Congratulations Obama and Democrats in the US!
By ParaTed2k
@ParaTed2k (22940)
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
November 4, 2008 11:18pm CST
It was a long and hard fought campaign, and I can't say the best candidate won (since all the best candidates were taken out in the primaries), but the one who put on the best campaign definitely did.
There are many reasons why Obama won, some of them legitimate, some of them well... less than, but either way, Barack Obama will be the 44th President of the United States and will go down in history as the first US president who is Black.
So Congratulations to Obama and Democrats!
Not only did your candidate win, but he now has the opportunity to prove a lot of things to all of us.
He gets to prove that he's not a Marxist.
He gets to prove that he his associations with people like Ayers, Wright and others were never that important to him.
He gets to prove that he won't take our guns from us.
He gets to prove that he isn't bought and paid for by the major corporate lobbyists that have given him so much money in his short tenure as a senator.
He gets to prove that he won't raise taxes on anyone who makes less than $250,000 under any circumstances.
He gets to prove that he won't surrender in Iraq.
He gets to prove that his Civilian National Security Force is not a threat to the freedom of Americans.
He gets to prove that he won't use the "Fairness Doctrine" to stifle freedom of speech for Conservative Talk Radio.
Yes, not only Prs. Obama, but Senator Reid and House Speaker Pelosi now have the chance to prove that what their detractors have said about them isn't true.
Of course, it is also up to them to prove how much of it has always been true.
5 people like this
21 responses
@celticrogue (450)
• United States
5 Nov 08
I believe he will prove most of the low brow accusations against him to be false. He probably will have a very rough beginning due to the mess that Bush and members of Congress (both Republicans and Democrats) have created. After eight years of failed "compassionate conservatism", we need a sprinkle of socialism to right ourselves again. We ARE our brothers' keepers.
And I hope that America realizes that a campaign that slings mud, does character assassination (ala Nixon/Rove School of Campaign Tactics) and uses scare tactics no longer works. The candidates must talk about their position on the issues.
4 people like this
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
6 Nov 08
I think anything that goes wrong in his administration, he will childishly blame on Bush.
@xParanoiax (6987)
• United States
5 Nov 08
Iraq's telling us we gotta get the heck out, I'm not sure that "surrender" applies...
But yes. Like Downsizer Dispatch said earlier today, this is the time for fresh eyes to watch the going's on in the government. They called for the beginnings of a state of preparedness, so that we once again take up the ability to keep our own government in check (they called for this before they knew who was gonna be President, and I say this would be just as true and a good idea if McCain had gotten elected).
Congrats to Obama. Here's hoping he does this nation right and exceeds the hopes he's inspired. He's made history, I think the way he ran this campaign was pretty smart, and he's definitely to be commended. (Even though he wouldn't have been my pick either, here we are).
Here's to the future.
3 people like this
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
5 Nov 08
Iraq is talking about a schedule where they take over segments of their security and infrastructure over time, and when that is done, the US leaving. The latest plan spoke of by Obama was about the same. However, he has had several plans throughout his campaign, including immediately.
To pull out before the Iraqis are ready would be to surrender.
1 person likes this
@xParanoiax (6987)
• United States
6 Nov 08
Oh, thank you for that bit of information it was on my to-do list today to see what the recent developments have been on this subject.
1 person likes this
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
5 Nov 08
Thanks. Both for the compliment, and getting what I said.
3 people like this
@betsyraeduke (2670)
• United States
5 Nov 08
I personally wasn't fond of either of the major candidates, but that aside Obama is our president now. I know he wasn't your choice, he wasn't exactly mine either, but then, neither was McCain. In spite of that, America has made its decision and now we have the results. Let's just bond together as a nation and hope that all your worst fears about him are wrong.I think we are due for a change, though I'm not exactly sure what is the best way to do that, so let's just hope that Barack can and does deliver on his promise to change this country for the better. Let's hope that Obama's victory will prove to be a good thing for this country even if he wasn't our individual candidate of choice.
3 people like this
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
5 Nov 08
Yeah, I wonder if that has something to do with why I'm not as into this election as I have been in the past. I just didn't have a horse in the race.
I agree, whatever change he brings, let's hope it's for the best.
2 people like this
@shamsta19 (3224)
• United States
5 Nov 08
He will get to disprove the cynics and perpetrators of all the lies about him and get on to leading this nation. America has stepped it's game up and showed just how many wanted to see this man get in office. He got Lyndon Johnson numbers at the polls yesterday!! Records were broken!!! It is obvious America has spoken here. Can't speak for South Carolina but as a whole the nation has spoke and YES we have our first (real) Black President of The United States!!
2 people like this
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
6 Nov 08
Well, 53% of the voters have spoken, and that is more than what it takes to win. But yes, records were broken and we have our first real Black president (I'm assuming the "real" was a play on the "Clinton is first Black president" thing lol).
Yes, he will get to disprove the cynics. On the other hand, he also has the chance to prove us right. Only time and his decisions will tell.
