BOSTON–On Nov. 4, 2008, people of all shapes and sizes ventured to The Greatest Bar to turn their attention away from athletic events for the evening to focus on politics.

“This is such a historical time,” said Holly Peterson, a junior at Northeastern University. “Either way the country is going to be unlike it ever has before. I’m honored to be a part of it and excited to watch the election on the big screen (television),” she laughed.

The Greatest Bar election party began at 7 p.m. with the early arrival of patrons. Each of the seven televisions played a different channel ranging from CNN to Jon Stewart. Specialized drink menus were created for the event, highlighting three politically themed concoctions. Profiled beverages included a red-hued drink called “The Maverick” intended for Republican enthusiasts, a bright blue “ObamaRama” and for those who can’t make up their mind, a purple “Undecided.” Guests sipped their drinks, celebrating and shaking their heads in disbelief as they watched the historical election.

While most guests in the group sipped on the Democratic “ObamaRama,” the “Maverick” supporters did not go unnoticed telling staff that their ‘tips will go up the more electoral votes McCain secures.’ Pre-election television programs profiling past election results and popular vote statistics aired while guests enjoyed their drinks and food off the menu. Predictions about who would secure Ohio and Virginia and debates on the different candidate’s stances on economic policies resonated throughout the bar while election results were unveiled.

Guests traded in jerseys and shirts of their favorite sports teams to business casual and after work attire to watch the election. “It’s so different cheering for a political party and candidates instead of a sports team,” laughed guest Andrew Hanson. And guests did just that. As states were being colored blue or red and electoral votes added up, the crowd echoed cheers and jeers in support of their respective favorite candidates.

However as the night progressed, the group became glad to be blue as Obama pulled ahead to become the first African-American President of the United States.

“I thought it was going to be a lot closer than it was,” remarked a surprised Kellianne Devine of Northeastern University. Devine continued, “I can’t believe that only 100 years ago we were dealing with civil rights and woman’s rights issues and this is where we are today. It makes me proud to be an American.”

The majority of the patrons were ecstatic about the election results. Democratic voters celebrated by popping bottles of champagne and ordering multiple Washington “DC” Apple shots to welcome in the era of Obama.

“Definitely a change for the day-to-day crowd,” Hanson remarked, “but change is what this country wants, isn’t it?” Apparently change is exactly what America craves.