOUSE.NO ONE,CAN OR WILL FIX THE MESS THAT THIS COUNTRY IS IN BECAUSE OF ALL THE SELFISH CEO’s, WALL STREET, U.A.W. UNIONS,AUTO INDUSTRIES and anyone who feels they HAVE to make MORE THAN 100,000.00 income PER YEAR.
Posted by: Yvonne Ray | December 5, 2008, 4:34 pm 4:34 pm