President-Elect Obama

President Obama Hope for America Four years ago, this blog made an irrational and exuberant prediction after hearing a relatively unknown state senator speak at the Democratic National Convention. Last night that prediction came true. Barack Obama was elected the 44th President of the United States of America bringing an end to a long and exciting election race that had captivated me for over 20 months. I’ve spent my years in these United States almost entirely in the Bush years. I saw and read George Bush shred everything that America I had envisioned stood for. When you thought he couldn’t do worse, he did. But this election although was partly about the Bush years, it was mostly for the future Obama years. If you believed the Republicans in this election year, Americans overwhelmingly voted for a terrorist-loving, socialist, baby-killing, anti-American liberal with a name that was one letter off from its avowed enemy and a middle name shared by a dictator they had deposed not too long ago. But the American voters proved that they are better than that and time-tested tactics of fear and doubt are remnants of a time gone past. Three words – Only in America.

Reams will be written dissecting Obama’s path to victory but none will even come close to underscoring the American spirit of optimism and hope for a better tomorrow. Mired in one of the worst economic disasters of modern times, bogged down in two wars and threatening more, and sliding favorable ratings for their political leaders, Americans across all demographics came together to elect a man who displayed tremendous content of his character blinding most to the color of his skin. America by no means is in a post-racial time but has definitely embarked on that road and things can only get better from hereon. Naysayers liken Obama’s victory to an idea whose time had come but they miss the larger picture that this idea took years in the making and was nurtured by millions of his supporters who believed in the hope and optimism that he promised them at the end of this arduous journey. I hope he lives up to this promise.

Although ineligible to vote yet, Ash and I were overcome with emotion when the networks called him President-elect at 11pm EST following closing of the polls on the West coast. The images of people erupting in joy all across the nation especially African-American who openly wept at the realization of the dream that Martin Luther King talked. I can only imagine how the people who fought hard for their rights during the tumultuous Civil Rights movement must feel at this historic moment. In Dr. King’s words, Obama did not win this election on account of his skin color but through the power of his ideas. Potential political leaders across the world can take lessons from his victory. His eloquence, intellectual curiosity, stoic temperament, and gentle demeanor was dismissed as elitism but little did those critics realize that these are the exact quality that Americans were looking for. Judging by his speech last night, I hope Obama fulfills his promise of a great presidency that history will remember for years to come.

“President-Elect Obama” [Short URL: http://www.ipatrix.com/?p=2785] was published Wednesday, November 5th, 2008 at 9:53 am by Patrix, filed under Current Affairs, United States, and tagged as elections, Obama, president, United States. Both comments and linkbacks are closed.

