Election 2008 - Live
This is what I saw and heard and wrote about on a night that America will remember forever...
0033 ET: The Obama crowd looks like modern America. This they have to face and accept in Strongsville, Ohio and Pottsville, Pennsylvania and a thousand other small towns across the nation. The question now - can Obama reach out to Pottsville? He will try. Will they reach out to him?
0011: You watch Obama making his speech - cogent and thoughtful and, to many Americans, profoundly moving. And you wonder: how long does this last? Four years like Carter? Eight years and longer like Reagan? Odd seeing Jesse Jackson in the crowd. Secretary of State? Only kidding.
2352: Looking at the McCain crowd in Arizona, you realise that the Republican party is in trouble. To base a party on white and elderly and socially conservative people is to base a party on a dwindling electoral resource. To manage to lose Hispanic people, as McCain appears to have done, is beyond careless. The Republicans will find someone to gather a new coalition together but it will not be Sarah Palin.
2311: No need for legal action in Virginia - but the celebrations of an Obama win there seem to me to speak more of a changing America than of Obama managing to triumph in an unlikely place. Virginia is a changed state - it has grown by 50% in 10 years. Those newcomers are not your granny's Virginians. Virginia looks and feels different. And as Virginia goes, so goes the nation - this is the immutable fact which wise Republicans (Pawlenty et al) grasp. Unwise Republicans think abortion and gay-bashing and gun-toting can still win them the future...
2306: On every level america will be changed by this result - its impact will be so profound that the nation will never be the same. In a sense the policy changes could be the least of it. It's the way the nation sees itself that will change. And the way outsiders see America. To think some ignorant folk think US elections are all about balloons and nonsense. To think some ignorant folk think America is not capable of change.
2240: It looks as if the Democrats will NOT get to the 60/40 Senate majority that would have allowed a sweeping of the boards. Someone at the McCain wake has told an AP reporter: "I'm very afraid that we're going to lose our freedoms, that the country will be controlled by almost a dictator."
That person will be relieved - or should be - by the Senate results. One Senator can hold up legislation - unless crushed by the 60/40 supermajority. Dictatorship might be held at bay...
2214: How satisfying for Obama that he - apparently - is going to take Iowa. Mainly white, wholly un-Kenyan, yet willing to take this guy to their hearts. Iowa is one of my favourite places - Des Moines is a wonderfully laid-back city and the state, in the January snow, glistens like a Christmas scene. He met them, they liked him, and they support him - that's the midwestern way. The race issue is interesting here as well - in states where there are few black people and no economic competition between the races, he sails home.
2143: New Mexico is projected to have been lost by McCain to Obama - frankly, none of this matters much if Pennsylvania and Ohio are gone (which appears to be the view of several organisations).
2123: Fox News are suggesting that Obama wins Ohio: to be honest, without Pennsylvania I see no hope for McCain anyway, but if Ohio goes so does the race - one of the great facts every American learns at kindergarten is that no Republican can win the White House without winning Ohio...
2055: Fascinating tales from Virginia - a Democratic lawyer tells me that litigation may follow if they lose the state: sophisticated efforts have been made to derail their victory, they claim, involving a double computer hack - into the DNC and a university - in order to try to keep the student vote down with false messages.
2022: Big, big victories projected in North Carolina and New Hampshire for the Democrats now - is this the real sign of a massive shift in American politics: a possible 60:40 majority in the Senate that would allow any legislation to pass. It matters every bit as much as the presidential result...
2010: If the Reuters projection that Pennsylvania is won by Obama is true, the night has ended relatively early. There is nowhere else McCain can hide. His entire strategy has been to balance out likely losses of Bush states like Iowa and New Mexico by stealing Pennsylvania. It has, it seems, failed.
2005: People talk about what it would mean for America if Barack Obama became president. I think the fact that his family, those two young black girls, would be the first family, would have a bigger impact.
1920: The projection in Vermont - if it is a result, and it appears to be clear that Obama is going to win there - brings home how divided America is in terms of states and regions. It is slap up against New Hampshire, with its fierce attachment to freedom - such a culturally different place from Vermont, where toeless sandals and socks are the order of the day, and one of the congressional representatives calls himself a socialist.
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Currently watching the election coverage on One at the moment. I'm a bit confused as to why JW isn't leading the coverage.
Perhaps its early and you are being rested for later (when the more significant stuff happens) but shouldn't you be at the centre of this effort.
Okay, Dimbleby is the traditional host of UK election nights but I can't help but feel that some of the other beeb types are 'jumping on the bandwagon' when this should really be your baby, given that you have been covering this since day one - what on earth does Huw Edwards have to add to the debate?
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Hi Justin, how exciting. We're all with you on this one.
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Justin, so few moderators and so many threads. We'll all know the result (as if we don't already) by the time we get to read anyones comments.
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Well your far from alone as this seems to be the best election in America for years, I do hope it will not be Obama.
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Must admit I'm really enjoying Christopher Hitchens on the video coverage :-)
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Are toeless sandals incompatible with freedom, then?
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Re: Vermont vs. New Hampshire, that's why it's so difficult to pigeonhole Americans.
Even with the predictions for a relatively easy Obama win, this will be a nail-biter.
As obnoxious and tiresome as this election has been, I'll be feeling withdrawals in the next couple of weeks.
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"People talk about what it would mean for America if Barack Obama became president. I think the fact that his family, those two young black girls, would be the first family, would have a bigger impact." - Justin Webb
Have you gone insane? It's the President who governs the country and makes policy, not his kids!
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Justin I'm watching the Beeb's coverage from both Washington and London and I must say that I am impressed. You guys are genuinely showing interest in a story that affects all of us, not just Americans but the entire planent. You are doing so in a way that is quite better than American coverage of this event. Quite frankly, I've had enought of the Wolf Blitzers and Bill O'Reilley's of this world who manipulate the story to drive fear into the hearts of voters. You are truly doing this in a non partisan and unbiased way. I can't really say that about networks in my own country. Which is a shame to be honest with you.
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So. Pennsylvania won by Obama, eh?
"where McCain's people are suggesting that a kind of subterranean surge is taking place. It's invisible to those of us who pal around with the mainstream pollsters but apparently it's showing up in their internal data. . ."
Well, well, well. I've always been a bit of a fan of William Penn.
(Ever since I was on jury service at the Old Bailey, and read the tribute to him there. He was foreman of a jury which refused to bring in the guilty verdict the judge wanted, even though they were all shut up with only bread and water until they came back with 'the right verdict'. They never did. . .)
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I am surprised that that North Carolina's senate seat got called so early. As a democrat I must say that America would have been better off if her husband had been the Republican Nominee in 2000 rather than George W. Bush
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Yes, Vermont is one of those wild and wacky states dominated by hippies and a fairly laid-back outlook on life, which seems in total contrast to the image most Americans have of New Englanders, which is rather stuffy and cold. But this is one of the great things about the United States-- each state is as unique as are the countries in Europe. (And we may all speak English however, the dialects vary as much as they do in the UK.)
What I think is the most amazing part about this election is not that one candidate is black or that the other would be the oldest President elected, or even that a woman might be Vice President (don't forget Geraldine Ferraro was Walter Mondale's choice for VP) but that this election will hopefully signal the end of the reign of terror we have been under and a new beginning for America.
What is most disappointing in this election, however, is that not all of the presidential candidates have been fairly represented by the media. McCain and Obama are NOT the only candidates running, but because of how politics are dealt with in America, only the Republican and Democratic parties ever get the media attention the need or deserve.
I personally did not vote for either the Republican or Democratic candidates as I do not believe that either candidate or their parties truly have the best interest of Americans in mind. I think that Americans are not informed enough of "other options" as it were in the political arena and that there are far better qualified candidates that are not allowed in the debates and who do not receive the media attention or funding necessary to make themselves heard across the nation, which seems ironic as we place so much value on the freedom of speech afforded us by the Bill of Rights, yet which is seldom upheld in politics or the media.
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Vermont in a very unique state. We just gave our 3 electoral votes to President Obama, but we'll elect a Republican governor and Lt. governor. We also have a socialist Senator, who is independent, and a liberal Democratic Senator and liberal member of the House. Vermonters are a people who react to the issues and who we feel is best for our people and who will represent us best in Washington.
Phil in Barre, Vermont
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4. seanspa wrote:
"Justin, so few moderators and so many threads. We'll all know the result (as if we don't already) by the time we get to read anyones comments."
Said something like that myself, but as you may guess, they must have thought I was getting at them or something.
Not really interested any more.
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Jeez. I don't want it to be called so early. What's the rush?
I'm just thankful the commercials have stopped! And it's safe to open my mailbox!
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I'm jumping between CNN and Fox. The Brit channels are projecting Pennsylvania as going to Obama (from Reuters), the two American networks are being a little more coy about it.
I actually caught Brit Hulme on Fox pointing out a fraudulent registration isn't the same as a fraudulent vote... I nearly fell off my chair!
Bill Kristol thinks Obama will win, that's good enough for me.
I cannot wait to see what Jon Stewart makes of Jessica Yellin's holographic appearance on CNN!
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Yes, it does look like Obama has won PA.
It looks like a triumph for the left tonight.
This blog does have its fascinating aspects: all these lectures about what Americans need to learn and how to think and how yo behave and what to believe. It is a window in to how others see us.
At times, the comments are so fantastically patronizing and condescending it's hard to believe they are serious. But they are always fascinating. One might think the posters from Britain had all the answers for every question in the world.
It would be interesting to observe their elections - and tell them how to think, respond and vote.
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I am cautiously optimistic. In 25 minutues my own State of New York Comes up. thats nearly 31 electoral votes right there.
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@AmericanSportFan
I'm pleased you like the BBC "unbiased" coverage, although i'm sure you'd think differently if you watched it all the time and had to pay for it under threat of imprisonment.
Btw, just how many BBC journos are on a jolly, sorry, reporting on this election in the States?
So far i've counted 17. Unbelievable!
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#14
I'm in complete agreement with you on other parties. I really wish our choices didn't come down to just Republican or Democrat every time. They strike me as more similar then dissimilar.
I've never seen a good plan that would address this.
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postscript to 18, they've called PA now.
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Nick-Gotts
I think Justin is referring to 'soft power' when talking about his family, in the way that those images can alter the psyche of America and much of the world. There are intangible elements in our world that are more powerful and far reaching than writing laws or deciding policies.
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Hi Justin:
Thanks for the LIVE blog on Election Night, here in the U.S.A.
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JWwatch: not much sign still! :-)
Interesting that there's been no mention of NC on the TV coverage... Are you getting stuff they aren't?
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It is interesting to find a British journalist who is so passionately fascinated by Americans. It would be nice to have another Brit who is just as interested, but who might represent the conservative side of the spectrum, for balance. Surely there must be some people in Britain who are not on the left?
That would provide the needed mix of views. Justin Webb is a cheerleader for Obama, which I know represents the vast majority of Europeans - but surely there must be some people in Britain who think differently.
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Shaping up to be quite the night...the GOP is getting hammered in the Senate and Pennysylvania looks to be Obama's.
Amazing
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CNN just called Pennsylvania for Obama. Game over. It's landslide. Told you so.
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Impressed by your multi-tasking capabilities Justin; monitoring the results, broadcasting, presumably talking to key players and blogging as well.
Pennsylvania makes it sound like a done deal. Since the Palin bounce and all the reports of McCain's private pollsters that their numbers were a lot closer than the public numbers, I've had a gloomy premonition (from an Obama supporting outsider's point of view) that the history made tonight would be a miraculous comeback by McCain, rather than a nation changing election of the US's first African American President.
Now it feels like the corks are starting to be eased from the champagne bottles at the Obama parties.
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I am nervous
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Timothy, glad to have you and your countrymen on this site.
It's always good to get the American perspective on the British perspective of the American election.
We've got to wait a while for our next significant election (the Tories will win) and just getting our psephological kicks where we can. You're quite welcome to join us and opine on the peculiarities of our own (some might say simpler) electoral process!
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Bernie Sanders is now a Senator from Vermont, actually. He was, as you say, their only Congressman for many years--he describes himself as an "independent socialist."
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Justin,
Can they please stop "pulling out" the touchscreen. How cheap is that :-)
Cheesy election graphics for 2008 - love it...
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Calling a state with 0% of the votes counted is completely and utterly irresponsible
Remember Florida being called for Gore in 2000
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Thanks for your comments Justin.
I recently voted in South Carolina, and was quite amazed by the turnout.
It wasn't rare to find a 2 or 3hr wait at the polling stations.
Looking forward to reading the rest of your blog throughout the evening.
Michael
SC, USA
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CNN has called Pennsylvania for Obama. Big win for Obama, big loss for McCain. GOP Sen Elizabeth Dole called as losing in North Carolina to Dem Kay Hagan. Economy top issue with Iraq a not so close second. New Jersey and Delaware for Obama as well as New Hampshire and Vermont. Indiana close.
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If McCain has won Georgia and Indiana it looks like it's going to be a predictable rather than a spectacular Obama win.
North Carolina will probably be the biggest prize now.