2 people like this
@shamsta19 (3224)
• United States
6 Nov 08
http://www.geocities.com/cureworks1/5blkpres.htm
It was not a play on Clinton (who wasn't so hot either) Take a look at this and read about some of our former presidents. I read this book over fifteen years ago and frankly I am surprised more people don't know this. But it isn't something they'd teach you in history class I suppose. It was amazing to see how many people came out to vote for Obama. Even I doubted his victory was imminent and definently never thought he'd win so convincingly!!!
1 person likes this
@shamsta19 (3224)
• United States
6 Nov 08
http://www.lushenabks.com/0960229485.htm
1 person likes this
@revellanotvanella (4033)
• United States
5 Nov 08
Im certain he will not let you down and only exceed your expectations. Happy mylotting 
3 people like this
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
6 Nov 08
Actually, he can't let me down at all and can only exceed my expectations. ;~D
1 person likes this
@littlefranciscan (18327)
• United States
6 Nov 08
No doubt as President he need not prove anything .. He simply must do what he is suppose to do as President and that's enough for me.. I can feel that you have reservations about Mr. Obama
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
6 Nov 08
Oh, i don't have reservations about him, I think he'll be himself and do a piss poor job as president. However, I'm not going to sit and hope he fails just so I can point and laugh.
1 person likes this
@devylan (695)
• United States
6 Nov 08
To many people, Franciscan, he will have a lot to prove, especially because he will be considered the first African American president. This is not my sentiment, mind you, but I do recognize that it will play a factor for many Americans, and people around the world even. He is way too smart--I fear I am using and inadequate word here, but I can't seem to think of anything better off the top of my head--though, to let anyone else's judgement of his character get him down. If anything, I think he will be a very strong leader, regardless of the color of his skin, but again, in some ways, because of it. I am so excited about the upcoming four years.
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
6 Nov 08
Character? He ran on lies, he changed his campaign to fit the audience, and he played the race card every chance he got. He won, that is true, but character was never a part of his campaign.
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
5 Nov 08
One thing can't be denied and that's that Obama has received a mandate from the voters. This was no razor thin victory and it wasn't one in which the two coasts voted for the Democrat and those in what I've heard referred to as "fly-over country" voted for the Republican, rather the Electoral map looks kind of like a patchwork quilt. Every new President comes into office with much to prove and I honestly and sincerely feel confident Obama and his team will be more than up to the task. I heard no arrogance in his acceptance speech and saw none as our First and Second Families gathered on the stage. I saw people who love their families and their country and who are humbled by having been given the chance to do right by all of us. I also saw a huge and diverse crowd of Americans there in Chicago who are filled with hope and optimism.
I was also impressed by McCain's concession speech and felt he was very gracious. It was one hell of a ride and it certainly was hard-fought, but the fighting is over and the time has come to bring our country together again despite our differences.
Annie
2 people like this
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
5 Nov 08
I'll deny the mandate from the voters ourselves. Yes, it was a landslide as far as the Electoral Votes (that can't be denied), but the voice of the voters is reflected in the popular vote, not the EC.
An 8% margin in the popular vote does not a mandate make.
This does not diminish his win in any way though, mandate from the voters or no, he is the President Elect and will be the 44th President of the United States.
3 people like this
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
5 Nov 08
True, it doesn't diminish the victory at all, and no, Bush didn't have a mandate either. It seems all winners and their supporters automatically read a win as a mandate, no matter how slim the margin.
2 people like this
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
5 Nov 08
But it IS a bigger margin of victory in the popular vote than the past couple elections and I distinctly recall Bush talking about the "political capital" he had won and intended to spend. However, I don't want to get all partisan at this time, I really don't. Whether "mandate" was the correct word to use or not it is clear the voters have spoken and in greater numbers than ever before which is what I'm so proud of. My plans of going out knocking on doors didn't pan out due to my mom taking a sudden turn for the worse and ultimately passing on Sunday evening. I'm still here posting about this election because of her, because she was so looking forward to last night and watching the returns with me as we have done so many times. Since I couldn't do my "thing" in an official capacity with the Obama/Biden campaign I still made sure everyone I came into contact with in the past few days, including the last few hours before the polls closed, heard it from me that it was necessary that they went to vote no matter who they were supporting or leaning toward.
Anyway, I think this time enough Americans have spoken to make it clear that the vast majority of us are looking for change, hope and unity. If this new Administration ends up being a disappointment I'll be the first to admit it, you have my word on that.
Annie
1 person likes this
@yangshuai (136)
• China
5 Nov 08
congratulations him on his successful president election.as the first black president.i trust him.
1 person likes this
@jormins (1223)
• United States
5 Nov 08
Ironically I am in a very similar boat as you Ted even though I started my support of Obama more than a year ago. While I'm not worried at all of the distractions of Ayers & Wright I do want Obama to stand up to the far left as they are just as wrong as the far right. The correct answer is in the middle and I am very hopeful Obama understands that and corrects the major problems left to him from Bush.
