Obama makes history, becomes first black US Prez

[anil_rathee]

Washington, November 5: : Democrat Barack Obama captured the White House on Tuesday after an extraordinary two-year campaign, defeating Republican John McCain to make history as the first black to be elected US president.
Obama will be sworn in as the 44th US president on Jan. 20, 2009, television networks said. He will face a crush of immediate challenges, from tackling an economic crisis to ending the war in Iraq and striking a compromise on overhauling the health care system.
McCain saw his hopes for victory evaporate with losses in a string of key battleground states led by Ohio, the state that narrowly clinched President George W. Bush's re-election in 2004, and Virginia, a state that had not backed a Democrat since 1964.
Obama led a Democratic electoral landslide that also expanded the party's majorities in both chambers of Congress and firmly repudiated eight years of Republican President George W. Bush's leadership. The win by Obama, son of a black father from Kenya and white mother from Kansas, marked a milestone in US history. It came 45 years after the height of the civil rights movement led by Martin Luther King.
In a campaign dominated at the end by a flood of bad news on the economy, Obama's leadership and proposals on how to handle the crisis tipped the race in his favor. Exit polls showed six of every 10 voters listed the economy as the top issue.
Tens of thousands of Obama supporters gathered in Chicago's Grant Park for an election night rally that had the air of a celebratory concert, cheering results that showed his victories in key states.
McCain, a 72-year-old Arizona senator and former Vietnam War prisoner, had hoped to become the oldest president to begin a first term in the White House and see his running mate Sarah Palin become the first female US vice president.

 

[nishantrathi82]

Washington, November 5: : Democrat Barack Obama captured the White House on Tuesday after an extraordinary two-year campaign, defeating Republican John McCain to make history as the first black to be elected US president.
Obama will be sworn in as the 44th US president on Jan. 20, 2009, television networks said. He will face a crush of immediate challenges, from tackling an economic crisis to ending the war in Iraq and striking a compromise on overhauling the health care system.
McCain saw his hopes for victory evaporate with losses in a string of key battleground states led by Ohio, the state that narrowly clinched President George W. Bush's re-election in 2004, and Virginia, a state that had not backed a Democrat since 1964.
Obama led a Democratic electoral landslide that also expanded the party's majorities in both chambers of Congress and firmly repudiated eight years of Republican President George W. Bush's leadership. The win by Obama, son of a black father from Kenya and white mother from Kansas, marked a milestone in US history. It came 45 years after the height of the civil rights movement led by Martin Luther King.
In a campaign dominated at the end by a flood of bad news on the economy, Obama's leadership and proposals on how to handle the crisis tipped the race in his favor. Exit polls showed six of every 10 voters listed the economy as the top issue.
Tens of thousands of Obama supporters gathered in Chicago's Grant Park for an election night rally that had the air of a celebratory concert, cheering results that showed his victories in key states.
McCain, a 72-year-old Arizona senator and former Vietnam War prisoner, had hoped to become the oldest president to begin a first term in the White House and see his running mate Sarah Palin become the first female US vice president.

And against the expectations that wasn't close contest he won with 333 electoral votes in favor and 155 against.

 

[sachinb]

Yes Nishant it was a huge margin,,,,i think no body expected that mammoth margin,,,,,

Lets see how he implements the policies he promised during tough election compaign

,,,,,,manne to nyu laage se ke pakka booth capturing hoyi se,,,,,,paachhle mahine 4-5 pahlwaan bi pados mein te USA gaye the,,,,Bogus vote bi shaayad ghane banwa raakhe the Obama ne

 

[vikrantsiwag]

It really is a milestone in US and i may say world politics......hope he fulfills the promises he made....

 

[prashanthooda]

The Change

It's an outstanding and overwhelming victory of Barak Obama, which has created an history. At least, it will bring the sense of proud to millions of nigros and other minority backward groups of the US. He has raised the hope in hundreds of millions hearts. His interesting journey to this rank is very much inspiring.

 

[brahmtewatia]

if u've carefully observed the presidential campaign of obama, few things were vry clear

1. companies who r outsourcing jobs will b taxed
2. there will reduction in the issuance of H1B visas
3. CTBT will be back on agenda.

america's foreign policy remains more or less same, baring a few plus or minus... this side or tht side. point 3 may be irrelevant to the thread poll, but i feel pt 1 nd 2 go hand in hand together. if outsourcing cos r taxed, then there will b more demand of IT professionals wch calls for issuance of more H1B visas... i wonder in such a case, how will obama b able to curb on H1B visas.

watever... but i feel there will not b any impact, the situation will remain the same.

 

[brahmtewatia]

It's an outstanding and overwhelming victory of Barak Obama, which has created an history. At least, it will bring the sense of proud to millions of nigros and other minority backward groups of the US. He has raised the hope in hundreds of millions hearts. His interesting journey to this rank is very much inspiring.

prashant dont use this word, it is highly offending to blacks. (for yr info pls)

 

[nishantrathi82]

if u've carefully observed the presidential campaign of obama, few things were vry clear

1. companies who r outsourcing jobs will b taxed
2. there will reduction in the issuance of H1B visas
3. CTBT will be back on agenda.

america's foreign policy remains more or less same, baring a few plus or minus... this side or tht side. point 3 may be irrelevant to the thread poll, but i feel pt 1 nd 2 go hand in hand together. if outsourcing cos r taxed, then there will b more demand of IT professionals wch calls for issuance of more H1B visas... i wonder in such a case, how will obama b able to curb on H1B visas.

watever... but i feel there will not b any impact, the situation will remain the same.

