Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008 became a day marked in American history; a day when people stood together for change and elected their first black President, Barack Obama.
Obama stood in front of the entire world on Tuesday night and watched as he won a presidential election like no other. Obama stands for change and this election alone shows that change is coming to America, as more people voted than ever before, and younger generations got involved, realizing that their voices can be heard.
“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 questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer,” stated Obama during his acceptance speech.
These words lifted American spirits across the country, giving people hope for the change the United States needs during such dark times.
Change seems like a simple word, a cheesy and easy campaign slogan, but it has never felt so powerful. Americans have come together, acknowledging the need for alteration. “In a nation that was founded on genocide and then built on the backs of slaves, it was an unexpected moment, shocking in its simplicity: Barack Obama, a good man, a black man, said he would bring change to Washington, and the majority of the country liked that idea. The racists were present throughout the campaign and in the voting booth. But they are no longer the majority, and we will see their flame of hate fizzle out in our lifetime,” says Michael Moore, an Academy Award-winning American filmmaker, author, and liberal political commentator.
“We have sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of red states and blue states, we are and always will be the United States of America,” says Obama.
Economically, the U.S. is facing a financial calamity that has people terrified. Citizens of all ages and classes are feeling the weight of this crisis. They need comfort and stability, not worries of how and when they will be able to pay their mortgage or even how they are going to afford dinner for their families. Socially change is needed more than ever now. Not only is Obama the first black man to be elected president but he is also the first affirmed anti-war candidate to be elected president during a time of war. America is tired of war; Americans want their troops brought home. Alliances need to form and enemies need to fade.
Obama has a tough road ahead. This is an intimidating time to be elected president, he has obstacles ahead that won’t be easy but his conviction and confidence gives Americans hope that change will come to America. A country “of the people, for the people, by the people, has not perished,” says Obama. It will take time and I’m sure that things will get worse before they get better but Americans have faith in their elected leader, Barack Obama.