View Full Version : Obamaramma!
5 days until the election. Aren't you all jealous?
http://www.newskinmedia.com/uploads/obama.jpg
Voting for Obama! Because he's SUPER!!!!
http://blog.spout.com/wp-content/uploads/barack-obama-is-not-superman.jpg
Matblack
30-10-2008, 22:25
As the option is a dying man with an insane woman as a stand in then I think you've made the right choice ;)
MB
Dymetrie
30-10-2008, 22:33
As the option is a dying man with an insane woman as a stand in then I think you've made the right choice ;)
MB
The choice of a fighter in Mortal Kombat who has massive teeth and swords in his arms...?
http://membres.lycos.fr/completewarrior/hpbimg/Baraka%20III.jpg
I'd not argue :D
5 days until the election. Aren't you all jealous?
Jealous? Of what?!?!?!
I am sick to sodding death hearing about your election! I had to listen to Sarah fricking Palin over my Sunday dinner, if we weren't sat in a pub, I would have turned it off, her shrill voice was doing my head in.
So no. But thanks ;D
I've been enjoying reading up on the build up over the past year so I'll probably be watching the coverage overnight on Election Night :)
Just hope the nutter with the female nutter doesn't win :p
Be interesting to see how the Yanks bugger up a simple 'count the votes' this time ;)
Bugger, didnt think of that ;D
Give us a General Election anyday. None of this campaigning crap, polls open day 1, close end of day 1, results in the early hours of day 2. Done and dusted thank you very much.
yeah haha. Florida usually tends to find a way to **** it up. they are America's wang after all. And by jealous I meant, that after all this buildup for the last year and a half or however long it's been, I actually get to vote and all you can do is sit and watch!
Fortunately it doesn't sound like the election is going to be close enough where it will come down to just one state's electoral count. Obama seems to have the favor in several of the swing states. I seriously can't wait for this to be over with.
Palin can kiss my ass... the idea that there's even a chance she may be president scares the crap out of me. What they've been saying is it sounds like a bad disney movie come to life. Hockey mom from Alaska becomes president, just imagine how she would deal with world powers!!! *CRINGE*
Palin can kiss my ass... the idea that there's even a chance she may be president scares the crap out of me.
Never mind president. The idea that she'll get one second more airtime over here scares the crap out of me. Alaska is welcome to keep her, but may she never utter a word on my TV set ever again. I think my brain might explode.
It's been interesting to read the American view of our coverage. Plenty of accusations of Barack-bias directed at the BBC. Pot, kettle, and black come to mind there. Fox News, anyone?
Anyway, latest poll numbers suggest the gap has closed a little. Will we be in for a surprise come polling day? I hope not.
As for Florida, do they still have pregnant chads there? :)
Matblack
31-10-2008, 14:51
Palin can kiss my ass... the idea that there's even a chance she may be president scares the crap out of me. What they've been saying is it sounds like a bad disney movie come to life. Hockey mom from Alaska becomes president, just imagine how she would deal with world powers!!! *CRINGE*
Bah, you'd beOKit would be the rest of the world quaking in fear of who the gun toting homicidal, xenophobic, homophobic, polar bear hating tart would bomb first! If she was in I'd rather be in the US than outside it as god knows where she'd point the first missile!
MB
I disagree - I don't think anywhere would be safe. She's already been found guilty on one count of abuse of power and last I heard there was another case pending.
Granted there would be a way out though - impeachment. :)
I think we're pretty much screwed either way. BHO is going to pussyfy (is that a word) the country in the world's eyes, totally screw the budget with his socialist economic ideas, and try to completely disarm us all. McAncient isn't a whole lot better.
I've tried everything I can to get as many people to vote independent, but I guess it just wasn't enough. Too many of the sheep over here forget there are more than just two political parties...
AboveTheSalt
31-10-2008, 16:49
I think we're pretty much screwed either way. [Obama] is going to pussyfy (is that a word) the country in the world's eyes, totally screw the budget with his socialist economic ideas, and try to completely disarm us all.Since "pussyfy" is not a term I recognise, I have no idea what you mean by it but suspect that it doesn't mean that you think that Obama will be good for you.