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"It is a window in to how others see us"
It certainly is! What is really nice to see is that so many voters in America are bothering to open the curtains and take an interest in how the world sees US politics.
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Re: #19. I sympathise, and yet - you are allowed to follow UK elections, you know. Ditto the rest of the world. Take an interest. Pass comment. It might broaden your view of the political spectrum considerably!
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Looks like Ohio is going Obama's way.
How am I going to survive after this is over. I loved this election!
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"At times, the comments are so fantastically patronizing and condescending it's hard to believe they are serious." - Timothy444
Think of it as a response to the constant refrain of the American right - that the US is always right and virtuous, everyone wants to live there, you've escaped all the evils and conflicts of Europe, you selflessly saved us in two world wars and the Cold War, the POTUS is the "leader of the free world" (although the rest of us don't get a vote) and among the battier elements, that God has chosen the US to lead the world. Do you see how that could get a little annoying?
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Time 2005.
What is wrong with you Justin? Those girls are Afro-Americans. Just as Obama is half white and half black. White Americans don't like it when you refer to him as black because he is both.
Stop scaremongering the UK and USA people.
It is time for a big change.
Watch this space Justin see history being made on your timeline.
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"I'm going to be live blogging tonight" Why? Don't you think everyone who's interested has a TV? We can watch it much quicker than read your comments - and click between channels!
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TimothyR444
When did debating issues get a bad name. We do realize its your country, but a lot of your issues affects us too. it's a wonder of the internet age that we can talk. And as long as we are talking and not fighting (excluding Iraq, Afghanistan and potentially Iran and Pakistan) isn?t that a good thing?
btw I cast my vote for Obama today, felt great, have only voted once in the UK.
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TimothyR444 wrote:
"At times, the comments are so fantastically patronizing and condescending it's hard to believe they are serious. But they are always fascinating. One might think the posters from Britain had all the answers for every question in the world."
It's no more patronising and condescending than the USA's attitude to anything the UK has to say on anything. The USA should try listening to its father once in a while instead of behaving like a spoilt little brat. And guess what, there is a possibility that sometimes, just sometimes, WE are right about things, and YOU are wrong. And as for the "special relationship"...my God, there is nothing special about a relationship between an elephant with a mosquito on its butt. Partnerships are always lop-sided and inequitable at best, and rarely in both party's interests.
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I just got in from the precinct I was working at (Spring Forest precinct, Greenville, SC) and here's the presidential results, with the difference between now and 2004:
President:
McCain 630 (-36 from Bush 2004)
Obama 447 (+101 from Kerry 2004)
Baldwin 11 (+6 from Peroutka 2004)
Barr 4 (+3 from Bandarik 2004)
Nader 4 (+2 from Nader 2004)
McKinney 2 (+0 from Cobb 2004)
Greenville County is a Republican stronghold, so it's no surprise McCain won. However, the fact that he got fewer votes than Bush, while Obama gained over 100 more than Kerry is a bad sign for the night.
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I'm really enjoying the election coverage and that Obama is ahead but something has been bothering me all night. What do the BBC anchors have pinned on their jackets? They look like apples but I have no idea what they are.
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19, TimothyR444 wrote:
......
It is a window in to how others see us.
________
As you clearly don't enjoy the view, what makes you keep looking ?
Anyways, the world has seen Palin, and how a huge part of the US population has endorsed her; might have done nearly as much damage to the Western world's take on the country as 8 years of GWB.
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Amazing indeed.
Hope the reports from VA are false. Lawsuits after the election are worse than negative campaigning. What on earth is wrong with people?
Rhetorical question of course.
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I object to having the radical John Bolton being given voice on the bbc. The guys is just scary, he thinks they gop should have gone more negative!!!!
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Watching BBC Live covering the US elections, I am disgusted by the fact that the commentators are focusing on race rather than the issues and polices each presidential candidate has to offer.
Who really cares that there could possibly be an african-american or that there could be a redneck in the white house?
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195 to 76 And we haven't hit California, Oregon and Washington yet. California is the big prize with 55 Electoral Votes that is a Landslide My friends.
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Ohio has gone to Obama, according to Fox. Surely it's all over. Hail President Obama!
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Icarus:
"It's no more patronising and condescending than the USA's attitude to anything the UK has to say on anything. The USA should try listening to its father once in a while instead of behaving like a spoilt little brat. And guess what, there is a possibility that sometimes, just sometimes, WE are right about things, and YOU are wrong. And as for the "special relationship"...my God, there is nothing special about a relationship between an elephant with a mosquito on its butt. Partnerships are always lop-sided and inequitable at best, and rarely in both party's interests."
*chuckle*
Well, this explains it, I suppose.
Britain is our father.
We are the spoiled brat.
Well, that certainly explains the tone and content of most of this blog. Not very pleasant: it would seem there might be a more civilized and equitable way to go about things.
Sorry, Dad - my mistake...
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Justin,
One of my American friends in Wisconsin just texted me to say she had voted for Nader. Do you think this going to be a big night for the third party candidates, or will they fade into obscurity once more?
Gareth Giles,
Guildford
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Murdoch quote "i feel that obama will be protectionist"
please obama, protect us from Murdoch!!!
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19. TimothyR444
"It would be interesting to observe their elections - and tell them how to think, respond and vote."
Possibly next May. Or August. October . . . or
Not likely to be winter. We prefer to stay at home with our crumpets (Moderators! an English teatime snack -- note the plural!) and tea.
You'll have to be quick though, it'll probably all be over in four weeks.
(But I don't think the Tories will win necessarily. And they aren't very right anyway, not as right as Obama even in some ways, but don't be too despondent.)
A "very cautious BBC projection" as I write this, that Ohio will go to Obama . . .
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Well, that just bugs me. I understand the numbers and all, but the polls are still open here and the election could be close to being called.
I dunno, maybe it's petty, but it really bugs me.
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Ah, that's it, unless they're wrong (which is a definite possibility) McCain is sunk.
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Watching this on TV as well, and John Bolton is on: an intellectual redneck who intimidates with his aggression. a Flat-out Bushie. Along with the rest of the Bush Administration, this guy deserves to be given the heave-ho. So why put him on ? Nothing those people say can ever be believed.
Well done Obama. Fabulous. The best election since JFK.
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If Obama wins Florida then it is Game OVER, Drive home safely. That would be a huge lose for John McCain. I just heard that McCain's home State of Arizona is tied. If he loses Arizona, you know it's a long night for the Grand Old Party.
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Nick-Gotts
I think Justin is referring to 'soft power' when talking about his family in the White House, in the way that those images can alter the psyche of America and much of the world. There are intangible elements in our world that are more powerful and far reaching than writing laws or deciding policies.
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#49:
"As you clearly don't enjoy the view, what makes you keep looking ?"
So only those who agree are welcome?
I reserve the right to observe and disagree as I see fit. That is part of the way politics works.
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@48 "What do the BBC anchors have pinned on their jackets? They look like apples but I have no idea what they are."
Have a look here:
http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/
*sigh*
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It looks like Obama has Ohio - it's probably over.
The American left has won.
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Several networks saying Buckeye State is Obama's. Big win there.
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48. At 02:13am on 05 Nov 2008, jlindas wrote:
"I'm really enjoying the election coverage and that Obama is ahead but something has been bothering me all night. What do the BBC anchors have pinned on their jackets? They look like apples but I have no idea what they are."
They are silk (or cotton) poppies. (To remind us of the 'Flanders fields' of the First World War, you see.) Sold by the British Legion for 'Poppy Day" aka "Armistice Day" or "Remembrance Day", the 11th November.
Most TV people wear them that week. There are white ones for pacifists, but you don't see them much.
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Sadly, the story about the hacking of computers at GMU in Fairfax is true - students and staff received an email which gave the wrong date for the election (I'm a former GMU faculty member, and still have a working email from there).
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New Mexico just went for Obama, the count is now 200 to 90, As a liberal I am cautiously optomistic. What a historical night. Make that 200 to 124 as Texas went to John McCain.
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Huff Po saying 200 electoral votes for Obama, 85 for McCain with 270 to win.
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Love the little tidbits Justin. Comments are fascinating, but I don't understand why they are so slow.
Personally, I like reading the UK perspective, as well as people from other countries. It makes it more interesting.
I can't wait to see what Bird and Fortune have to say!!
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Once again Mr. Webb I would like to say how impressed I am with Auntie Beebs Coverage of this election. I'm watching it on BBC America and I have to say that once again you have shown how to cover an event in a way that is both fair and objective.
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69 (I think)
I should have added that the 11th November is a day now, (it's changed subtly over the years) when we remember -- for two silent minutes at 11 am everywhere in the country -- not just the First War, but allwars, wherever they are, or have been, and all who have died or suffered in them, whoever they were and on whatever side.
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Yup - it looks like McCain is toast
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Whooo Hooo!!!! Even if somehow Obama doesn't win, it is still a major victory for all of America! For Obama to have a significant chance is amazing in itself! I never thought I would see anything remotely close to what I am seeing today in my lifetime! I have a bit of the bubbly on hand just in case!!!
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Re:#66. It's a poppy! Remembering veterans.
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U12831485 wrote
"Anyways, the world has seen Palin, and how a huge part of the US population has endorsed her; might have done nearly as much damage to the Western world's take on the country as 8 years of GWB."
sorry to say your comment is just a little bit exaggerated. A huge part of Americans think Palin is a total idiot. Why is Tina Fey on SNL every week mocking her? We put Michael Jackson and Britney Spears on Magizines because we like to laugh at them. It's not the same thing as endorsing them.
A minority of old white republican woman with a lot of money like Palin, some drunk rednecks like her body and how she's good at shooting animals, but the rest of American realized she was the nail in McCain coffin and make fun of her. The only thing she damaged was McCain and the republican party. We were relieved when he chose Palin. Maybe she'll move to Russia and run for office there.
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48/jlindas
They are poppies, a symbol for the fallen of the two World Wars which are traditionally worn by all public figures in the period leading up to Remembrance Sunday (the nearest Sunday to 11 November).
They are sold at shops and public buildings and the proceeds go to the Royal British Legion.
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New Mexico for Obama!
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Hi sportsfan:
"If Obama wins Florida then it is Game OVER, Drive home safely. That would be a huge lose for John McCain. I just heard that McCain's home State of Arizona is tied. If he loses Arizona, you know it's a long night for the Grand Old Party."
He's got OH and PA under his belt. I think that in this case, Florida won't be the deciding factor.
Obama is next in the White House.
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I am very Very Nervous. I am the son of European Imagrints. My GrandMother came from Scotland, father's forfathers came from Germany. My Mom's roots are English with a sir name of Wellington. I went to the polls at around 6:30 this morning. I voted for Barack Obama Proudly. This is an important moment in American History. I am proud.
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Here are perfect examples of the differences between the Democrats and Republicans:
Obama's party in a park.
McCain's party at a resort.
Obama prayer for "a good election."
McCain prayer "to win."
Luckily the voters knew who had their interests at heart. Democrats are gaining power in the House and Senate.
The message from the American people: We need our country to go in a different direction and the Right can't/won't do it for us.
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43. At 02:07am on 05 Nov 2008, susanbird1 wrote:
Time 2005.
What is wrong with you Justin? Those girls are Afro-Americans. Just as Obama is half white and half black. White Americans don't like it when you refer to him as black because he is both.
Stop scaremongering the UK and USA people.
It is time for a big change.
Watch this space Justin see history being made on your timeline.
*******************
Honey, practically every black in the US can say they are mixed with something! None of us are "pure" anything! We as a country are "mutts"!!! And I mean that in a good way!!! If he identifies himself as African American, then so be it.
And Justin's point was that it shows the world that we as a country have moved on from soley focusing on race.
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1. why is the bbc given air time to john bolton.
2. murdoch dosnt like the protectionist element of the obama. Please protect us from Murdoch
3. TimothyR444...apolgies if you do feel unwelcomed here. do not be offended if we sound patronising, that is just the way we communicate. hopefully we will get over these cultral barriers.
Tea and biscuits or are you more of an ale man?
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inclinevillager:
"A minority of old white republican woman with a lot of money like Palin, some drunk rednecks like her body and how she's good at shooting animals..."
Is there really a need for this sort of insult? Cruel references to age, sex, background and race are offensive stuff - and it fascinates me that the mods allow this on a blog.
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Re:#76 if McCain is toast, follow it with some Baked Alaska...
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Greetings from Chicago!
As somebody who never votes Republican, I am happy for the landslide victory I am confident Obama is about to enjoy. I feel his victory is a national referendum/condemnation of not only the Bush administration but of modern Republicanism and their politics of fear, uncertainty and doubt.
Having said that, there's tremendous irony in knowing that my Republican friends actually have little to fear: Obama is no socialist. It's a shame that everyday, working Republicans were fooled into thinking that Obama was a godless commie when in fact he is a simple, ordinary, old-school Democrat and champion of the middle class. Remember, he was the least progressive of the Democratic candidates, as his stance on universal health care (anti) illustrated.
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Yup, looks like a done deal.
Fascinating evening, fascinating election.
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They still haven't projected Missouri. That state must REALLY be close.