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http://www.suyogdeshpande.net/blog/ Supremus
Behind the triumph however, one has to remember that had it not been for Wall St Meltdown in September, this race would have been way more closer. Heck, I am convinced that it was probably Wall St that screwed up Mc Cain’s chances completely! Given the way the races were going (and still some uncalled states), I was surprised that Obama did not win handily in any of the swing states. He did, yes, but the margin was much more closer than I thought it will be. Which tells me, had the economic mess not been that huge a factor, his race certainly would have been. Wall St meltdown was probably the final nail in the coffin for Mc Cain. I guess he knew it at that point there was no way out.
So lets not just get over excited about how this is a America has triumphed by electing him and all that ;).
That said, his victory speech was the first speech that I liked out of him; I liked him for being grim and practical, and pretty much said things may not improve in his first term, and at least set the expectations right. (Or he was just trying to lay the groundwork right now so 4 years later he could say “I told you so!” )
These are going to be interesting few years. I have never lived under a democratic president (came here in 2001), so will be interesting to see how it goes.
S
I took a picture of my ballot to have a memory of voting for BHO . I am excited that a minority won and now this opens up the path for all those who are non white male to someday be in the WH ! Hopefully someday we will see a desi woman in the Oval office!
The worst part of last night was listening to the hate filled and moronic calls on CSpan, amazing that people still are clinging to rumors that he is Muslim, not born in America etc. Even if they disagree with the results they should respect the office.
Nearly every democracy in the world has beaten the US in electing women, religious and racial minorities to their highest offices. Not just India or LatAm countries but even middle eastern/Muslim countries . Nice to see that the US is finally catching up to its diversity.
http://www.rpsam.blogspot.com Rhucha
I think it’s about the time this country had a matured leader who’s ability to lead goes beyond the color of skin. It was very emotional to look at Obama during his acceptance speech. It was emotional equally for me as for hundred and thousand of Americans. African Americans have seen some of the darkest times in Human history. Now it’s the change that brings hope and proves that it’s about the Democracy and American Dream where anyone and everyone can reach the highest office if he/she has the persistence ,ability and maturity. I am sure Obama faces greatest challenges with the lowest economic downturn after The Great Depression, two wars and the not so favorable image in foreign about US. But still hope is there and He can and he will bring the change must sought for…
http://www.ipatrix.com Patrix
@Supremus: True to an extent, I wouldn’t credit the Wall Street crisis that much for his victory. What separated him from McCain was the way he handled that crisis. However, if you’ve been watching this race for long and the way the electoral college differed from 2004, you’ll begin to see the significance of his victory (e.g. flipped Indiana from -20 to +1; Colorado from -5 to +7, etc) I plan to make a post soon looking at such changes.
@S: Jindal might be the first desi on the national scene. I just wished his beliefs were aligned with mine. I wouldn’t compare other democracies having elected women or minorities with this victory. India will not elect a Muslim Prime Minister just yet (Presidents are nominated) and Indira and Sonia Gandhi owe much to their last name than their achievements or qualifications. Likewise for their colleagues in Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
@Rhucha: Given the extent of discrimination against African-Americans, this election feels sweet to them. But I agree maturity and intelligence if nothing more is much needed for this position given the past eight years.
m
The Obama volunteers deserve a special mention…….I have friends that were walking the streets -ringing doorbells- till the polls closed- trying to make sure all registered voters got out………and Florida delivered. Its wonderful that Obama won- and a special thanks to his relentless volunteers.
http://sampada.livejournal.com Sampada
I am surprised at how emotional this election has made me. I would have been dejected, had Obama not won; and now that he has won, I can’t help but get welled up with happiness. This is not just a victory for people of all races, it is also a victory for every young, hardworking person who dares to dream big. Anything is possible. And it’s possible for anyone.
Not only will all eyes be on Obama, but also Michelle Obama. And I hope both of them can ignore the scrutiny and not change in the next four years. Both of them are such role models for the young generation, they have a lot of responsibility of their shoulders.
But, all in all, it is such a great time to be in America and experience this historical moment.
http://www.ipatrix.com Patrix
@m: Definitely. Obama himself acknowledges the hard work put in by countless volunteers. I wish I could have been a part of this process and it was frustrating to sit by the sidelines. The skills of community organizing that Guiliani and Palin made fun of ultimately made the difference.
@Sampada: At the risk of nazar-lagofying, I admit that I love his family; an accomplished spouse and cute kids. You’re right about hard work ultimately paying off. Mind you, Obama couldn’t get a floor pass for the 2000 Dem Convention and not only was he nominated eight years later but he went all the way. A truly inspiring tale. We’re indeed lucky to be in America to witness this firsthand.
abcd
Can we have a post on the lessons that should be learnt by India (given that indian media covered this election so closely)… The top thing that comes to my mind is that “minority and under privileged” section does not need reservation – they will get it if they have the ability… Ambetkar did not have reservation.. so didnt Obama.
Amit
http://ashujo.blogspot.com Ashutosh
“I wish I could have been a part of this process and it was frustrating to sit by the sidelines”
Next time you could try making phone calls to undecided and other voters. I made about 30 calls and it was fun and nice :)
http://www.ipatrix.com Patrix
@abcd: I’m hardly the person to write about lessons India can learn from the U.S. experience. We need a systemic change from attitudes that we should be handed things on a platter.
@Ashutosh: you did? Somehow I thought being a non-citizen and all, we couldn’t. Imagine a McCain ad featuring me slamming Obama for using an Indian nerd to influence the outcome complete with ‘Your Opinion Outsourced’ text in bold red :)
http://ashujo.blogspot.com Ashutosh
I was under the same impression too, until a friend told me I could volunteer. I was not doing much then anyway. So I registered and the website gave me about 30 phone numbers to call. I had an interesting time leaving messages on some people’s machines, making sure others have voted and trying to convince a very few why it would be great to vote for Obama (although given that the hour was already late I don’t think it had any effect). I also talked to a 87 year old voter from Ohio who would not let me say anything until I told him the first 7 words of the Declaration of Independence and who wrote it! All in all a pretty interesting experience!
http://www.ipatrix.com Patrix
@Ashutosh: That was an interesting experience. I’ll definitely try it out next time around.
S
The political dynasties in India and its neighbors have thrust spouses /family members into leadership roles and later on the women have ruled with amazing shrewdness and competence. Even the US has political dynasties besides the obvious ones, Pelosi, the Udalls, the Daleys etc.
Back to the original point, Liberia, Bolivia and even Argentina have non traditional candidates in highest office. The Defense minister of Spain was pregnant and that pissed off the generals in the Army. So the held back classes are slowly rising to the top.
Also I too don’t like Jindal, let’s see how the gop will treat a Hindu/Catholic, after all they hated the Mormon. lol. I can see it now – he doesn’t eat a cow, he worships it!!
http://ashujo.blogspot.com Ashutosh
Forgot to say; that line about a McCain ad was funny as hell!
http://www.ipatrix.com Patrix
@S: Dynasties exist everywhere but at least in the U.S., they’ve to go through the primaries. The inevitability of Clinton as the Dem nominee shows how you’re constantly on your toes to prove yourself.
@Ashutosh: Heh. I guess I’m better equipped to make attack ads than call people for votes :)
GaBunnie
Something that I wish to say to you all. I am delighted to see that you all are so excited to be here in America, but somehow, there are a few things I do not believe that you understand the importance of. Do you realize that England and other countries were just as guilty of the whole ‘African’ issue?? Do you also realize that not for the African chiefs selling some of it’s members into slavery some of it would not have happened? Please do some research, and believe me I do have a vested interest in racial equality to ALL. We have adopted 5 bi-racial children. They were my husband’s nieces and his nephew, so I definitely do believe in all races being just exactly that EQUAL. At the same time, the people who I get the most crap from are the very people who claim THEY are not treated equally.. I found it very interesting when our daughter had her 13th birthday party and she had children here of every race. They were all having a great time. About then there was a knock on the door. It was one of the girl’s mothers, and she took her crying daughter who wanted to stay out of the party, because WE were white and our daughter is bi-racial. Now, please understand, discrimination works in BOTH directions. This is the first BI-RACIAL president that we have had. THIS is very good because he is not ANTI white either, like some of these people seem to think he is. I am very glad that you are looking forward to being able to vote. Just promise me one thing…that you will not allow yourselves to be DISENFRANCHISED by listening to what people say instead of going to somewhere such as factcheck.org and not believe others or the media…they all lie, factcheck.org holds the politicians accountable for what they say… ON both sides of the isle…go back and check the reasons that you voted for or would have voted for obama and I will bet you will be surprised at some of the things that were lies about both candidates.
gabunnie

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