I have to say that I find it very hard to believe that Obama is going to do more damage to the US economy than has already been done under eight years of GWB - and you never know, you might even find that Socialism isn't as bad as you think - not that it is ever likely to happen in the USA.
I've tried everything I can to get as many people to vote independent, but I guess it just wasn't enough. Too many of the sheep over here forget there are more than just two political parties...Perhaps most people think that since an independent vote is a waste of time anyhow, they will stay at home instead?
I think we're pretty much screwed either way. BHO is going to pussyfy (is that a word) the country in the world's eyes, totally screw the budget with his socialist economic ideas, and try to completely disarm us all. McAncient isn't a whole lot better.
I've tried everything I can to get as many people to vote independent, but I guess it just wasn't enough. Too many of the sheep over here forget there are more than just two political parties...
Yeah I disagree with you, Darrin. I think if you actually read over his economic plan you'd see that it actually makes a lot of sense.
And as far is him showing signs of pussyism, I couldn't disagree with you more. When the man gets up and speaks in front of a crowd, he's inspiring. He exudes leadership and makes you feel like someone intelligent is about to step in and take command. It's about time someone with a brain and foresight was about to take his seat in the oval office and not a bumbling idiot like we have now that makes you feel ashamed every time you see him representing our country. If anything, he's the pussy acting out of fear whenever he uses military action. That's his answer to everything. It takes a real man, a real leader to think of other options. And I don't think Obama is stupid enough to completely disarm this country. Make sure you separate your facts with your rumors.
Meh, I had a big old post typed out, but I hate discussing politics. So I'll leave you all with this thought :
If pro is the opposite of con, what does that say about "progress"? :D
[EDIT] When I said, "disarm us all" I meant in the 2nd amendment sense, not militarily. ;)
Meh, I had a big old post typed out, but I hate discussing politics. So I'll leave you all with this thought :
If pro is the opposite of con, what does that say about "progress"? :D
[EDIT] When I said, "disarm us all" I meant in the 2nd amendment sense, not militarily. ;)
It takes more than a President to change the Constitution, the 2nd amendment will be there a lot longer than we are on this planet. Using that as an excuse not to vote for someone really makes no sense.
I am a left wing pinko liberal and given the chance i would support the democrats, but there is just something about Obama i just don't like.
I still am not counting out McCain, when push comes to shove, voters tend to **** out of the tough choices. McCain is the easy choice, i still wouldn't rule out the fact that obama is black playing a hindering role. Sure in public people will say they will vote him, 'cause it sounds like the right thing to do. But when it comes to it, i just don't know.
Although McCain screwed up picking Pailin. She was picked to try get the women vote, and that is the vote she managed to alienate. A Texan i know who will be voting isn't sure about voting McCain because of Pailin, and Texans are pretty much all Republicans. lol Though if it was Hilary Vs McCain i'd be making sure my missus had her postal vote in, but because it is McCain and Obama i aint bothered, and she doesn't give a toss anyway lol
Yeah, there's undoubtedly skeletons in the Obama family closet, and his family itself seems to have stirred up a bit of controversy.
I certainly think it'll be a fair deal closer than pollsters suggest. The vast majority of US voters vote the same way every time regardless, but as you've shown, some do change sides. The young vote also seems to be a bit of an unknown - there's a lot more registered this time but will they actually vote?
Ravenlord
01-11-2008, 21:53
The young vote also seems to be a bit of an unknown - there's a lot more registered this time but will they actually vote?
They will come out in their droves and swing it for Obama I reckon.
I think I'll be just saying, "**** it, we're out of here!!" and move back to Canada. Better medical, better job prospects and I won't have to deal with either of the losers on the ballot.
Wait.... what?
And as far is him showing signs of pussyism, I couldn't disagree with you more. When the man gets up and speaks in front of a crowd, he's inspiring. He exudes leadership and makes you feel like someone intelligent is about to step in and take command.