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Don't be too harsh on most Americans not knowing the poppies. We don't have as big a grasp of British History and Culture. (The US Considers November 11th "Veterans' Day", as it memorializes its fallen in May. I think it was Kurt Vonnegut who said that Armistice Day was sacred, but Veterans' Day wasn't.)
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bk9061@64,
Yes, I realise Justin Webb was talking about the less focused aspects of America's image - but both the USA and the world are facing problems of the utmost gravity. Webb's phrasing seems to me of a piece with his long-continued underestimation of Obama as a political leader.
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51.bk9061 wrote:
"I object to having the radical John Bolton being given voice on the bbc. The guys is just scary, he thinks they gop should have gone more negative!!!!"
He's been popping up a lot. I don't think he realises how absurd we find him (once we've recovered from the intitial shock).
And it's 'balance': put him on for three minutes, and it's the equivalent of about a month of 'normal' (I use the word loosely) right-wingers. Saves a lot of time and effort.
And all the other Neocons have reneged or gone quiet; he's the only one left.
Oh, and perhaps he needs the money? (Bit doubtful about that, don't think the Beeb pays very much, but might as well chuck it in.)
Ugh. Sorry, just 'talking' about him . . . Not negative enough???? I think I'm going to be sick.
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They are interviewing Eddy Izzard the British Comic, whom I find funny. He seems genuinely pleased by the results.
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Arizona too close to call!
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If all the projections so far are correct (and the networks are being very cautious), McCain has to win either California or Washington State. That's not going to happen.
He can take Florida, Virginia, North Carolina and Indiana along with every other uncalled state, it won't matter.
I say let him have them! We can afford to be generous in victory.
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Feels like May 1997 did over here. People smiled at each other in the streets for the first time (it seemed) in years.
Just hope you (or we) won't be disappointed again. At least not too much.
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We are on the West coast. Polls haven't closed here yet. The are trying not to ruin the election out west so voters will still go vote in Ca and alaska There are senate races and propostions to vote on out here.
It's going to be a landslide for Obama unless McCain's party somehow steals the election. America is so messed up right now, worst I've seen it in my lifetime. Only the people who are super wealthy, super religious, or only vote for one party no matter whoe the candidate is in this country vote Republican. Those are the 20% of people who still think GW was a good president.
If people are poor and voting Republican, then they really don't understand that they are voting for a party who doesn't represent them. Unless they are racist. Todays Republicans are for lowering taxes for the highest income brackets. Keeping as much of there incomes to themselves. They believe that everyone should take care of themselves. They beleive in limiting government unless it has to do with someone's religious beliefs that aren't christian, then they believe in more government intrusion. Legistlating morality. They support war because it stimulates the economy. They are the wealthy and the powerful.
No matter what you think of Obama this is historical in our country. America got rich on the backs of slaves. Slavery ended in 1865 or so but hatred and discrimination went on openly in the Sounthern States until late 1967. It still goes on today but is only more hidden. Blacks are still the poorest people in our country, they fill our prisons, and AIDS the the #1 cause of death for black women. They don't trust our gov. Our first African American President is a huge deal. The first Black First Family is going to be such a role model to black children across america and it will change the mind of young white children to.
I went to the Obama rally in Reno Nev. two weeks ago. Due to death threats, he had more secret service than President Clinton had in 1996 when I saw him. Obama had sharp shooters on every building top. We couldn't even bring water into the stadium.
He is taking a huge personal risk. People in stores get into fignts over Obama, calling him the N word, and saying they will never let him be president. It's horrible.
America needs a change. There is some healing to do of the wounds of slavery. Families are taking there grandchildren to the polls with them to vote and see history be made. Adults who never voted are voting for the first time. A 112 year old man born in 1895, the grandson of a Slave is watching on TV tonight to see what he thought he never would. The first black president in the US.
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I really hope Justin that the Beeb reads some of our commments on air tonight because I think it will be enlightening. I love Politics, even though My girlfriend is Republican
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While I am a little late joining this party, I would both like to take a side with TimothyR444's comment about "patronizing" comments on this thread and an issue with his comments. To be fair, as an American, I have had a hard time reading some of these comments on these blogs; there are cases where it obviously plays on American stereotypes that are highly exaggerated. Likewise, TimothyR444, your language is a little too strong. I don't think that the British feel like they have all the answers to the world, but they do have opinions, which are completely legitimate. And, the posters back to TimothyR444, you also did no justice to proving his statements wrong; seriously, Icarus, "spoilt little brat?" And, Nick-Gotts, I understand how annoying the platitudes the American right throws around are annoying. Why though continue on this tit-for-tat on whom can come up with the most annoying refrains?
And, qprmeteor, I just graduated from Mason last year and still have my GMU account as well. I have not heard about the hacking though and definitely did not see any such e-mails in my account for a changed date. That's horrible to hear; I was completely unaware that happened!
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Why does the BBC have John Bolton on the coverage team?
I can't think of someone more right-wing..and I'm tired of his "Bush is unpopular and the economy created a perfect storm - no wonder we lost" sob story.
The Republican leaning experts on CNN are saying the same...sounds to me like the GOP had that message well & truely scripted before this election even started.
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I have watched BBC in America since its inception. I deeply appreciate your multiple perspectives and efforts to be fair and inclusive.
But do you have to so very fair to include that man, the ex USA ambassador to the UN as one of the talking heads on your show today? I could not bear to listen to him and therefore am missing the elections on BBC America!!
Thanks a lot.
Kitiblog
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"A minority of old white republican woman with a lot of money like Palin, some drunk rednecks like her body and how she's good at shooting animals..."
Is there really a need for this sort of insult? Cruel references to age, sex, background and race are offensive stuff - and it fascinates me that the mods allow this on a blog.
Sorry,your right. "I should have said, a minority of elderly wealthy caucasian republican females like Palin. Some intoxicated southern men who did not graduate past 6th grade appreciate her for her beauty pagent physic and what a prolific hunter she is. Especially when shooting wolves from helicopters, or smiling in front of pictures of piled up dead Moose carcasses of she just shot to death."
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A commercial break at 7:28 PST - and there's no way that McCain can win.
"92 Orvillethird: "Don't be too harsh on most Americans not knowing the poppies."
They're available here in California, albeit not quite as attractive as in Britain. But the US does remember, and the day itself, November 11th.
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And now, for something completely different:
www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27488353/
Actually, a bit sad, and scary. I hope we can put this pettiness behind us.
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I'm really enjoying watching the almost funereal atmosphere amongst some of the Fox analysts, and John Bolton getting in a right paddy (not sure if it's a blue one) on BBC.
I don't know which channel to watch! I'm trying to stick with Wolf for the big announcements.
I would caution people not to get to excited about states being "too close to call" or "tied" - in many areas the results of the Republican-favouring rural areas and Democrat-favouring urban areas do not come in at the same rate, so early results can distort the true picture. "Too close to call" can just mean there isn't enough actual voting data from the precincts where exit polls have been made, and it can turn out not to be particularly close at all.
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Iowa is an exciting win. Good for America!
Polls still open here in lalaland, but CA is not up for grabs and not really a factor.
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It looks like the Palin woman is going back to Alaska and stay there.
This will change the way the world looks at the USA.
It is nice to be here to see history being made
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I'd love to see someone ask John Bolton if Bill O'Reilly or Sean Hannity are examples of excellent journalism after he has spent the whole evening railing on BBC journalists for "arguing, not interviewing".
The guy has absolutely no credibility.
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43. susanbird1 wrote:
"What is wrong with you Justin? Those girls are Afro-Americans. Just as Obama is half white and half black. White Americans don't like it when you refer to him as black because he is both.
Stop scaremongering the UK and USA people."
What on earth is scare-mongering about it? It's normal British usage. see Gary Younge's piece about Obama in last weekend's Guardian.
Doesn't 'scare' us. (Might get the BNP going, but they are thank god a nasty-minded minority.)
Google David Lamy (Brit government minister) or Diane Abbott . . .Oona King . . .We might not have a black PM (not likely we'd have an 'Afro-American' -- shouldn't that be 'African-American'? -- anyway) but we have black ministers and MP's. And reporters and civil servants . . .
Millie's right.
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I really enjoyed the election night, until this man called John Bolton came. Please do not have him any more. He spoils your broadcast, offends the guests and the reporters, acts superficial, angry and rude. How many more more patronising comments do we have to take (us viewers)? The fact there he is an expert should not give him the right to treat everyone else like nothing. I certainly hope you won't have him again as he irritates the viewers. Guests like him make you look unprofessional, which you certainly aren't.
Anna
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Greetings from Chicago!
As somebody who never votes Republican, I am happy for the landslide victory I am confident Obama is about to enjoy. I feel his victory is a national referendum/condemnation of not only the Bush administration but of modern Republicanism and their politics of fear, uncertainty and doubt.
Having said that, there's tremendous irony in knowing that my Republican friends actually have little to fear: Obama is no socialist. It's a shame that everyday, working Republicans were fooled into thinking that Obama was a godless commie when in fact he is a simple, ordinary, old-school Democrat and champion of the middle class. Remember, he was the least progressive of the Democratic candidates, as his stance on universal health care (anti) illustrated.
Dream on! I am from Chicago too, and know that Obama is a fraud. This was a text book case of a media war against Bush first, and then a love fest with Obama. Really it has been a disgusting failure of american journalism, like one that the the free world has never seen. And there is no landslide here; Obama has no mandate for an agenda that is still unclear. I personally will be energized and mobilized in 2012 to move these frauds like Obama out of office.
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With losses in Pennsylvania and Ohio, McCain appears to have lost. As expected the Democrats will pick up signifigant gains in the House and Senate.
With two wars and others looming, a recession that could turn into a depression, America has turned to one of the least qualified individuals who ever ran for President on a major party ticket.
R.I.P. America. People get the government they deserve.
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#88
Make that half-baked Alaska.
This isn't going to last all night after all. And me full of coffee and chocolate. Since I'll be jittery and wide awake maybe I'll watch Dr Who DVDs (Chris Eccleston) or Blackadder Goes Forth or the first season of Life or the first season of Heroes. Oh heck, why not ALL of them!
Yeeeeha!
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92. Orvillethird wrote:
Don't be too harsh on most Americans not knowing the poppies. We don't have as big a grasp of British History and Culture.
Tried not to be, I have to explain it to Europeans a lot, too. I think we're the only ones who do the poppy thing (though I thought Canadians did?), don't know why exactly.
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106. At 03:29am on 05 Nov 2008, Via-Media wrote:
And now, for something completely different:
www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27488353/
Actually, a bit sad, and scary. I hope we can put this pettiness behind us.
****************
Absolutely horrible. Yes, there are still people in the US who believe that acts like this are just. Just goes to show how important this election is.
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Just had a sudden (probably shallow) insight... My 8 year old came home from school, both excited and troubled by a mock election in the 3rd grade. He was the only one in his class to vote for Obama (smart kid!), and spent the rest of the day w. kids passing nasty notes to him about it.
My 6th grader also had a mock election, and although he was also in a minority (one of only 3), they had an interesting discussion on the pros and cons of each, their teacher helped debunk a lot of the untruths, and he seemed to really enjoy it.
As I'm a Cub Scout leader for my younger son's age group, I know many of the kids at his school, and they're all good kids. They seem to be like most kids that age turning this into a big "sports contest" and razzing the other team.
But then I just realized, this is what a lot of the wings of both parties have resorted to (Rs more so than Ds, I think...) They've made this into a sporting event, cheering for their own team, booing the other side. Except they're acting like 3rd graders, and, unlike 3rd graders, they have adult hormones turning good-natured rivalry into outright hostility and anger and rage. It's no longer about compromise or toleration, like my 6th grader already knows- it's reversion to tribalism. Us good, them bad...
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I'm only paying attention to on-line content.
BBC, MSNBC, LATimes, and various foreign newspapers. I love the google translations!
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109. sampsiceramus wrote:
It looks like the Palin woman is going back to Alaska and stay there.
This will change the way the world looks at the USA.
Will it change the way Alaska looks at Russia though?
I bet the meeses, polar bears, wolves and seals are emigrating to Canada in a hurry tonight, though, if they've got any sense.
She's going to be in a terrible temper when she gets back. None of them will be safe.
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I hope for my own sake that Obama is elected. I also think that it is possible that he reaches accross the isle when he builds his caanbinet. John McCain for Secretary of Veterans Affairs anyone?
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105. David_Cunard wrote:
"92 Orvillethird: "Don't be too harsh on most Americans not knowing the poppies."
They're available here in California, albeit not quite as attractive as in Britain.
Didn't know that. Just for expats, or do Californians wear them?
(The mods spoilt the Arnie thing didn't they? I had high hopes of that one.)
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Fox have called Virginia, now THAT is a nice win. Still wouldn't be as big as North Carolina... I think that will go too.
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So basically as soon as the West coast polls close that will be that for McCain, Obama will have the numbers regardless of Florida, Virginia, and North Carolina, and I expect he will pick up two of those three. The NeoCons have been crushed and John McCain will rue the fact that his shot came eight years too late...
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I think the "dictator" comment from the McCain supporter is hilarious.