Only time will tell but I am very optimistic of the next 4 and I hope conservatives give Obama a chance as he def deserves it after 8 disatrous years of George W Bush.
2 people like this
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
5 Nov 08
And when he proves these things are you going to come to this board and post your mia culpas? I really had hoped that we had seen the last of the scare tactics...but I guess not.
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
5 Nov 08
What scare tactic, I merely stated that the onus is on him to show that he isn't what his detractors said about him.
Actually, all I really expect of him is that he'll take credit for anything positive that happens during his administration and make excuses for what he either couldn't accomplish or never intended to.
I also expect his supporters to blame Bush for anything that does wrong during the Obama administration.
3 people like this
@Taskr36 (13963)
• United States
5 Nov 08
I didn't see any scare tactics in his post. He was simply pointing out that Obama will have to live up to all his promises and various claims. Frankly, I don't think it's possible. He made many promises which he's already broken and some of which are just impossible to keep with the current deficit. Personally, I hope he manages ok. I will not derive any pleasure should he fail. After all, I live in this country too.
2 people like this
@ZephyrSun (7381)
• United States
5 Nov 08
Well here's all I can say about the election of Obama, anyone expecting the US to change the day he takes office is crazy and anyone that supported McCain (die hards) will never be happy with Obama no matter what he does.
Let us all hope that McCain makes good on his words during his great speech as well.
2 people like this
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
5 Nov 08
Well, I was willing to give Clinton credit when I thought he did something good (it was rare, but it did happen). I'm no "die hard" McCain supporter, but Obama has too many secrets for me to trust him outright.
But that being said, I'm not one to hope for a president to fail just so I can feel warm fuzzies about not supporting him. I leave that kind of stupidity to the people at Democrat Underground. lol
2 people like this
@evanslf (484)
•
5 Nov 08
ParaTed, as you say let's see how Obama does but I think it important that we all pull together that this difficult time. We will know over time whether Obama will govern from the Left or from the Centre but at least one important consolation for Republicans is that the Dems look like that they will fall short of 60 in the Senate and this will force compromise. I think also that Obama, having talked about unity, wishes to reach out and listen to Republican views - time will tell of course but at this point, we should all give our new President the benefit of the doubt for now and judge him on what he does in the years to come.
2 people like this
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
5 Nov 08
I don't have to "unify" with him to see how he governs. I will support him if he does things I agree with, but oppose him in things I don't. I don't have to lower my own standards just because he's in office.
2 people like this
@untitledshine (7)
• Indonesia
5 Nov 08
it will be spectacular moment in us if he win the election. but a heavy duty on his shoulder if he become a president coz of economic cricis.
@di1159 (1580)
• United States
5 Nov 08
Thanks for a great post! Although I didn't vote for him, I fully back him as our next president and hope that he will be able to tackle the tough problems that lie ahead. I think that after 8 years of 1 party in power, people need to see the other party in power, as we saw it with Reagan, Clinton, and Bush. People need to keep their hopes up with changes and I pray President Obama will lead us in the uncertain economic times ahead. I will support him in any way I can.
1 person likes this
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
5 Nov 08
We had 6 years of one party power, and to their disgrace the Republicans in Congress spent most of those years acting like they were in the minority.
The last 2 years the Democrats have run Congress... with an approval rating at half that of Prs. Bush, btw.
It's interesting to me that people just don't seem to think of the last two years of Congress being run by the democrats.
1 person likes this
@REALBEYOND (38)
• China
6 Nov 08
Of course,congratulations to Obama and he is sure to prove everything to the US even to the whole world!
1 person likes this
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
6 Nov 08
Yes, he is sure to prove everything to the US and the world. Whether he proves himself as a great president, so so president, or piss poor excuse for a president, only his decisions will tell.
1 person likes this
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
6 Nov 08
Yup, it is up to them now. They have their chance to create their nirvana.. we'll see how they do.
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
6 Nov 08
Of course McCain made a great concession speech. Conceding is his specialty.
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
5 Nov 08
Every president takes on the benefits and "screw ups" of the previous administration. Obama or his supporters can't complain about what Obama will inherit since he volunteered (and his supporters put him there) to take them on.
Prs. Obama will sink or swim on his own merits, not because of anything Bush did or didn't do.
1 person likes this
@wujinbo (341)
• China
5 Nov 08
you are right .obama is well and so good .he is a meaning man.butafter he have reach his purpose,or he will make the people satisfaction,the conclution is proved right. but obama i think is better than bush.bush make the war against iraq,and now the Economic crisis so on,he is not the lucky man , and his do's make the people disappointed.so happily ,the new president obama will change the situation ,and the situation will be improved slowly........
1 person likes this
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
5 Nov 08
As far as war goes, we have no idea what Obama will do. He does plan on increasing the size of our military, so does that mean he just sees that it needs to be bigger to defend our nation, or it needs to be bigger for other reasons. We'll see how that turns out.
2 people like this