Isn't that what people said about Hitler, too? And now he wants to form a million person teenage security force. Can you say Hitler Youth?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt2yGzHfy7s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt2yGzHfy7s
I am a left wing pinko liberal and given the chance i would support the democrats, but there is just something about Obama i just don't like.
In my opinion I think that might be the republican propaganda having a subconscious affect on you. At least that's what I've noticed in watching other people's reactions. They have been delivering a message that people should be afraid of Obama, but don't give a good reason, so some people leap to some crazy conclusions, and others have a "bad feeling" but can't put their finger on it... well, because there is no good reason anyone should fear him.
Hopefully, if he's elected, people learn to trust him over time instead of hate him or fear him as a result of the campaign. I think there was a good chance of him bringing the country closer together before all the negative campaigning of late from the McCain crowd... which was inspired by what? The growing fear that they might lose!
Fear should never be the driving force behind any kind of action, of a government or an individual. That's another reason why I admire Obama. As dirty as it's gotten, he's always maintained the higher ground.
Justsomebloke
03-11-2008, 20:08
Well if a Black man becomes President of America I would just about have seen everything except Aliens ;D
S'pose even if he does get voted in some Nutter will shoot him or summit :confused:
Can't say anything more than that really as I avoid the circus over here so would hardly get involved in the one over there, Not like the job is important or owt is it :p
NokkonWud
04-11-2008, 01:50
LVvmrum3cUA
I vote Obama, he's great and his Audacity of Hope was excellent, but McCain is one slick mover.
cleanbluesky
04-11-2008, 10:54
GOBAMA!
Obama is superman, durr!
"McCain knows how to deal with Al-Qaeda, cause Al-Qaeda are coming to kill us"
"We don't vote for baby killers in this family, and Obama is a baby killer"
I just get somewhat depressed when I hear things like this on TV as genuine reasons why some people aren't voting for Obama.
I'm sure equally stupid things are being said in the other direction though.
cleanbluesky
04-11-2008, 11:54
"McCain knows how to deal with Al-Qaeda, cause Al-Qaeda are coming to kill us"
"We don't vote for baby killers in this family, and Obama is a baby killer"
I just get somewhat depressed when I hear things like this on TV as genuine reasons why some people aren't voting for Obama.
I'm sure equally stupid things are being said in the other direction though.
Haha, I just wrote out a massive analysis of how both sides of this election have been fought on the basis of a lack of information rather than a presence of it - and how republican voters have been ignorant and believe they know enough whilst democrat voters have been uninformed, convinced everyone who doesn't vote Obama is ignorant yet at the same time believing they are informed despite only scartching the surface at best.
I think its because the system is so simple, hardly anyone has to make an effort to express their 'democratic right' (in the approved way) hence they only need simple information to do so. The candidates want their supporters to be informed enough to convince themselves, but still dumb enough to want someone else to fill in the blanks for them.
Obama certainly sounds like the better candidate. He seems switched on, sincere and most importantly, ready to be the President of the US. McCain doesn't in my opinion, despite what he says. Palin, well, the less said about her the better. I hope she doesn't get an ounce of power, because I truly believe she'd be way out of her depth as President. The US would be taken in the wrong direction, and by extention, the rest of the Western world.
cleanbluesky
04-11-2008, 12:17
Obama certainly sounds like the better candidate. He seems switched on, sincere and most importantly, ready to be the President of the US.
Indeed, Obama clearly has more "Yes we can". It's also interesting that 9/10 cats prefer Obama. FACT.
Indeed, Obama clearly has more "Yes we can". It's also interesting that 9/10 cats prefer Obama. FACT.
Sauce ??
I am hoping that Obama wins. A lot of the republicans have twisted some of his key policies to make him look borderline communist at times. He has strong policies on immigration control. Yet it has been said he wants to make America isolated from the international community. When you look at it, it's pretty forward thinking. Make it more easy for honest hardworking people to come and work and live in America as long as they are prepared to pay their taxes and do their bit for America. Whether he gets elected and he can deliver on immigration reform.
I think what can only stop Obama is if GOP has a record turnout. Whatever the outcome of todays election, McCain or Obama will have inherited the Economy in it's worst state for a generation, a faltering healthcare service, two unfinished and damaging conflicts in the middle east.