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But a 60/40 wouldn't be desirable, by all accounts.
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sportsfan@100 "I love Politics, even though My girlfriend is Republican"
Oh dear! How long is that headache going to last? You have my English sympathy..
At least you will have more time for watching sport!
;-)
I was going to wait for the blue number to get to 270.. But I feel I could go to sleep now, safe that I will awake to a better, safer and more enlightened world.
Maybe it will be a pipe dream though, like '97 in Britain. Let's hope not!
I went to a lovely street party in May '97 - it seems like a dream now though.. Which turned to a nightmare! (The Brits will understand what I mean..)
My mother will be turning in her grave, she always taught me not to mention religion or politics..
GOD BLESS AMERICA as USA politicians always seem to feel the need to add.
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Wow! More excitement. Hope the latest is true.
No real opposition would not be good.
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festerson:
"Having said that, there's tremendous irony in knowing that my Republican friends actually have little to fear: Obama is no socialist. It's a shame that everyday, working Republicans were fooled into thinking that Obama was a godless commie when in fact he is a simple, ordinary, old-school Democrat and champion of the middle class. Remember, he was the least progressive of the Democratic candidates, as his stance on universal health care (anti) illustrated."
Actually, Obama is VERY far left - his voting record is all the way on the left side of the spectrum.
The Bush presidnecy has been a long anmd painful failure and I'm glad to see it end. I would have preferred a moderate with a divided government now, but I can understand the symbolic attraction of the Obama victory. I am an independent and don't like to see one party have too much power. They get into mischief that way.
But don't kid yourself: Obama is far on the left and the Dems in charge of congress are as well. The moderates of BOTH parties are shut out in the cold.
So we will move back to the usual divisiveness.
But that's American politics!
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Well in less than ten minueets we geet Idaho, California, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii, that should be enough to put Obama over the top I am Happy my girlfriend is upset, But I think this is good moment for America and the world. By the way a couple of months ago an Anniversary passed that no one noticed. On September 3rd, 1783 the Treaty of Paris was signed in which the United Kingdom officially recognized American Independence.
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"... One Senator can hold up legislation - unless crushed by the 60/40 supermajority. Dictatorship might be held at bay... "
Don't forget the "nuclear option" the former Republican majority threatened. A simple majority suffices to alter the Senate rules to disallow the filibuster. Just the threat of doing so was sufficient to deter a Democratic filibuster, and now the Democrats are able to wield the same threat.
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A republican 'spokeswoman':
"Almighty God, guns and game: the Republican Party's going to have to change what it stands for, isn't it?" asked the R5 interviewer just now. "It's not what you say, it's how you say it," she replied.
I remember this.
It messed up both our Labour Party and Tories for years as they kept trying to say "it's not the message, it's the way you present it."
Took them both years to grasp that actually, we didn't care for either the message or the way it was presented . . .
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Hello
Just been watching the coverage on News 24. John Bolton was on, never seen such an arrogant display. John Bolton embodies quite well all the qualities that have led to this Republican defeat, hubris combined with intellectual and moral bankruptcy.
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"It's going to be a landslide for Obama unless McCain's party somehow steals the election. America is so messed up right now, worst I've seen it in my lifetime. Only the people who are super wealthy, super religious, or only vote for one party no matter whoe the candidate is in this country vote Republican. Those are the 20% of people who still think GW was a good president.
If people are poor and voting Republican, then they really don't understand that they are voting for a party who doesn't represent them. Unless they are racist. Todays Republicans are for lowering taxes for the highest income brackets. Keeping as much of there incomes to themselves. They believe that everyone should take care of themselves. They beleive in limiting government unless it has to do with someone's religious beliefs that aren't christian, then they believe in more government intrusion. Legistlating morality. They support war because it stimulates the economy. They are the wealthy and the powerful."--#99, InclineVillager
Excuse me?!? I am going to admit it, I'm one of those dreaded "Republicans." I voted for McCain. But, I am not wealthy (just graduated from college, paying off student loans, while also helping my parents' financial situation out), I am not super religious (I am a practicing Catholic however, but growing up in the Bible Belt, I realized that counts me out as a "Christian" by some groups of evangelical Christians), and I don't consider myself an one-party voter. I considered Obama during the primaries and the general election. I guess I fall in the "poor Republican" category, which means I am either stupid (I don't understand that the Republican party doesn't represent us poor people) or that I am racist because I refused to vote for an African-American for president. As a voter and someone who picked up all those student loans by studying politics, I would consider myself knowledgeable about political parties and maybe even a little bit about political and social organization. And, racist? That is so low and completely out of order. I unequivocally detest racism. While I do not agree with Obama, I am excited that he was the first African-American presidential candidate from one of the main parties (and as it looks like now, first President).
Look, I preferred McCain's positions, experience, and proven ability to work across the aisle so he got my vote. Not because I am a rabid Republican, not because I am a rabid racist (!!!), not because I am stupid, not because I am overly religious, not because I am super wealthy.
And, further on the comments about structural violence in America against African-Americans, I agree that there have been grave injustices done to a large segment of our society and we as a society are still evolving to fix those mistakes and injustices. But, please, you are again making platitudes.
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Love the fact that you are covering this, and have all the guests in, and appreciate the fact that Dimbleby has traditionally done this role for the UK, BUT please get Matt Frei running the show. The two of them seem to be about to be each other up, Dimbleby is stumbling horribly and injects no sensitivity or understanding of the US system, the issues at stake, or even how to pronounce some of the states names. Awful. Frie has spent the last several months learning, building and working to understand the US - why is he not taking the lead. Dreadful.
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"Nick-Gotts, I understand how annoying the platitudes the American right throws around are annoying. Why though continue on this tit-for-tat on whom can come up with the most annoying refrains?" - RunnerSK
RunnerSk, I'm absolutely delighted to see the better side of America emerging again. The world needs that. But the American right has absolutely nothing constructive to contribute. It never has. It never will. Its lies, parania, bigotry and nationalist arrogance - all of which have been on display on this blog - has sickened the world. That's why, if this election had been worldwide, Obama would have had something like 85% od the vote. I see no reason at all to soften this message.
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american sports fan:
"......I love Politics, even though My girlfriend is Republican..."
Ha! What did she say to that?!
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Yippee!
Just waiting for the speeches...
p.s. whats with the mods?
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It's 8:01 in oregon and Obama has been declared the winner thanks to California projections!!!
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"The BBC now feels it is safe to say that Barrack Obama will be the next President of the USA."
(0400 GMT.)
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WOW! Totally called on NBC, Had to turn my tv on finally!
Exciting!! I think I might cry...
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What a beautiful crowd, that gathering in Chicago. Diverse and joyous and excited like I haven't seen a crowd in...I don't remember how long. More ecstatic even than at the Convention.
He's won it, folks.
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Obama is projected winner!
139 to 297
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"U.S. NATIONAL DEBT CLOCK
The Outstanding Public Debt as of 05 Nov 2008 at 03:54:43 AM GMT"
Our national debt is:
plus $10.5 trillion.
The estimated population of the United States is 305,036,066
so each citizen's share of this debt is $34,622.07.
The National Debt has continued to increase an average of
$3.85 billion per day since September 28, 2007!
Under Bush goverment grew larger and larger, taxes went up and up and spending as you can see above soared!
So what does the above add up to? I'd say a complete waste of time electing Bush for a 2nd term along with his republicans and the $10 billion per month war in Iraq.
Barack has been elected the 44th President of the USA!!! Way to go boy!
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I knew it was over the moment Virginia was called for Obama.
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California, Washington that clinches it. Obama is the Next President. The 44th President (43rd individual to become presidident of the United States because Grover Cleveland was elected twice but lost an election in between) has been Elected. They just said that in 1968, that RFK predicted that in 40 years time that an African American could be elected President. Man oh Man. That's Prophecy. Bobby if you are watching this one tonight, This one is for You.
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Congratulations President Obama!
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nessie 1945:
Here are perfect examples of the differences between the Democrats and Republicans:
"Obama's party in a park.
McCain's party at a resort.
Obama prayer for "a good election."
McCain prayer "to win."
Luckily the voters knew who had their interests at heart. Democrats are gaining power in the House and Senate.
The message from the American people: We need our country to go in a different direction and the Right can't/won't do it for us. "
Oh yes - the Dems are just humble, simple folk - ordinary regular-joes, loveable and kindly and loving as all get-out!
Are you kidding with this stuff?
They're ALL politicians. They ALL want to win. Obama's prayer for a "Good Election"??
Holy mackerel - what claptrap! The mind boggles....
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Congratulations, America!
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All that's left now is to count the rest of the electors and wait for inauguration day in January.
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congratulations Obama, congratulations to the United States of America for a historic moment. setting an example of equality to the world!
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I'll be drinking and dancing in Brisbane, Australia tonight - this is what the world needs - a shift and a focus on what should have been FOCUSED on in 2000. A revolution in green technology - a non-fundamentalist base in America means a reduction in extreme terrorists. TOLERANCE - this is magic ... Much more exciting then the RUdd win - thanks you America. Thank you OHIO
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Time to speculate on who the Obama will chose for the Cabinet. I think he will make the following appointments. Secretary of the Treasury Warren Buffett. Secretary of State Colin Powell, Secretary of Veterans Affairs John McCain. You heard it here first, Ladies and Gentlemen. Good Night America. Good nighht Great Britian, Good Night Europe.
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British-ish:
"Feels like May 1997 did over here. People smiled at each other in the streets for the first time (it seemed) in years.
Just hope you (or we) won't be disappointed again. At least not too much."
I don't understand.
Smiling in the streets? In Britain? Over an AMERICAN election?
Maybe I am misunderstanding...
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8:00 PST - Another commercial break - and the networks have called for Obama. The evening's over except for the congressional races and local measures.
Justin, don't be a Monday morning quarterback, just accept the result for what it is.
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Er, what's the word . . .
"Vindicated", I think is what I'm looking for after the abuse and all the struggle with the prejudices and misinformation of the last few days.
(Squirrels rejoice!)
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Well Obama won with a clear majority.
So no controversary, I still want ACORN prosecuted.
Back to work and hope that he does give my money to those who don't pay income tax.
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Congratulations, America!
No Portillo moment or effect, I see. Not enough of a landslide in the East for that to happen. Though Obama will probably find Florida with its Bush association consolation enough - if he gets it.
Time to have a look at what Intrade is saying about the 5 Eastern doubtfuls.
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Amazing. What a race, what a night.
Condolences to McCain supporters, but please give it a chance.
Wow!
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A dream fulfilled....Congratulations, America.
I can sleep tonight in peace. Tomorrow is a new day.
I saw it first on BBC in America.
Thanks,
Kitiblog
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306 at 8:16pm PST. It's done. Yes!
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This statistic just put out by my local news stations - If only early voting was counted for the state of Utah, Obama would have won the state.
I voted Obama, but my state of Utah ended up going to McCain as predicted. But it was a welcome shock to hear that about the early voting numbers!
This is quite the day.
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Gracious concession speech. Still love the guy, still happy Obama won.
Whoo-Hoo!!!
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Oh yes we can and YES WE HAVE!!!!!
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Yahooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!
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Watching McCain concede on tv right now. Classy speech. It's a glimmer of the McCain that ran in years past. I wish we'd seen more of this McCain during this election.
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"One of my American friends in Wisconsin just texted me to say she had voted for Nader. Do you think this going to be a big night for the third party candidates, or will they fade into obscurity once more?"
Gareth Giles,
Guildford
Well, Gareth, because most states have a winner-take-all policy in regards to their electoral votes (I think only two apportion them out proportionately), a lot of voters who know that their state is overwhelmingly bound for one candidate or the other will take the opportunity to vote for a minor party candidate that they really sympathize with. Some call this voting your conscience, and some call it throwing your vote away. If you are in a state with a close race, it's best not to do this, but in a state with a forgone conclusion, it doesn't matter much -- to the major party candidates or to the outcome of the race, that is. But minor parties do like to rack up the votes, as it allows them to show that they have SOME presence on the political scene. Usually they fare better at the local or state level than the national level, though.
In this particular race, I don't think there will be any third-party candidate that really stands out, but in some races it has been enough to split the vote and shift the balance of power between the two major parties, as Ross Perot and Ralph Nader once did. That's why I think minor parties can be a valuable barometer of public opinion.
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I won't believe this election is over until I hear Justin Webb's concession speech.
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I did not vote for Obama, but I congratulate the President Elect in his victory. We have all been witnesses to history tonight and I am proud that I could be a part of it.
God bless America, my home sweet home.
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A perfect concession speech by McCain. Why wasn't he so generous and eloquent during the campaign?
I wish him all the best for the future. He's free to be a centrist again.
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Do not underestimate the power of this decision by the AMERICAN people. I am a Brit, who has been appalled by the behaviour of the US over the past years, amazed by the people's inability to see behind the Neo-Con agenda and voted for Bush TWICE. But this moment means so much more - a nation rocked by fear of a terrorist threat, has shown it is still able to vote for black man with a relatively liberal attitude to foreign affairs.