Brahm g what i think he want to generate the jobs in US itself that's why he want to reduce the issuance H1B Visa. And that Tax policy will also encourage companies to recruit the person of US only.

 

[ritu]

obama has become a symbol of hope and inspiration for a common man.People have risen above color,race and culture to support him.I have never seen a common man connected to a candidate like this .It was such a positive environment at grand park chicago..happy faces with tears of joy in their eyes filled with lots of hope.obama has bought ppl of america together in times of great difficulty.

 

[prashanthooda]

Sorry, it was not by mistake. Thanks for making me aware of it.

prashant dont use this word, it is highly offending to blacks. (for yr info pls)

 

[raj2rif]

A Leader Needs to be Calm

Dear Members,

I did follow this campaign to the best of my ability to spare the time for it.

What I liked by Mr. Obama is that in spite of personal attacks during the campaign, he never retaliated. That is a sign of great character and composure. He lost his beloved Grand Mother who raised him two days before this historic day. Imagine the pain he must be having while delivering the victory speech. The victory speech it self was a very well worded document. Actually all his speeches have been very well composed.

I liked the phrase, when he said: “for those Americans whose vote I did not earn today, I need your help and I am your president too”. That was a great way to unite a divided nation. The fact that he got so many votes in heartland America shows his popularity and the comfort people have in connecting to him

He ran an extremely efficient campaign. I am sure in this economic crisis he can still raise a lot of money from the public for whatever projects he might find under funded. It was a good idea for him to tell the people how to handle the issue of economy, how to create job by investing in infrastructure as well as on the issue of taxation. I think he does have a good “Judgment” as it looks today.

He has also shown clear vision on the issue of national security, Iraq War, and the foreign policy. While his philosophy of taxing the companies doing out sourcing might hurt India, I think over all it would be a nice idea for the two countries to work in close cooperation to fight the international terrorism.

With Mr. Jardari, President of Pakistan making positive statements to solve the Kashmir problem, and Mr. Barak Obama having said to concentrate on improving the relations between the two countries, it might be just time when our leadership gives a deep thought to get this problem solved, which leaves no winners or losers. A solution of balance is the only one that will last long. You give some ground and you gain some ground philosophy has to be followed on this issue. I know, many hard-core people would not agree on this philosophy, but that is the only solution that would last and could be a permanent solution.

 

[brahmtewatia]

Brahm g what i think he want to generate the jobs in US itself that's why he want to reduce the issuance H1B Visa. And that Tax policy will also encourage companies to recruit the person of US only.

i dont know prashant... m not an IT guy, but d'u think america has tht many IT professionals. if yes, then still a lot of reliance will be on indian IT prof's as well. dominance and quality of indian IT professionals is well known thru out the world. u r in IT, you may be right... i wrote what i presumed.

 

[naveenbazad]

i live in democrat area

whatever the case of obama .. yesterday there was a glow on the face of blacks and they were talking endlessly to their younger ones who were for the first time voted ....they were saying that for the first time so many ppl have registered for voting and not only registered but voted

then i saw the white ... though they supported obama but there was not glow and they were silent ...

 

[anil_rathee]

Victory Speech by Obama

Wonder if we can ever have a speech like this in India..


PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK OBAMA: If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.
Its the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference.
Its the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled - Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America.
Its the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.
Its been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.
I just received a very gracious call from Senator McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and hes fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him and Governor Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nations promise in the months ahead.
I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware, the Vice President-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.
I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last sixteen years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nations next First Lady, Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy thats coming with us to the White House. And while shes no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure.
To my campaign manager David Plouffe, my chief strategist David Axelrod, and the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics - you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what youve sacrificed to get it done.
But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to - it belongs to you.
I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didnt start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington - it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston.
It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give five dollars and ten dollars and twenty dollars to this cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generations apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth. This is your victory.
I know you didnt do this just to win an election and I know you didnt do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime - two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us. There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how theyll make the mortgage, or pay their doctors bills, or save enough for college. There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair.
The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you - we as a people will get there.
There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who wont agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government cant solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way its been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years - block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.
What began twenty-one months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek - it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you.
So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, its that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers - in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people.
Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House - a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, We are not enemies, but friends…though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn - I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too.
And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world - our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down - we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security - we support you. And to all those who have wondered if Americas beacon still burns as bright - tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.
For that is the true genius of America - that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

Cont....................................

 

[anil_rathee]

Victory Speech by Obama (Cont...................)