Voter turnout is expected to be high. At least McCain, Obama and the American public agree that there needs to be change. What that change is, time will tell.
cleanbluesky
04-11-2008, 13:20
Voter turnout is expected to be high. At least McCain, Obama and the American public agree that there needs to be change. What that change is, time will tell.
What we NEED is to stop hamming up the ballot and instead choose to make our own lives more productive rather than looking for a father figure with vague promises that wont be delivered.
Like Bill Hicks said, regardless of who we vote for, the government are still going to get in.
What we NEED is to stop hamming up the ballot and instead choose to make our own lives more productive rather than looking for a father figure with vague promises that wont be delivered.
Like Bill Hicks said, regardless of who we vote for, the government are still going to get in.
But we still live in a society where there are varying degrees of accountability to the government and vice versa no ?? I read your comment that we should be more self reliant and self sufficient or have I got the wrong end of the stick
cleanbluesky
04-11-2008, 14:21
But we still live in a society where there are varying degrees of accountability to the government and vice versa no ?? I read your comment that we should be more self reliant and self sufficient or have I got the wrong end of the stick
Take a step back from the social conditioning that THIS is the way it has to be, break down what we are doing and why...
Hunter S Thompson defined politics as the art of man to control his environment. Essentially, the most popular form of this is in organising a heirarchy of who decides how society is run, and in America this is decided by a voting system that is often explained as democracy, as a misnomer. Basically, an individual is presented with a bargain - the idea that a president will make their environment better in a way that the individual cannot - and that he requires political power through the vote. The vote is not democracy, democracy as a word is vague at best and meaningless at worst - if a person wishes to improve their environment then they should do so rather than wait for others to lead them there. Your vote is not your voice, you can choose to express your political aspirations in any way you choose, and there are many ways to support a candidate or even seek election. But it is always important to remember that regardless of who is in power, it will be up to the citizens to improve their environment.
The problem is that humans tend to believe that this is an either/or dilemma. We have a limited amount of mental energy and all the energy spent hoping that someone else will make the world better means energy that WONT be spent seeking to improve things ourselves.
Take a step back from the social conditioning that THIS is the way it has to be, break down what we are doing and why...
Hunter S Thompson defined politics as the art of man to control his environment. Essentially, the most popular form of this is in organising a heirarchy of who decides how society is run, and in America this is decided by a voting system that is often explained as democracy, as a misnomer. Basically, an individual is presented with a bargain - the idea that a president will make their environment better in a way that the individual cannot - and that he requires political power through the vote. The vote is not democracy, democracy as a word is vague at best and meaningless at worst - if a person wishes to improve their environment then they should do so rather than wait for others to lead them there. Your vote is not your voice, you can choose to express your political aspirations in any way you choose, and there are many ways to support a candidate or even seek election. But it is always important to remember that regardless of who is in power, it will be up to the citizens to improve their environment.
The problem is that humans tend to believe that this is an either/or dilemma. We have a limited amount of mental energy and all the energy spent hoping that someone else will make the world better means energy that WONT be spent seeking to improve things ourselves.
I can see the message he is trying to make. That said I suspect the vast majority within our respective nations neither have the skills or the aspiration to improve their lot in life significantly. I mean this in very broad terms of not being reliant on state or nation.
Political systems have been with us since the birth of civilization, all with varying degrees of control and power. We are to a certain degree indoctrinated into valuing our vote.
It's election day! I've got my sample ballot and I am going to go to my polling place shortly. Aside from president, I am also voting on state-wide and county-wide propositions.
Perhaps the biggest one this year is prop 8, which is California basically trying to write an amendment to the California constitution that reads: "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." Which is bull crap. Can you believe they want to pass a law that takes people's rights away!?
I hear the pro Prop 8 advertising has been basically outright lies as well, claiming that kids are being taught to 'be gay' in school from the ages of 7 etc. just on TV ads and stuff.