Can anyone imagine this happening in any of the western european countries? Don't we all see ourselves as being more liberal than those gun-totting yanks? But how long will it be before a French-Algerian, a British-Asian, a Dutch-Indonesian or a Turkish-German will be voted as the head of government of their respective countries? A long long time I suggest.
The other wonderful statement this makes is to the terrorist world, who have attempted to scare the west into a holy war no-one wants. They must have been hoping for another President that would pour more money into an un-winnable war, creating further terrorists and making their message of hate far easier to spread to the most vunerable people of the world.
So well done USA - I'm beginning to like you.
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Well, I listened to McCain's speech; why couldn't he have been so gracious before?
(Even if it sounded as though there was going to be a 'but' every time he mentioned Obama. But honourable all the same.)
Not sure I could say the same for the crowd, though.
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americanposrtsfan:
"I hope for my own sake that Obama is elected. I also think that it is possible that he reaches accross the isle when he builds his caanbinet. John McCain for Secretary of Veterans Affairs anyone?"
REACH ACROSS THE AISLE?
Are you kidding, buddy?
Obama will do what her imperial majesty Nancy Pelosi tells him.
There will be NO friendly overtures - even to moderate Dems. Obama and his congress have absolute control. We will see an avalanche of left-wing legislation. And all of it will pass.
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I live in Upstate New York. This is a great moment for the United States.
I hope the world will see that the American people are looking for a change as much as they are.
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british-ish:
"....bet the meeses, polar bears, wolves and seals are emigrating to Canada in a hurry tonight, though, if they've got any sense.
She's going to be in a terrible temper when she gets back. None of them will be safe. "
Well, I hate to admit it but this did make me laugh. It's quite a picture...
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McCain just gave his concession speech at approximately 9:30PM. Arizona time.
President Obama has won this election!
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Barack Oba's win is a classic PC expression.He is half Muslim so Iran bashing will be now bolder. He is Black, so blacks can continue to be in ghettos.
Nobody will tell them that what victory of Obama means is that if you have enough guts you can win.You can win only by your effort. Not by any PC support.
It does not mean any change in USA. It is a flowing river. It changes every second or remains same all the while.
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
MESSAGE TO MARK FROM OXFORD
Was I right about Montana - or was I right ?
Eightypercent a.k.a. Mary Rose
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120.british-ish
Right, sad for Alaska really.
I can see the line of all the poor animals emigrating.
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I want to hear it from the moose's mouth! Where is she? Has she been muzzled? Locked in the lavatory with Plumber Joe? Put down even?
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148 "The mind boggles...."
Yes. Obviously.
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154 "Maybe I am misunderstanding..."
Yes. Obviously.
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The greatest thing about this election + economic crisis is that it has effectively zapped us out of apathy. Americans care once again what goes on outside of our own self-centered lives! This is great!
Even the people supporting and voting for McCain I think have caught onto the trend of caring about something bigger than themselves, and perhaps Obama can move to unify the nation and harness that energy. That kind of energy is far more powerful than oil or nuclear energy for changing how we do things here.
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NickGotss:
"runnersk, I'm absolutely delighted to see the better side of America emerging again."
Very nice of you. Now hopefully we will see the better side of Britain as well.
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#122. british-ish: They're (poppies) available here in California, albeit not quite as attractive as in Britain.
Didn't know that. Just for expats, or do Californians wear them?
I bought mine from Vet who had them outside my local supermarket. I don't think too many people actually wear them, but they aren't only for ex-pats. I have read that the custom of wearing then actually started with an American who had read the poem "In Flanders Field", but I don't think the significance of Flanders in 1915 is the same for Americans, since they did not come into "The Great War" until 1917. Come to think of it, I've not seen any other symbols sold on this side - in the UK there used to be all kinds of "days" when primroses and such were sold by ladies jiggling a can for donations.
"(The mods spoilt the Arnie thing didn't they? I had high hopes of that one.)"
Indeed - my Mods e-mail said that it was homophobic! Moi?? But to quote the North Country saying - and later TV series - there's nowt so queer as folk!
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british-ish
Damn right. All animals get out of Alaska!!! Seals and polar bears will be much safer in the sea.
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clogginbantam:
"Do not underestimate the power of this decision by the AMERICAN people. I am a Brit, who has been appalled by the behaviour of the US over the past years..."
But you're "beginning to like us?"
How very gracious of you.....
But are we beginning to like YOU?
The jury is still out.
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Thanks for the updates, Justin!
Great night to all.
And again...
WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
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157/Kirin
You still haven't got it, ACORN were the VICTIMS of the fraud. ACORN employees took ACORN'S money from them for completing fake registrations.
ACORN should prosecute the fraudsters, not just fire them. No-one has any reason to prosecute ACORN.
If ACORN had not been involved in getting so many VALID new voters registered for this election it could have been a very different story. They should be congratulated by both parties for services to democracy and helping to get a more accurate poll, with many many more people engaging with the political system.
I'm sure there are people who would prefer that ACORN were not extending the voter register to more and more Americans, I'm sure they would prefer it if the voter register was limited to white landowners. It would make winning so much easier for their guy... [yawn]
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Justin. Thanks for working your fingers to a blog over the last few months.
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Nice speech from John McCain. I kind of feel bad for him. I think he got shafted by his advisors and his party. He got caught up in something he wanted too bad and got lost in all of the rhetoric. He took bad advice from people who were self serving. He is an admirable individual but; this election was not meant for republicans. Now, Obama has to deliver what he promised. We need; health care; we need a better foreign policy we need a better economy that is fair to the middle class; and we need a leader that LISTENS to their constituents.
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154. At 04:09am on 05 Nov 2008, TimothyR444 wrote:
British-ish:
Smiling in the streets? In Britain? Over an AMERICAN election?
Maybe I am misunderstanding...
Yes, you are: people smiled at each other hereafterour 1997 election. We had had a thoroughly miserable few years before that. Thought that was clear.
But I can see a lot of happy faces on the telly pictures from the US as well.
But, yes, after what we've endured the last few years thanks to Bush, very likely people will be looking a bit more cheery here this morning too. And in a lot of other parts of the world, too, very likely.
Why shout at me? After all that people have written here about what we think a change in direction in America may mean for the rest of the world, is it so surprising?
And please note I'm not writing "know" or "will".
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"I'll be drinking and dancing in Brisbane, Australia tonight - this is what the world needs - a shift and a focus on what should have been FOCUSED on in 2000. A revolution in green technology - a non-fundamentalist base in America means a reduction in extreme terrorists. TOLERANCE - this is magic ... Much more exciting then the RUdd win - thanks you America. Thank you OHIO"
So you are blaming Americans for terrorism?
This is the sort of "logic" that cannot be grasped. Absolutely unbelievable.
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OBAMA won. However, by a small majority in popular votes.
This shows the number 1 thing american need is balance media and proper education.
China has a higher education standard than USA.
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Awesome Obama speech so far...
WHoooooooooooooooooooooo
Hoooooooooooooooooooooo
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188.TimothyR444 wrote:
"But are we beginning to like YOU?
The jury is still out."
Just as long as the judge didn't tell it to bring in a hanging verdict . . .
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182-183:
Nessie:
*chuckle*
Why do you bother responding if you aren't going to say anything at all?
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McCain was eloquent in defeat and appeared to be his sincere old self. Palin looked a little lost.
I look forward to Obama's first steps. There is a golden opportunity for healing and collaboration over the next few months. If the US is so widely despised in the world, as indicated on this blog, then he has the chance to work with his detractors as well as the international community to show his skills in negotiation and cooperation.
He has earned the opportunity to prove himself. Let's see it.
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187. paul939 wrote:
"british-ish
Damn right. All animals get out of Alaska!!! Seals and polar bears will be much safer in the sea."
How about the wolves? Can they swim? Would they do a doggy paddle? Bit hazy about wolves, we haven't had any around for several hundred years, I think.
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"The greatest thing about this election + economic crisis is that it has effectively zapped us out of apathy. Americans care once again what goes on outside of our own self-centered lives! This is great!
Even the people supporting and voting for McCain I think have caught onto the trend of caring about something bigger than themselves, and perhaps Obama can move to unify the nation and harness that energy. That kind of energy is far more powerful than oil or nuclear energy for changing how we do things here."
HA! Too absurd.
Perhaps YOU have been caught up in your "self-centred life". Speak for yourself.
And the reference to "even the McCain people..."! And the idea that Obama will "unify" us!
Obama is just as divisive as Bush.
The unconscious condescenscion is breathtaking.
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TimothyR444@185,
You're very much the side of America I hope to see and hear less of: the arrogant, bullying, imperialist side. Though not so much as MagicKirin/DameMargaretThatcher/icetoyoa. To him I say: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Now, was all that garbage about "Marxism" genuine paranoia, or just a pack of lies?
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"But, yes, after what we've endured the last few years thanks to Bush, very likely people will be looking a bit more cheery here this morning too. And in a lot of other parts of the world, too, very likely.
Why shout at me? After all that people have written here about what we think a change in direction in America may mean for the rest of the world, is it so surprising?
And please note I'm not writing "know" or "will"."
Shout at you?
*chuckle*
What are you talking about?
As for what Bush has "put you through" - spare me. That is just self-pity and passivity.
He's our president - not yours. What a load of melodrama.
I never equated the Brits with self-pity until recent years. It is not an edifying spectacle.
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Well that was good.
JW notable by his absence from the UK coverage (other than this blog).
Night night folks (or more accurately good morning).
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stephe derry:
":...I'm sure there are people who would prefer that ACORN were not extending the voter register to more and more Americans, I'm sure they would prefer it if the voter register was limited to white landowners. It would make winning so much easier for their guy... "
WHITE LANDOWNERS!
Yeah! I love it! The sheer succulent lunacy of political correctness: defending those crazy ACORN folks.
Thanks for the laugh. Must sleep now. Interesting spending election night with a mostly British group. No doub you'll think of something else to start lecturing Americans about tomorrow.
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You look at the map, though, and 'Middle America' hasn't changed, has it?
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NickGoitts:
"You're very much the side of America I hope to see and hear less of: the arrogant, bullying, imperialist side. Though not so much as MagicKirin/DameMargaretThatcher/icetoyoa. To him I say: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Now, was all that garbage about "Marxism" genuine paranoia, or just a pack of lies?"
I can't let this one go! Too funny...
Translation of your post: I dare to question and disagree with YOU. That equals Imperialist.
IMPERIALIST! From a BRIT!
*chuckle*
I knew there would be some nice chunk of anti-American bombast before I excused myself for the night.
Thanks for not disappointing me.
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It's just a shame that when Obama is re-elected in 4 years with an even larger majority, all these neo-con apologists will have disappeared back under their rocks so we won't be able to say "We told you so."
It's true a lot of Americans didn't vote for Obama and many of them dislike him. It's true that Bush promised to put partisan politics behind him then broke that promise. It's true that none of us really know what Obama will be like in office, but unlike Bush unity does seem to be the very central plank of his mandate.
The US ceased being despised by the rest of the world at 04:00 GMT. You have a clean slate. Make us proud.
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Justin, I loved all of your posts except the last two.
This incredible moment is already gone to some people, which is pretty sad.
Is it really a good time to start looking at the next election? Can we give this a shot first?
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Justin, old fellow:
There's a place in the world for people who are white and elderly as well - even *gasp* people who are NOT left wing.
Just a thought as you go your politically correct way...
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Hey TimothyR444, give it a break. YOu don't have to go attacking everybody who hopes for some change from the current administration. So cool down.
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This is a total win for America. Stop it with the negative comments about Obama. Accept it. Do any of you honestly think we could get any worse off than we are now? Really? There is no way. All we have right now is to be able to believe in what Obama is saying. Only time will tell if he will deliver. Try to be an optimist. We have gone through the biggest expansion of government in the last 8 years along with record spending. Talk about socialism. Even thought it's really not because, none of this expansion and spending ever worked for the majority of the middle class in this country. Shut up and accept the fact Barack won just like we had to choke down the fact that George Bush won in 2004. We got through it, even though it literally ruined many people financially. Then he turned around and bailed out banks with 700 million dollars of OUR money, which my generation will be paying for. The republicans have made a gamble with future generations and lost. This is America, we can get through anything. If you want to be heard, cast your vote for someone else in 2012.
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@TimothyR444,
Obama to take orders from Pelosi? What kind of republican crack is that? What gave you the idea that a President would be led around by members of the hill or of his staff....oh wait nevermind. I know exactly where you got that idea from. Well rest assured, Obama is no Bush.
Yes, he votes with democrats over 90% of the time, but he's reached across the aisle on a number of occasions as well. He helped to hand Reid a fairly embarrassing defeat by working with one of the more conservative members of the Senate. He also broke ranks when he supported the extension of FISA. Just two examples of his willingness to compromise and/or buck his party's wishes. Please provide counter examples or stop spreading the Faux News.
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President Elect Obama's election winning speech was a very disappointing speech for the world but an essential speech for an inward looking and demoralised America.
There was no mention of climate change as an issue at all - only the worldwide financial crisis as an important international agenda item.
This only reinforces the view that America is still largely a backward participant in global issues.