This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one thats on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. Shes a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing - Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.
She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldnt vote for two reasons - because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.
And tonight, I think about all that shes seen throughout her century in America - the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we cant, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.
At a time when womens voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.
When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.
When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.
She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that We Shall Overcome. Yes we can.
A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can.
America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves - if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?
This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time - to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth - that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we cant, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:
Yes We Can. Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.

 

[shailendra]

...In our Generation!

HISTORIC is right!
...Here is another example of how blessed our generation is: all the most momentous things having happened in our lifetime (I might miss a few ones, and even these might not be in the right order) but the biggies are:

Fall of the Berlin wall, Disentegration of the superpower Russia, the great 'Internet' exploding on the scene, Fusion of European currency, The radical muslim confrontation (and world changing forever!), etc. etc.... and now this!
The first non-white (black) President of the United States of America, no less and arguably now the most powerful man in the world!!!....

Truly another momentous occasion to add to the greatest moments of our generation!
(Members, please take a moment to add some more that you think I have missed here;... it would be awesome to have a collection of the greatest/finest/infamous etc. events that truly mark this generation!)

You know everything said and done I personally feel overjoyed that there is finally gonna be a senstive, strong and intellectual (Dubya messed us all up! ) President for USA; especially owing to his recognition of the fact that the war or terrorism is probably a bit misguided and that Pakistan needs to concentrate more on the terrorists within it's own boundaries rather than looking at India as a constant threat; has got to be a first for an American!...

THAT alone gets my vote!...

Cheerios!!!

 

[anil_rathee]

India and Obama - in a nutshell

Wed, Nov 5 12:12 PM​

New Delhi, Nov 5 (IANS) What cheers India and what makes it cautious about Obama presidency:​

What Cheers India:​

Natural Ally: Obama says building strategic partnership with India top priority and sees India as a natural strategic ally of the US in the 21st century.​

Terrorism and Pakistan: More focussed on ending terrorism and Al Qaeda by concentrating on finishing Al Qaeda sanctuaries in Pakistan and bringing stability in Afghanistan. Plans to increase aid to Afghanistan.​

Iraq and Muslim world: Promises withdrawal of troops in Iraq within 18 months - a fountainhead of hostility against the US in the Muslim world. Makes it easier for India to deal with a US with better standing in the Middle East.​

Economy: Favours greater regulation of financial institutions.​

Backs immigration reform and H1B visa programme.​

What makes India cautious:​

CTBT: Obama has strong views on non-proliferation. May try to force India to accept CTBT (Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty) and provoke a fresh debate in India on this sensitive issue. Shouldn't be a problem after the US, China come on board.​

Kashmir: May try to play peace-keeper in Kashmir, a tendency that is likely to be resented and opposed by India which sees Kashmir as a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan and one that does not need third-party intervention.​

Outsourcing: India fears global financial meltdown may force Obama to turn protectionist. Obama has promised tax incentives for US companies that create new jobs.​

 

[samarkadian]

HISTORIC is right!
...Here is another example of how blessed our generation is: all the most momentous things having happened in our lifetime (I might miss a few ones, and even these might not be in the right order) but the biggies are:

Fall of the Berlin wall, Disentegration of the superpower Russia, the great 'Internet' exploding on the scene, Fusion of European currency, The radical muslim confrontation (and world changing forever!), etc. etc.... and now this!
The first non-white (black) President of the United States of America, no less and arguably now the most powerful man in the world!!!....

Truly another momentous occasion to add to the greatest moments of our generation!
(Members, please take a moment to add some more that you think I have missed here;... it would be awesome to have a collection of the greatest/finest/infamous etc. events that truly mark this generation!)

You know everything said and done I personally feel overjoyed that there is finally gonna be a senstive, strong and intellectual (Dubya messed us all up! ) President for USA; especially owing to his recognition of the fact that the war or terrorism is probably a bit misguided and that Pakistan needs to concentrate more on the terrorists within it's own boundaries rather than looking at India as a constant threat; has got to be a first for an American!...

THAT alone gets my vote!...

Cheerios!!!

The only thing which overwhelmed me was voter's turnout.It was 95% or above.May be the America in Crisis put people to come up and express their rights. Someone rightly said that any crisis unify people much strongly than anything.Obama carries a aura and promise of different leadership.This historical speech indicates his smartness and understanding of populace's sentiments. I wish him luck for a better world that has been messed by Bush reigme and morever smile on people's faces again.

 

[naveenbazad]

u can vote 15 days ahead .. thats why its 95% ....

The only thing which overwhelmed me was voter's turnout.It was 95% or above.May be the America in Crisis put people to come up and express their rights. Someone rightly said that any crisis unify people much strongly than anything.Obama carries a aura and promise of different leadership.This historical speech indicates his smartness and understanding of populace's sentiments. I wish him luck for a better world that has been messed by Bush reigme and morever smile on people's faces again.

 

[sidchhikara]

India is not a priority for Obama.
But relations will be friendly unless Obama decides to talk about Kashmir.
Indians will have to work hard for their own national interest which will lead them to be at odds with Obama's policies on a number of occasions.
It will be business as usual barring Kashmir and outsourcing.

Nov 4th 2008 was America's historic moment - first black president - I hope this doesn't give any ideas to Mayawati.