Yeah they've been saying that just by adding that one line allows schools to force kids to be taught about gay marriage. As if they're never going to hear about it either way. It's just ridiculous. I don't want to talk about it anymore! lol
So I just voted. Sorry it's blurry, but here's my ballot!!
http://www.newskinmedia.com/uploads/ballot.jpg
Must be quite exciting :D
I love election coverage :o Been watching the BBC's stuff on it the last hour or so and no doubt will be tonight too when the main coverage is on. So fascinating. Even when I was a kid I loved it, probably initially because I was allowed to stay up late on election night but then it interested me too!
Must be quite exciting :D
I love election coverage :o Been watching the BBC's stuff on it the last hour or so and no doubt will be tonight too when the main coverage is on. So fascinating. Even when I was a kid I loved it, probably initially because I was allowed to stay up late on election night but then it interested me too!
Same, and I'll be staying up. Do you reckon the BBC will pull a swingometer out of their technical hat? Won't be the same without Peter Snow though.
Good to see a ballot, Mel. Never heard of any of the other candidates, which certainly says something about the coverage (over here, if a news programme covers one candidate in a particular election I believe they have to at least list all the others).
I'll certainly be looking up the result of Prop 8 as well.
Do you reckon there will be a swingometer? Won't be the same without Peter Snow though.
I hope so but I doubt it :( His enthusiasm was always so impressive and really transfered to the viewer well I think.
I'll also be keeping an eye out to see what happened with Prop 8.
I'm going to an election party in San Francisco! My friend works for Digg.com and he has an extra ticket to this party thrown by Digg, Twitter, and Current TV. http://blog.digg.com/?p=351
I'll post the results here as soon as I hear them. Polls close at 8pm, 4am your time.
I'll post the results here as soon as I hear them. Polls close at 8pm, 4am your time.
I am going to bed in a bit so i can get up a bit earlier for work and give myself an hour or so watching the news.
leowyatt
04-11-2008, 20:33
My friend works for Digg.com
It's not Kevin is it? Hippy Glen, Praeger? ;D
It's not Kevin is it? Hippy Glen, Praeger? ;D
My friend's name is Steve. He's a programmer.
leowyatt
04-11-2008, 21:47
cool :)
oh and just for fun, everybody gets a sticker!!! Here's mine. :D
http://www.newskinmedia.com/uploads/ivoted.jpg
leowyatt
04-11-2008, 22:39
oh and just for fun, everybody gets a sticker!!! Here's mine. :D
http://www.newskinmedia.com/uploads/ivoted.jpg
a sticker??? :confused: there is a sticker there? :shocked: ;D
EXCUSE ME!!! That's my LEFT tit!!
Indeed it is. You need to move the sticker then. :p
Well my LEFT tit is very proud to be American!!! :party2:
leowyatt
04-11-2008, 23:35
Is your right Canadian?
/runs
If it is then it gets free health care and says EY!
Sounds like there's been chaos in Virginia. Military votes impounded, broken machines, insufficient ballot papers...
Does this sound familiar? 2000, Florida, anyone? Our reporters have suggested for some time that Virginia is one of the swing states. This could turn into a good day for conspiracy theorists. :/
Looking good for Obama.
I want to keep going but I can feel my eyes getting heavier by the second :o
8 minutes to go. My boss is going to be pleased when he wakes up. I'm looking forward to the NC result (been there four times) and the FL result (three times).
Stan_Lite
05-11-2008, 05:04
Looks like it's going to be a big win for Obama - a real mandate for change. Let's hope it's a change for the better :)
Looks like it's going to be a big win for Obama - a real mandate for change. Let's hope it's a change for the better :)
I'm on my iPhone from the party! Obama is our president!!!!!!!!!!!11111
Obama has positively walked away with this one, based on seats. Interestingly the Popular vote is a lot closer, half an hour ago just 50.7% Democrat.
Obama has positively walked away with this one, based on seats. Interestingly the Popular vote is a lot closer, half an hour ago just 50.7% Democrat.
at least he is winning even in the popular vote, Bush lost the popular vote and still went into office !
also it looks like Missouri is going to go Republican !!!
Good concession speech from McCain though, doesn't sound bitter at all, actually have more respect for him now after that.