The Yanks needed change and he will be a great catalyst for change in their country.
However, we are still 2 or 3 generations away from seeing an American leader who we can rightly call a true citizen of the world.
We need a American leader who will be an important catalyst for the biggest problem facing our planet - climate change.
Barack old mate, I hope I am wrong but your speech scares me mate - it makes you sound like another inward looking American leader who cares nothing about the rest of us and we have had enough world leaders who always sprout nationalism and never consider globalism.
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If he can go two terms without being assassinated, I think I can start loving my country again.
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Yahooooo! Okay, now the real work starts.
The most gracious concession speech by McCain I have ever heard. The most uplifting victory speech by Obama I have ever heard. Maybe there really is hope.
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Two very gracious speeches - I almost believe there is hope, but wait to see.
Go USA!
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205 Timothy
I'm not defending ACORN out of political correctness, I'm defending them because not only are they not doing anything wrong, they are doing something that any objective believer in democracy can see is right - enfranchising people.
Get this straight, conservatives hate ACORN because they believe they are partisan, and they believe they are partisan because they operate mainly in poor urban areas, and the majority of voters they register in poor urban areas tend to be (purely because of the demographics) people likely to vote Democrat. No doubt there are plenty of evangelical church groups out registering the rural equivalents.
Of course they can't object to something that is legal and advances the cause of democracy, so they cry "fraud" at every opportunity. Even when (and I've tried explaining this at least seven times now) ACORN are the victims of the fraud they are referring to. They just want to associate the word "ACORN" with the word "fraud" as frequently as they can, and it gets pretty tiresome. It's the laziest form of smearing.
There is never and has never been any evidence of electoral fraud attributed to ACORN that has reached, never mind been thrown out of, court. This is one of the great conservative urban myths, and really needs to be exploded once and for all.
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Hehehehe.....PRESIDENT OBAMA. Excellent work America, just glad to see that people like TimothyR444 & BienvenueEnLouisiana are vastly out numbered.
I hope you enjoy the new left USA.
America may even regain some of the respect the rest of the world had before the disaster that was Bush and Co.
Sweet sweet victory over the bible bashing gun totin gay hatin war lovin rednecks that were bringing the country down
God bless America, and the rest of the wrold too.
Hehehehehe Timothy
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Timothy R444:
It's pretty well been proven tonight you, jcp, DMT, MagicK and MaII are in a minority, which I must say is a relief.
Word of advice: I'd be careful about commenting on an Iranian or Russian broadcast blog during their next elections, though.
If you were to display the same attitudes (not that edifying either, really) to them as you have to us, heaven knows what might happen.
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re. 152. NETCRUSHER :
"Thank you OHIO"
Well, Ohio appreciates your support :-)
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I firmly believe that Sen.McCain when he chose Ms Palin to be his running mate, deliberately set himself up to fail. Surely her faults were well known by the time she came to his attention. To bow out as gracefully as he did from a very hard fought campaign speaks volumes of an erudite and brave man and one not lacking in strategic intelligence.
I am relieved that Sen. Obama is now President Elect. As a Canadian I am very very tired of being looked upon as either a harbourer of terroists or the 51st State.
I would dearly love to sit down with President Obama and discuss our cross border issues. Perhaps someone will.
I live in hope.
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Only four years to the next one!
Bye-bye.
(And don't forget to be nice to squirrels.)
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Although Obama gave me chills - my buddy said it best when he said he was an African American JFK - I can't help but feel cautious. How he is going to run his presidency is always up in the air. However, what does give me faith is his ultimately positive message of hope - his powers of inspiration will make it that much easier, if he does prove an effective Commander In Chief, to make things happen.
On another note, its nice to have a win-win situation with the McCain vs Obama election. A welcome change from Bush vs Kerry...
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#195.Wil_Ng: "OBAMA won. However, by a small majority in popular votes."
We really won't know that for several more hours or possibly days; the results have been largely projections and, for example, the California votes have not been tabulated, the polls closed less than two hours ago. The final tally will of course be interesting.
One thing that was notable between the supporters of both candidates, when McCain gave his concession speech and mentioned Mr Obama, Republicans in Arizona booed. When Mr Obama mentioned Mr McCain, Democrats applauded. There's something to be learnt from that.
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festerson:
Obama to take orders from Pelosi? What kind of republican crack is that? What gave you the idea that a President would be led around by members of the hill or of his staff....oh wait nevermind. I know exactly where you got that idea from. Well rest assured, Obama is no Bush.
*chuckle*
Looks like I struck a nerve...
Actually I am not a Bush follower.
I am an independent voter. It is a difficult concept to grasp, I know, but I do not allow ANYONE, of either party, to tell me what to think.
As for Pelosi: you're kidding yourself, pal. Obama is an intelligent, passive man who has none of the steel of Pelosi. She will run things. Sorry - that's the truth.
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Justin, I am surprised at your response when asked what will be the impact of Obama getting into the "house behind you"? by your colleague. For the life of me I cant understand why, as you say, would a beautiful elegant and charming lady like Michelle Obama and two fantastic kids of the Obamas in the White House be cause for concern in the way Americans see themselves as. I think this is a very narrow and misleading view on your part. In my opinion you should offer your viewers an apology. It seems somewhat derogotory to the Obama family and totally unjustified given that American themselves have shown wholeheartedly that they embrace the Obama "package"? Perhaps your view reflects a British view, do enlighten, I am baffled. Perhaps Matt Frei would have handled the question better?
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Now we got the technicalities over with and less than 1/3rd the US population actually voting, perhaps we can begin to know what the heir apparent community organizer (aka professional presidential candidate) has been hiding for 2 yrs???
To paraphrase Michelle the Princess apparent, now can she "be proud of the country?"
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194 "This is the sort of "logic" that cannot be grasped. Absolutely unbelievable."
You seem confused and peeved. Why not find some friends to commiserate with instead of trying to rain on the parade of an international celebration of relief and hope.
The road won't be a smooth one, but there are possibilities.
I've enjoyed getting to "know" and appreciate the wit and wisdom of many different people during the last says of this election.
It's nice to know that people reading this blog now have a better (if sometimes horrified) understanding of the divisions facing the people in the U.S.
It's even nicer to know things have worked out in a way that gives us a chance to regain our peace, prosperity, and maybe eventually some international respect and trust.
Well the 51% of us that aren't total [fill in scatalogical insult of your choice] anyway.
Goodnight and good luck.
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it would figure that you would bring up strongsville, ohio one more time. i've remained quiet about this...
strongsville, ohio is, literally, a 2 minute drive from my house. the, now infamous, republican rally took place about 5 minutes from my house; i live in the city directly south of strongsville (brunswick), almost on the border. the sad part is that i know some of the people in that video that were, essentially, calling obama a terrorist.
i'm not currently living there, as i'm pursuing interests abroad (recent college grad), but my family still lives in the same house. my family and i were discussing the same matter of "what if obama wins? how will these people react? how will they treat the people they know to be democrats?" you may think this line of questioning is ignorant, but you probably don't understand the way these people think (in ways that i, literally, do).
if there's any one thing i want, it's for people to accept this victory. obama has to prove himself, and if he doesn't do his job to the best of his ability, then i understand if people begin to dislike him. to abhor him prior to even winning, however, is something that i cannot understand.
let's see what happens.
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#206
Could you sound more sour and cynical? Don't get me started on bitter.
You're looking at a stupid red/blue state map after tonight?
Why dismiss all of those that didn't vote as you did?
Are you eager for change or just do you like to bitch about people who don't share your viewpoint?
Let me guess, you fancy yourself as one of those people that are so worldly and smart, people can only possibly disagree if they are just to stupid to understand things the way you do.
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Its late in Chicago . Its been a amazing day .
I see the backdrop of my life having grown up in this city ,in the scenes from Grant Park as I see them on television this evening . I would have never imagined that a day like today would or could have happened in my life . I am overwhelmed in emotion . I wish my Dad and Mom were alive today to see this day.
Its been a long life , sixty years and counting .
I have seen this city change , reinvent itself and grow. I am proud to be from Chicago.
To the world - one short note :We have this incredible guy from the South Side here that we would like you to get to know
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how amazing the first black president (or mayby not, part white)proberbly had a good education and some backing to go into politics. A big deal has been made about Obama being afroamerican. Throughout the nighte by the BBC.
What would have been amazing, great, and truly life changening would be an originioal inhabitant off the USA, native american as President.
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Just as the BrOther moved to the center when he learned he needed to be less liberal (dare I say share the wealth socialist?) to win the election (about the time his accent became more mid-western versus urban) he WILL...no doubt disappointing a whole lot of his supporters when he cannot deliver on his promises.
Let the games begin!
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Don't forget people, Obama isn't the President yet; this is the transition period where by the President Elect works to create a cabinet. There will also be a lamb duck Congressional session before Inauguration Day on Jan. 20th.
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redagast:
"Hehehehehe Timothy"
Ha! How do you know who I voted for?
There is no place where I defend Bush. Never have - never will.
I DO think independently - and I do not like sentimental hysteria surrounding politics and I do not like anti-Americanism.
When I see any of that, I point it out.
There must be someone on this "Worship Obama" blog who takes a pragmatic perspective.
I find the "Americans are evil. We might forgive them" routine to be absurd.
Surely even in your way of thinking there is room for independence. Emotions are not the only answer.
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I forgot, stupidly. I'm sometimes easily distracted.
I'd meant to say 'thanks and all the best' to all those contributors who have both informed me, challenged me and amused me, even helped by joining in with my occasional little fantasies and bits of fun.
(Except of course, the amalgam listed in Stephen's No 313 in "Sinister Motives". A suitable place in which to name them, I thought.)
Ciao.
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Everyone from Dan Rather to quite a few of Fox News' analysts seems to think Obama will govern from the centre and include at least a couple of Republicans in his administration. Tom Luger's name is being mentioned.
It would be a wise move, and shut up half his critics in one blow without particularly compromising on his agenda.
Of course there are people who will post "he'll never do it" right up until he does it, at which point they'll change their tune to "it's just a publicity stunt."
They remind me of Monty Python's Black Knight...
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Occasionally in a lifetime one experiences happenings that are out of this world.
In 1969 it was the first moon landing but todays result supercedes that.
If you will excuse me paraphrasing quotes for the free worlds new president.
" One giant step for that man, one small leap for mankind"
A journey of a thousand miles that the world has been eagerly awaiting begins today with this single step.
Congratulations America.
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Now American travelers can stop sticking Canadian flags on their backpacks.
Americans! We are no longer pissed off with you
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Well Justin, you were in the can for Obama right for the start.. it was when you compared Hillary to Hitler that I tuned out and even wrote a letter to the BBC calling for you to be sacked.
America does need a new direction.. and it's all good and well picking a black man for the job, but not this one. I don't think he deserved it.
Colin Powell is a man who had he ran for the president would have been a black man who deserved it.
It's okay.. we need a new direction and I'm happy that we've changed paths.. I just hope YOUR man can take us there.
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# 154
"Smiling in the streets in Britain over an AMERICAN election?"
Indeed! As earlier postings claimed, Britain, among the civilized nations, feels that it is dependent on the USA for defense and foreign policy.
Obama may do much, but
With 38% of the exit polls supporting Palin, there is a dark cloud impending over America's future.
Leadership must pass to a coalition of civilized nations and the USA be left to sink into a Talebani-like future.
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G.W.Bush destroyed the budget and the economy and now his party has conveniently let someone else pick-up the pieces. Good luck, Barack, you're in for a tough ride
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#219.
hehe; getting out all that hate of Republicans now that the election's over, redagast.
Just remember, there will be other elections. At least 48% of the country voted for McCain in the popular vote and they were hardly all the stereotyped "bible bashing, gun totin, gay hatin, war lovin, rednecks" that you described.
Such gloating says more about your intolerant self than anything else.
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I and my father were born in Pottsville, and while we don't live there now, I'm here to tell you that I'm sure that Pottsville will rise to the occassion of supporting a president who brings the promise of real change to this country. This current administration has bankrupted us, morally and fiscally. We want the world to know that we are thrilled with this outcome and hope this begins the healing process of the massive injustices that the Bush administration did under the cover of 9/11 along with a majority in Congress. We are anxiously awaiting the start of a new era, and hope you will work with us to turn this mess around.
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"Virginia is a changed state - it has grown by 50% in 10 years. Those newcomers are not your granny's Virginians. Virginia looks and feels different."
Justin makes these sweeping assertions as if he's lived in the USA for so long and has absorbed so much. He's been in Washington just six years, so how can he compare what the state was like ten years ago with what it is today?
"Someone at the McCain wake has told an AP reporter: "I'm very afraid that we're going to lose our freedoms, that the country will be controlled by almost a dictator."
No more than Tony Blair was or any other head of the UK government given a working majority. One can hope that there will be a filibuster-proof chamber so that proposed polices can wind their way onto the statute book.
Because Justin is a six-year resident, I wonder if he has yet taken citizenship? He's almost more American than the Americans.
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Add on North Carolina too. We have been through the county by county tallies .... we also know that the provisional ballots will favor Democrats - in part because of the new registrations lead by the DEM's.
