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Last Updated: Nov 12th, 2008 - 11:30:00 |
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Photo by Cora Kemp (ckemp4@mscd.edu)
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Sen. Barack Obama became the first African American to be elected president of the United States.
Earning more than 330 electoral votes, Obama made history with a landslide victory.
Obama will be sworn in Jan. 20, 2009.
Sen. John McCain, his Republican opponent, conceded the race just after 9 p.m. Mountain Standard Time. Calling it a long journey, more than two years in the making, McCain understood the people of the United States "spoke clearly."
The victory came swift after the longest modern presidential campaign. Early in the season, Democrats were faced to choose between the first woman or black man to lead their party.
In his address to hundreds of thousands of people at Grant Park in Chicago, Obama said "Change has come to America."
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A group of Obama supporters drive by the Sheraton Hotel, celebrating his victory Nov. 4 in downtown Denver. (Photo by Dawn Madura / dmadura@mscd.edu)
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Obama reassured his supporters, detractors and people around the world: "if there is anyone out there that still doubts all things are possible ... tonight is your answer."
McCain congratulated Obama for his victory and for inspiring the hope of millions of Americans who had previously not been involved in the election process.
Calling attention to the "special significance" of the election, McCain said there was no better evidence that America had moved past some racist tendencies than an Obama administration.
Heading into the election, some feared racism would prevent Obama from being elected.
"It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white Latino, Asian,
Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled -- Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America."
Obama thanked McCain and told the crowd "we are better off for the service rendered" by McCain.
Echoing his nomination speech, Obama said, "above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to -- it belongs to you."
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Metro students Dan Lancaster, left, and Cameron Redwine celebrate Obama's victory in the street outside the Sheraton Hotel. Democrats hosted their election night party at the hotel. Lancaster and Redwine both volunteered for Obama's campaign. (Photo by Caitlin Gibbons / cgibbon4@mscd.edu)
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Obama paid special attention to his young supporters. He said his campaign "grew strength from the young people who debunked the myth of apathy."
But Obama cautioned, "you did it because you understand the tests ahead." He said the challenges ahead will be great. He briefly touched on the Iraq war, the financial crisis, the environment and education.
He said it would take time to solve all of these issues.
"We may not get there in one year or one term," he said. "But America, I have never been more hopeful than tonight that we will get there."
McCain said while he and Obama argued over issues, he pledged his help to lead the country to solve its issues. He urged his followers to do the same.
"We must leave our children and grandchildren a better America," McCain said.
McCain took sole credit for losing the election.
"The failure is mine, not yours," he said.
McCain thanked the crowd gathered in Phoenix for their unwavering support and friendship. He also thanked his running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, for her "tireless dedication."
"We can look forward to her service," McCain said.
McCain called running for the highest office "the great honor of his life."
"I hold in my heart nothing but love for this country," McCain said.
The 2008 election garnered worldwide attention. Most, if not all, major world media outlets have been covering the election.
"A new American leadership is at hand," Obama said. He promised to seek out those who would harm Americans and their allies and rebuild international friendships.
Obama said the momentum that began 21 months ago "cannot end," and he called on the American people to help him.
"The victory tonight is not the change we seek," he said. Addressing McCain supporters, he said, "I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices ... I will be your president too."
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