Is McCain ever going to stop speaking? :p
Damn good speech though. Let's see what Obama can do then I'm off to bed. Sounding good so far but I'd like to see what he says about McCain.
California Proposition 8 is currently 54% Yes. :/ Some way to go yet though.
LOL @ new puppy. ;D
Respect for what he said about McCain, but so far McCain's speech has been better IMO.
Edit - Obama's speech got much better. Yes we can!
PS - Prop 8 now 55% Yes. :/
Time to retire for the 'night'.
:D
http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/5263/img7815gq4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Matblack
05-11-2008, 09:41
Wow simply Wow, I woke up at 5 this morning to this
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.
It's 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.
It's 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.
It's 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.
It's 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 Sen. McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and he's 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 Gov. Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's 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 16 years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nation's next first lady, Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House. And while she's 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 you've 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 didn't 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 $5 and $10 and $20 to this cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's 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 didn't do this just to win an election, and I know you didn't 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 they'll make the mortgage, or pay their doctor's 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 won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president, and we know that government can't 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 it's been done in America for 221 years — block by block, brick by brick, callused hand by callused hand.
What began 21 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, it's 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 America's beacon still burns as bright: Tonight, we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from 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.
This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's 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 couldn't vote for two reasons — because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.
And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America — the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes, we can.
At a time when women's 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 can't, 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.
What I can say honestly is one of the finest pieces of public speaking of my time, not because it is particularly clever or poetic but because like the campaign as a whole encompassed and embraced the feelings of the American people.
Kudos to McCain though, his "the failiure is mine, not yours" speec was very moving, I do have to say though that I found the booing of the crowd at his speech every time Obama's name was mentioned quite disturbing, I hope that there isn't a hardcore of Americans who won't give Obama a chance just because of the colour of his skin, he really is a very different type of President, he needs a chance to prove it and it will probably take more than one term too. however what I found really disturbing was the biggest cheer at that speech was just at the mention of the name of that Palin woman, God forbid that she runs at the next election as the Presidential candiate she might just get in :shocked:
MB
I actually watched that speech with tears in my eyes.
Can you imagine the obstacles he faced and conquered to get to the White House. From as a kid without a father, mother dying of Cancer and then got his way to one of America's most respect University, Columbia, and then Harvard, then made Law Review - Editor and then President of Law Review.
Then 21 months ago, in some room in Illonis, him and his friends and staff or someone must have said, lets go for the White House, lets put this skinny black guy with a funny name in the White House. Those people must have saw who he is and believe in him so much that they know it was worth trying, and they were right. He faced HUGE, enormous obstacle, even from his own parties. With only 12 years in office (10 at the time), he wouldn't have as many connections, or funding as people like John Edwards, Hilary Clinton or even McCain. Step by Step he overcame those challenges and made it to the White House.
It's like watching the West Wing in real life.
Obama's speech was truly fantastic. I'm so glad he's going to be President, I think if anybody can shape the US and the rest of the world for the better, it'll be him.
I am not embarressed to say it was very emotional to listen to the speech and to read it once again this morning courtesy of Matt. I shed a tear or two both for personal reasons and the aspirations of my family. Also in the hope that the world will be a better and safer place for my children.
Listening to Radio 5 on the way in this morning it was also moving to listen some guy in London of a mixed race family. Him and his seven year old son crying tears of joy because up until this day they were told that the colour of their skin should never keep them back. But on this day there was living proof that hope, hard work and perseverence in the face of adversity is blind to the prejudice of colour.
What is so encouraging is that he engaged not so much people on the issue of race. But he has motivated so many young first time voters to say they have a voice and it will be heard. For if America is to be a better place it's not the OAP's who are going to build it, it's going to be the first time voters.
Of course it can be percieved as very jingoistic with the "yes we can" but whats wrong with that. My only reservation despite the euphiroa is that as Obama says, maybe one term won't be enough. Are the problems faced by America and it's international partners and allies fixable in the next 8 years.