NC Turned Blue ... first time since 1976 with Jimmy Carter.
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240. At 06:17am on 05 Nov 2008, sampsiceramus wrote:
"Now American travelers can stop sticking Canadian flags on their backpacks.
Americans! We are no longer pissed off with you"
HAHA! You guys found out? Crap... Plan B is in effect until Jan 20th 2009. I can't tell you what it is but, it involves us Americans using a word that we often make fun of and don't understand "eh".
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#236 TimothyR444 wrote:
Ha! How do you know who I voted for?
There is no place where I defend Bush. Never have - never will.
I DO think independently - and I do not like sentimental hysteria surrounding politics and I do not like anti-Americanism.
When I see any of that, I point it out.
There must be someone on this "Worship Obama" blog who takes a pragmatic perspective.
I find the "Americans are evil. We might forgive them" routine to be absurd.
Surely even in your way of thinking there is room for independence. Emotions are not the only answer.
**********************************
Mate, good to hear you don't and won't defend Bush, because his administration is undefendable and some of them should be sent to the Hague for war crimes.
Also, glad to hear that no-one tells you how to think etc. I'm not and I think most of us on here are not Anti-American, we just grew tired of the USG and had to take it out on someone.
And the America is evil and we might forgive them bla di bla bla, is a bit of a generalization of the views posted here.
You say this is a worship Obama blog, I think not, more of a republican disdain blog so Obama is the logical benefactor.
As for Pelosi running the show, well I guess we will just have to wait and see, but the President hasn't been running the US for quite some time now.
Cheney and Rove have been pulling Bush's strings for 8 years so you should be used to it by now.
I wish you all the best TimothyR444, maybe this blog has enlightened you what the people in the lands of your Allies think of the US, and maybe you should care.
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244. At 06:30am on 05 Nov 2008, ladycm
"This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules".
Garbage. Total garbage.
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"Someone at the McCain wake has told an AP reporter: "I'm very afraid that we're going to lose our freedoms, that the country will be controlled by almost a dictator."
Funny how suddenly they talk about dictators and stuff after all that's happened over the last 8 years. Wasn't it a no-brain administration that behaved like a dictator suddenly finds use of the word "dictator"?
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For all of those that have been justifiably concerned over the media's love of Obama, your time is now!!
In the next couple of months, I suspect they are going to write about all of his shortcomings.
I voted for Obama, but the media coverage bothered me more than a little. Now that he's in, watch for the "serious analysis".
Justin seemed to give McCain more of a fair shake than most of the US media, certainly more than the BBC overall.
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#248
"He was beaten by a con man with ties to the Chicago underground"
He was beaten by his own campaign, hijacked by all the neocons. And stop being a sore loser. And mind your language.
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He did it, and didn't we know he would.
Senator McCaine did his best and I hope he retires now because he deserves to.
I'm excited to see what he brings to the USA.
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Obama means decency, diversity and tolerance. Instead of a simple concession speech McCain owes him an apology for the the crappy election slurs
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Being a native Texan, this was a very strenuous election. I have never felt more proud of the United States than I am now. We the people have spoken... We believe in a global economy with strong allies. We believe in the power of a positive Government, and we believe in the fundamental structure that created our country. We are a Country that needs restructuring and new leadership. We are a country that needs a new path. But most of all, we are a country that needs a leader like Obama that not only has a vision and respect for the USA, but has a respect for all man kind.
P.S. For those that are worried about Obama having a Muslim faith, he has held his Chritian faith at the same church for 20 years. And honestly, we are the UNITED States, should it really matter? That is why we fought for our country in the first place.
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214. At 05:40am on 05 Nov 2008, roblengyel wrote:
"Barack old mate, I hope I am wrong but your speech scares me mate - it makes you sound like another inward looking American leader who cares nothing about the rest of us and we have had enough world leaders who always sprout nationalism and never consider globalism".
All that from a 10 minute speech? Remember now, he has 4 years ahead of him. You probably are not going to like this answer but, we have some issues domestically that have to be fixed now. Climate change is hugely important, you are correct. But, this is an example of how people in other countries maybe are too quick to judge. Apparently, we can never take a step in the right direction in America. Health care has to be #1 along with the economy. I really don't know anyone who hasn't been directly affect by this in their everyday life here including myself. But, I am hopeful Obama will attack climate change because it is very important. It needs to be addressed soon. Joe Biden has an excellent record of being a champion for the enviroment.
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Morning all!
Glad that's done with. Can we go fix some stuff now?
Carpenter Sam
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#240
"Now American travelers can stop sticking Canadian flags on their backpacks.
Americans! We are no longer pissed off with you"
It would appear that you are not that well traveled, or you make it a point to stay away from Americans.
I travel to many countries (no, not just Mexico and Canada), and I have never had a problem traveling as a US citizen. I'm extremely open about it.
People like to tell me exactly what they think about US foreign policy, but it's never been personal. Not on any continent.
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Doesn't anyone know just how to have a good time? Have a V&T go to the mirror look at yourslf and give yourself a big kiss! this is a great day!!!!
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245. BienvenueEnLouisiana wrote:
hehe; getting out all that hate of Republicans now that the election's over, redagast.
Just remember, there will be other elections. At least 48% of the country voted for McCain in the popular vote and they were hardly all the stereotyped "bible bashing, gun totin, gay hatin, war lovin, rednecks" that you described.
Such gloating says more about your intolerant self than anything else.
*********************************
Yes there will be more elections, and 48% of you will be beaten again if the repubs put another Sarah Palin on their ticket.
I never said you were all....see above...just the ones that were running the show and the hard right fascists that imbecilic Palin attract.
And I don't really care what my gloating says about me, I know who I am, do you know who you are ? Hehehehe
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I think the world is overwhelmingly aware of what Obama's victory means. America is coming out of the darkness of the past 8 years of George W. Bush, war, greed, and environmental devastation.
Help welcome America back into the community of nations. Post a photo with your sentiments at www.WelcomeBackAmerica.org
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#263
BLAH BLAH BLAH
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231. singingcave
Perhaps if you examined the map of the various states and looked at the analyses of voting from the exit polls, you would grasp what I meant.
Obama and McCain might both talk about unity and healing divisions, but actually doing it is much much harder than talking about it.
Now, why don't you click on my screen name (even just reading it might tell you something!) to find out a little more about what I've written here instead of jumping to ill-founded conclusions?
Since I am now thoroughly weary of this sort of misapprehension -- as I am sure Justin must be -- this is the last I shall write here.
Except that, as it is, I can let rip with an answer I've been tempted to make several times:
[I am] "one of those people that are so worldly and smart, people can only possibly disagree if they are just to stupid to understand" you wrote.
Yep. Got it in one.
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Checking back in before I tuck the computer in for the night.
John McCain was certainly more gracious in defeat than in battle. And infinitely more generous than his supporters. They should try to live up to his example.
They won't of course.
Ah well, dear McCainers, as the brilliant Mr. Idle says:
If life seems jolly rotten
There's something you've forgotten
And that's to laugh and smile and dance and sing.
When you're feeling in the dumps
Don't be silly chumps
Just purse your lips and whistle - that's the thing.
And...always look on the bright side of life...
Always look on the light side of life...
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Oh sorry i meant 245 i guess
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#261
"It would appear that you are not that well traveled, or you make it a point to stay away from Americans."
I'm quite well traveled, thanks.
Wish I could have 1 cent for every km I covered in my life.
Not all Americans stick Canadian flags on their backpacks, but some do. Well, they used to sell "Canadian Kits" on the internet after Bush won.
In any case I tried to express a feeling, not really to be literal.
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Timothy - When you have far right radicals it is easy for the terrorists to use propaganda to promote their cause - not so easy now. Listening to Imran Khan on BBC Hardtalk he mentioned how the bombing of ?smart bombing " killing civilians has turned many moderates into extremists hence why you are creating more terrorists then killing them.... The end of the far right radicals will shift the perspectives...
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In response to jlindas:
"What do the BBC anchors have pinned on their jackets? They look like apples but I have no idea what they are."
Those 'apples' are paper poppies, a powerful symbol representing Remembrance Day, held each year since the end of World War 1 to commemorate those lost in war. It is the most poignant of days 'celebrated' in the UK, on November 11th each year (Remembrance Sunday, when official remembrance parades are held, is the nearest Sunday to this date). At 11.11am, the country falls into silence in remembrance of all of those killed or injured in war, including those who have lost their lives in recent conflicts. The paper poppies are distributed each year by the Royal British Legion and, come November, it is an expectation that people wear them - it is, in fact, very unusual NOT to see news anchors or any other TV personality for that matter wearing them.
Hope that helps!
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finally the time has come in which i will not hear anymore that non white people are discriminated because of their colour, that they committ crimes because are discriminted, that they are not educated because are discriminated, that they cannot achieve results in life because are discriminated. Now their mask can come off and show to the world what they can do. If Obama can do it why they cannot do it? During my work in foreigner countries all the time i had to be carefull to use the right words to avoid to sound racist and hear always the same people who were not capable that their condition was determinated by their skin colour. They love to live in this ondition , it is easier to blame somebody else.Now not more excuses can be accepted and i say to everyone not to accept them and to tell them to work their ass off like everyone else. Now we can feel free to say and express our real opinion about them without being accused of being racist. Work ur ass off!! the time has come. WE NEED CHANGE!!!!
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iam gobsmacked!
it is a very emotional moment for me as a British black person to see something like this happen.
I absolutely never belived that this would happen in my lifetime. Barack Obama comes over as a very sincere and able person.
Perhaps he can influence ordinary people and the media here to look beyond the colour of someone's skin and talk about their abilities instead.
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#263.
*sigh* redagast, the staleness of your platitudes and the rhetorical nature of your questions bore me; *yawn*
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#266 british-is
I clicked on your link long before I wrote that.
Was I supposed to get some new insight?
Sorry, it didn't happen. Many worldly and highly intelligent people can be pompous asses.
And just as often, pompous asses think they are worldly and intelligent.
And stop with the last post crap. You know damn well you will continue to post!
Best wishes to you in anyway!
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"...can Obama reach out to Pottsville?"...
as if Pottsville is a racist haven...
here's tonight's results...from the Pottsville county web site..
McCain carried 33k to Obama's 28k votes, Ralph Nader got 700 votes! It doesn't seem like Pottsville is all of one mind! They even sent a Demo named Tim Holden to Congress in a landslide of 47k to 15k.
and they even passed their water and sewer bond, in the midst of a recession.
So I think that, yes, Obama can reach out to them and they to him.
If it's one thing I've learned, the world is not black and white, but shades of grey, and also brown...
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Greetings! Namaste. A new world, not the New World Order has begun. This new world will be more compassionate and loving. Believe me. We, meaning human beings, are coming to an end and GOD will again take back the world s/he has given us. Who knows what the next incarnation of life on this planet will look like, but we have been given the chance to make amends before we exit. We NOW have a chance to love one another as GOD has commanded us to. In these last days, REJOICE and know that the arch of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice. Prepare for the PAX OBAMA. We are the ones we've been waiting for. Let's do unto others as we would have done unto us. AFRICA UNITE!!!! Meaning, as we once all came from Africa (as a species) let us now, as a WORLD, unite in PEACE and LOVE so that our creator's will on Earth shall be as it is in heaven. We can all live simply so that we all can simply live. WE ARE ALL ONE. One people. One aim. One destiny. Thank you and GOD BLESS.
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British-ish
Sorry, I forgot this. I completely agree with you about healing divisions.
It makes for great sound bites, but that's about it. Neither candidate had a good plan for that.
We'll just see how that goes.
And please stop the nonsense about not posting. I just got here!!
I disagree with you, but conversations about important things are more interesting and fun and enlightening if you are not preaching to the choir.
I hate echo chambers
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195. At 05:08am on 05 Nov 2008, Wil_Ng wrote:
OBAMA won. However, by a small majority in popular votes.
This shows the number 1 thing american need is balance media and proper education.
China has a higher education standard than USA.
On a night where America's extraordinary democratic tradition has proven itself alive and well, I find it amusing that a Chinese citizen would dare criticize Americans. If the Chinese have better education standards, how do you put up with a dictatorship who limits your access to the media and information? I've been to China, and loved it, but I'd rather not take Chinese advice on how to advance America...given the massive problems you face.
Thank God Barack Obama won! No more Bush! This is the start of something new!!! This isn't just another politician, this is someone who can really unite people...for once, a mass movement elected someone out of hope and optimism rather than fear and cynicism.
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#sampsi
Thanks for the explanation. I get it!
Americans who are smart travelers are always aware of political issues and when they should keep their mouth's shut.
There are plenty of dumb of Americans who seem to unaware of all of this. I hate this.
There are also some stereotypes of drunken Europeans, and I don't think that is a fair representation of Europe.
Your post got my defenses up, but thanks for the response.
I feel better.
Peace and light...
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281. singingcave wrote:
"Your post got my defenses up, but thanks for the response.
I feel better."
Happy to hear that.
I'd actually to think pretty hard on how to express (in one short sentence) what I personally feel (and a lot of other people is feeling as well, I guess) about what this election means, how the perception of the USA changed in a few short hours.