Great speech no doubt about that - in fact it was one of the best I've heard. But to me it's just a speech and I'm afraid I'm almost indifferent to it as to me it's just talk, albeit good talk, but still just talk. I think he has too much work to do to reshape the States and he won't be able to do it in 4 years... but I'm a cynic.
leowyatt
05-11-2008, 11:55
I think he has too much work to do to reshape the States and he won't be able to do it in 4 years... but I'm a cynic.
What is there to say he'll only be there for 4 years? They voted the previous idiot in twice so there is hope for Obama :D
I certainly hope he'll be there for 4. Assassins bullet aside. :p
It's whether he'll be there in 8 that is the question.
It's whether he'll be there in 8 that is the question.
That's down to Obama.
It's like watching the West Wing in real life.
It really was. I woke up in my chair around 3 something and decided that I had to sleep. What a thing to wake up to. God damn it, why isn't UK politics as interesting or as fun or even as patriotic?
Matblack
05-11-2008, 12:44
Are the problems faced by America and it's international partners and allies fixable in the next 8 years.
No quite frankly, he needs two terms to really get the ball rolling, but politics is based around momentum and once things get started its hard to stop them. However there will be an instant change in the perception of the US, Obama is about inclusion not unilateral action, the extremists will hate him because he will make America a more apprachable figure in the global arena, he's a great orator and I see a much great unity with him around and once Americans see this can be possible I think they will grow to like it. The US has taken a hammering recently and I for one don't think it can afford to stand alone on the worldd stage anymore, Obama is the one to get the US to play nice and that can happen quickly. Instant changes you might see are tax cuts for the poor and middle income families and increases for the richs and corperations, you won't see universal healthcare though he's a lot more careful than that when he talks about tax funded initatives, Americans in general don't seem to understand socilaist altruistic concepts, they get them confused with Communism :/
MB
That is an incredible speech. I'll have to see it televised later as I'm sure it's even more impressive when spoken.
Annoyingly I had to give in to sleep and fell asleep about 3.50 :( So close to seeing what I'd been waiting for. Really wanted to keep going and see history unfold.
I sincerely hope that Obama will make a huge, positive difference. It all sounds so positive now, which often happens in situations like this, so I hope it continues and he's what the American people wanted.
I just got home at 4am. God what a night. You should have seen the energy in the room. After every state was announced it went to Obama... Ohio, Colorado, Hawaii!!!! etc etc!!! and then..... the final announcement. President. Wow. The place just exploded. I was hugging people I didn't know, we were all crying, shouting, and clapping along with the crowds during the speeches. Just one very emotional, overwhelming and proud night.
http://www.newskinmedia.com/uploads/presidentobama.jpg
It really was. I woke up in my chair around 3 something and decided that I had to sleep. What a thing to wake up to. God damn it, why isn't UK politics as interesting or as fun or even as patriotic?
I got up at 4am especially for it and watched that speech delivered live, even though i am half the world away, it was really something else. I have never seen such emotional and powerful speech since JKF and Martin Luther King.
I do have to say though that I found the booing of the crowd at his speech every time Obama's name was mentioned quite disturbing, I hope that there isn't a hardcore of Americans who won't give Obama a chance just because of the colour of his skin
MB
There is a huge number of people incredibly opposed to Obama who always be, just take a look at any reasonably strong christian forums and you'll see people who are praying for god to save them from this evil that has become imposed upon their country.
The way these people are reacting you would think that quite literally the four horsemen had come and knocked on their front doors.
When you said that bit about the people believing in him that is so what I saw - the West Wing!! ;D
Thanks for posting that speech MB, that's amazing - can't wait to see/hear it spoken.
Here (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/us_elections_2008/7710079.stm) is the speech in full
I got up at 4am especially for it and watched that speech delivered live, even though i am half the world away, it was really something else. I have never seen such emotional and powerful speech since JKF and Martin Luther King.
I really really wanted to see it. I wanted to see the numbers tick over to see him win and history unfold before me. Annoyingly I was really dizzy and so tired that I felt like I was on drugs.
Just a quick update on Prop 8 - No evidence of an outcome yet, but it's looking like a Yes. Two other states with similar propositions have passed them, and a third has passed a ban on adoption by gay couples.