It is not that I especially trust Obama (I'm too old to actually trust a politician), but the feel is that the whole PEOPLE of the USA was on test and passed the test brilliantly.
------------------------------------------------
Anyway... President Obama, you are not bad for a politician
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Yippee!!!
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Congratulations USA. What great news to wake up to. I watched President Obama?s acceptance speech and was moved to tears. While I agree that McCain?s speech was gracious, this continued use of ?the greatest nation on earth? is part of what gets the rest of the world?s goat particularly after 8 years of disaster.
TimothyR444 ? you are a bit of a sore loser and also have a great deal of hostility.
194 ? The policies of war on terror have been Al Qaeda?s best recruiting message. For that matter Al Qaeda weren?t in Iraq before and now they are so yes America can be blamed for some elements of terrorism. Why do you think Al Qaeda wanted a McCain win? 205 ? Why are you even wasting your time on the BBC site? If you neither want to know nor care what the world thinks, stick with Fox, much more up your alley.
171 ? cloggingbantam ? it?s ridiculous to compare any European country with the US. Most minorities in Europe are for the most part at best second generation with many years to go before they can be compared to African Americans who have been part of the structure of that country almost from the beginning. Considering how few years most of the European countries have had minorities I think they are actually quite well represented in politics.
But I do agree ? Well done USA ? the world will be thinking well of you today.
177 ? Was there a point somewhere in that?
272 rwbennett ? You cannot seriously be implying that no black man should win an election? If I read you right then you are displaying the exact worst things about the right that has been written about you.
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sampsi:
I have no idea what's going to happen, but the possibilities excite me
I am not even a little bit capable of expressing my thoughts in one my sentence.
And I'm with you 110% about trusting politicians. I believe in the possibilities, but I will trust when the new administration proves themselves worthy of trust.
I hope that comes quickly, but politicians are politicians. They deserve more Oscars than Hollywood.
Hope all is well with your world...
Peace and light to all.
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285. singingcave wrote:
"I believe in the possibilities, but I will trust when the new administration proves themselves worthy of trust."
I surely hope they will.
I'm old enough not to trust politicians, but still young enough to have hope
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"IMPERIALIST! From a BRIT!" - TimothyR444
Thing is, TimothyR444, I'm not a nationalist halfwit like you. I wholeheartedly condemn British as well as US imperialism, most obvious recently in the illegal invasion of Iraq.
As for you:
Bitter, much?
Sore loser, much?
Self-pity, much?
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Thank you BBC for the US election map and the minute by minute update, the State by State coverage facts and figures were superb. Bernie Brisbane,Aus
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19. At 01:36am on 05 Nov 2008, TimothyR444 wrote:
"This blog does have its fascinating aspects: all these lectures about what Americans need to learn and how to think and how yo behave and what to believe. It is a window in to how others see us.
At times, the comments are so fantastically patronizing and condescending it's hard to believe they are serious. But they are always fascinating. One might think the posters from Britain had all the answers for every question in the world.
It would be interesting to observe their elections - and tell them how to think, respond and vote."
But Timothy, you guys have been telling the rest of the world how to behave for years, and using political, financial, and military muscle to make them do it. That is exactly what has made America unpopular.
As for Justin's comment about the 2012 "formidable " challenge of Palin, surely she will not even be the Presidential candidate. Even the Republicans believe her selection was what sank McCain, so why on earth would they choose her? Thankfully, she is consigned to history, or a small footnote thereof.
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"I can't think of ONE black man in all jistory that was a viable, substancial political figure any where in the world, let alone America, but whamo here is one with the most powerful postition on earth!" - rwbennett
I think that nauseating piece of garbage tells us all we need, or indeed want, to know about rwbennett.
By the way:
Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Jesse Jackson, Colin Powell, Condoleeza Rice (OK, not a black man, exactly), Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki, Kofi Annan...
You can't really think very much at call, can you, you racist conspiracy-monger?
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I'm wondering why no-one's commented on the significance of Obama's use of that phrase from MLK's 'mountain-top' speech in Memphis, on 3rd April 68, when King said "I've been to the mountain-top.. and I have seen the promised land. I may not get there with you.. but I want you to know that we as a people will get to the promised land.." King was shot within a few hours of making the speech, of course.
For Obama to say, as Justin misses in his quotation, that "we as a people will get there" is for him explicitly and consciously to quote King, and moreover, to promise to fulfill that prophecy of King's. This is hugely significant: not just a Black man in the White House, but one who shows himself willing, finally, to take on and continue King's legacy, in the highest office of the land.
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As someone who would quite like to have seen Obama win, I found the BBC's coverage last night incredibly biased towards him. By the end of the night I was hoping for a McCain win just to see the expression on Mr Dimbleby's face!
Am I also the only one fed up with the constant references, analasys and pundetry pertaining to the colour of Obama's skin? Yes it's great to have a first black President, but is it really that much of an issue that it needs to be mentioned in just about every sentence?
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"is it really that much of an issue that it needs to be mentioned in just about every sentence?"
Yes!
Because in every future election, because of today, it will not be an issue at all.
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"The Republicans will find someone to gather a new coalition together but it will not be Sarah Palin."
Sorry to disappoint, my friend... but they will. The typical Republican is noted worldwide for its' inflexibility and stubborness.
Most Americans, as you may be aware from living here with us, are only concerned with three things.
1: How does it look?
2: Does it offend my delicate sensibilities?
3: Does it have a beat I can dance to?
The most frightening thing about the whole Palin issue... besides her alleged abuse of power in her home state... is that when Tina Fey did her celebrated impressions of her on SNL, I had to look twice to make sure that it was not really Sarah Palin.
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226 TimothyR444 wrote:
"As for Pelosi: you're kidding yourself, pal. Obama is an intelligent, passive man who has none of the steel of Pelosi. She will run things. Sorry - that's the truth."
Sorry - that's your opinion. Specifically, that's your prediction, based on your own particular biases - regardless of whether or not you see yourself as 'independent'.
I can't say that 'passive' is the first word most people would use to describe Obama. Some kind of Forrest Gump, carried along by greater forces? So, an inexperienced African American senator decides to run for President against the runaway favourite, backed by the legendary Clinton machine - but he's 'passive'?
Time will tell.
Just one other question - have there been any of your many posts where you WEREN'T complaining about horrid foreigners picking on the poor old US?
Because I must have missed that one...
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Princess-on-the-pea wrote...
"If you neither want to know nor care what the world thinks, stick with Fox, much more up your alley."
Bravo!
Gotta love Fox News!
"We instruct... YOU OBEY!"
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134. At 03:59am on 05 Nov 2008, Runner5k wrote:(I don't understand that the Republican party doesn't represent us poor people
Take a look at the crowd at the McCain speech. Did you see poor people there?
Sorry, you need to review policies. Trickle down doesn't work. No tax cuts for you. John McCain has tax cuts for only those in the highest income brackets. He'll get one. as will his pals. He's worth 45 million and takes his 50,000 pension from the us gov. every year. Check out opensecrets.org. For more history on McCain look up the keating scandal. He has flip flopped so many times on everything I don't know what he believes anymore.
Look up McCain on Utube and see for your self, in his own words he contridicts himself on everything.
Are you paying for your own health care plan out of pocket for yourself and a family of 4? If so you'd know what a joke his plan is. Almost all developed economies know that health care is not a comidity. You have to help people when they show up in the emergency room sick, it's not an option. Tax payers foot the bill. Universal health care will have to happen, like it or not.
If you have a college degree you are in the 30 or 40% of Americans who are very fortunate. Take a class on the culture of poverty or Bridges out of poverty and you will learn about how many Americans just pass down poverty and don't have access to opportuny and no one to help them. It's not the same for everyone. Schools aren't equal. Neighborhoods aren't equal.
Will john need to fix social security, or need to worry about health care? no. John was a child of privledge and access. West point. Pilot. 3rd generation in the military the son and grandson of genrals. He dropped bombs on people he never saw, no hand to hand combat. The he was captured and tortured. Being a POW doesn't qualify someone to be president. He didn't have to pay for his care when he got home, because of his story he got some of the best care. He doesn't know the vet experience normal people go through.
John knows war, but that doesn't make him great. Rent the movie Alive Day, about Iraq soliders who are coming back alive from the war. 30,000 plus wounded. No one counts them. John doesn't know when to cut your losses and leave a war with no WMD, we illegally started, and killed millions of Iraq citizens. Ask yourself why it isn't televised so we can see whats happening. I have no faith that John won't lead us into too many other wars. He didn't live a hard life and make something of himself the hard way.
Republicans had their chance the last 8 years and it clearly doesn't work! How bad does it have to get for you to be convienced. They won't take blame for anything they do. They had control of three branchs of Gov, and we are screwed up. Face it. The polices do not work. Maybe McCain had more intelligence than Bush but the policies are stil flawed. The rich got richer and the poor got poorer the last 8 years. Exxon Mobil just made Record breaking Profits! Most people just lost their retirements and were laid off. Good luck finding a job buy the way...
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wiliam wilberforce hulls most famous son and martin luther king would be smiling down today. history was made today
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Can Obama reach out to small-town America in the upper midwest? He carried Indiana, didn't he?
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#295
I think I can explain why the offending person keeps calling Obama "passive."
Obama is eloquent, calm, rational, dignified, educated, and compassionate.
If he wanted to appeal to the Other Side, he'd swagger and swear, maybe get a DUI or two. When insulted, he'd pitch a fit and over-react since temper passes for manliness in some unfortunate segments of our society. These are the same folks who thought actor John (all talk, no cowboy) Wayne was actually a hero and patriot.
America and all the nations directly affected by her actions don't need swagger and bombast. What we need (and got) is a rational person at the reins.
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Okay, I woke up this morning and I was so excited. What a great day yesterday was for the U.S. Not only did we break a major color barrier but, I think that the middle class and the majority of America won last night. I know many people are skeptical about the promises Barack Obama made but, don't discount him yet. It was amazing to see the turn out. I always vote and have since I turned 18 but, I think many people have felt disaffected towards their government. Now people actually feel like this is their government, a government for the people. I think it's just a fantastic day for America and I am so excited to be an American citizen today.
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195. At 05:08am on 05 Nov 2008, Wil_Ng wrote:
"OBAMA won. However, by a small majority in popular votes".
7,000,000 people. You should have waited to write that. 7,000,000 people is a lot of people. Much larger gap than the 2004 election which was like 2,000,000. 7,000,000 is like an entire state, actually larger than many states...like Alaska for instance.
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It's been a long road and I'm glad Obama won. I think that other countries should stop using a mindset that says that our President runs their lives. Asking us to be responsible in our voting isn't enough, they should take responsibility for their own action (inaction?) as well.
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My highlight of the night was the Gore Vidal interview.
Brilliant.
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The Americans have not elected a black man, they have elected the Democrats, which means they want to see what the Democrats can do for them. This has nothing to do with color & the making of history, its all about human beings!!!!
Margaret Damon
Lewisham, London
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Absolutely agree with all your devoted readers who think you should have been leading the Election coverage on the BBC. Surely of all
BBC commentators you are the one with
the best up-to-date knowledge of today's USA.
Nothing against Dimbleby & Co but 'horses for courses' is the best rule to follow - and the best horse would have been the one whose speciality
has been a daily commentary on US affairs'
Thanks Justin.
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
USARMYVET1935: While I voted for Obama and very proud of what we in the US have achieved in electing our first African-American candidate to be our President, I am sick and tired of the western media, even one like the BBC as the first of its kind in the world. Factually, it is untrue. It is unfortunate that much of the western world as well as the US continue to consider the US as the center of the world. What we lack is humility, which is even evident when we characterize some of our sporting events as "world series"!
Reg: Minorities holding the highest offices in a democracy. Britain's own former colony, viz., India since it became independent (1947) has elected a member of a tiny minority (Sikhs) Dr. Manmohan Singh as its Prime Minister. It had its first Dalit as President (K.R. Narayan) in 1997. It has had a Sikh President (Zail Singh) in 1982., three Muslim Presidents (F.A.Ahmed-1974, Zakir Hussain-1967, and Dr. Kalam-2002). Its most recent President is a woman (Patil) and as many know it has had its first woman Prime Minister in 1966 (Indira Gandhi). The president of its ruling party (Indian Congress Party) in 1969 was a Dalit (Jag Jivan Ram) and its present President of the Party is Sonia Gandhi (Italian-Indian). But, does any of these mean that India has eliminated its caste and religious conflicts despite laws prohibiting prejudices based on caste or one's faith. No. But, they are making faster progress than the US and the West have been able to. Unfortunately, the achievements of the non-western countries to usher in interfaith amity and inter-ethnic cooperation are vastly underreported and unrecognized by the western media.
US and much of the west need to be a little more humble and not continue to claim that egalitarianism is an exclusive western aspiration. Religious pluralism and the virtues of equality of human beings were recognized in eastern religions long before they were embraced by the western brands of Judeo-Christian cultures.
Neither the US or the West is the center of the world.
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Army Vet,
Well said!
Peace and diversity
Salaam/Shalom/Shanthi
ed
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