Other states are other states, California is very liberal compared to the rest. The fact that it looks like 8 is passing is unbelievable to me. Gay marriage bans also passed last night in Florida and Arizona. http://sfist.com/2008/11/05/how_did_prop_8_pass.php
This is a comment one of my friends just said publicly. I think it speaks for what a lot of we Americans are feeling right now.
I can say I'm proud to be American, and have a straight face.
I had been thinking the world is going to end for the last 2 years. I finally feel hopeful.
Other states are other states, California is very liberal compared to the rest. The fact that it looks like 8 is passing is unbelievable to me. Gay marriage bans also passed last night in Florida and Arizona. http://sfist.com/2008/11/05/how_did_prop_8_pass.php
:( Not good at all.
Talk is that it's going to be going to the supreme court to be overturned as unconstitutional. Fingers crossed that the right thing will be done in the end. Then religious bigots can just suck it.
Surely everyone has the right to an opinion?
Re The West Wing mentions: Just watching a bit on News 24 with the former speechwriter for Al Gore as well as a scriptwriter for The West Wing, and he's mentioned that the character Matt Santos (played by Jimmy Smits iirc) was based somewhat on the then Senator, Barack Obama!
Surely everyone has the right to an opinion?
Surely. And I just shared mine. I feel very strongly about creating laws specifically aimed at excluding people from expressing themselves, and living full and happy lives.
I have both McCain's and Obama's speeches as downloadable files if anyone wants them. Let me know.
semi-pro waster
05-11-2008, 23:11
Here (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/us_elections_2008/7710079.stm) is the speech in full
Cheers for the link, I'm now listening/watching to it and it's a good speech. I'm perhaps most impressed by the fact that he managed to pay respects to Governor Palin with a straight face - that man should not be leading the Free World, he should be playing poker professionally.
More seriously, I'm quite glad that Obama won although I don't think McCain was a bad candidate I do think that Obama was the better candidate on policies. Time will tell if he does achieve what he promises though.
Re The West Wing mentions: Just watching a bit on News 24 with the former speechwriter for Al Gore as well as a scriptwriter for The West Wing, and he's mentioned that the character Matt Santos (played by Jimmy Smits iirc) was based somewhat on the then Senator, Barack Obama!
Whoever their psychic was I want their number!
Really good article on the front page of the Telegraph today.
Justsomebloke
06-11-2008, 11:49
Is it me or is it a bit weird all the Yanks patting themselves on the back because they voted a Black man in :confused:
I would really like to hear an interview with a Yank that doesn't mention it & tells me what is Good about this "MAN".
dirtydog
06-11-2008, 13:07
Is it me or is it a bit weird all the Yanks patting themselves on the back because they voted a Black man in :confused:
I would really like to hear an interview with a Yank that doesn't mention it & tells me what is Good about this "MAN".
Why have you put man in inverted commas?
I agree that perhaps too much is made of his race, but I think he is clearly the better candidate on merit so deserved to win the election. Thankfully race should never again be an issue in US presidential elections, so in future it will not be hyped up so much as it has been this time.
Justsomebloke
06-11-2008, 13:15
Just to try to emphasise the fact that he is just a man & his colour is irrelevant.
dirtydog
06-11-2008, 13:19
Race is not irrelevant to an awful lot of people though, hence a non white being elected as president is highly significant and represents a watershed moment - do you not agree?
Justsomebloke
06-11-2008, 13:22
In my mind I can honestly say No it makes absolutely No difference at all but Yes I do agree. For me though it just shows how many racists we still have in the world not the other way round.
dirtydog
06-11-2008, 13:26
Race is an issue for me, as I think it is probably for most people to a greater or lesser extent. I am white but I would not vote for a candidate simply because they were white, regardless of their policies or personality as that would be stupid.
I get the impression that some, perhaps many people in America did vote for Obama on the basis of his race, and that is regrettable to me. I have heard that some 95% of blacks voted for him - did they all do so purely on the basis of his policies/personality, or did some of them vote for him on the basis of his race? :)
semi-pro waster
06-11-2008, 13:33
I get the impression that some, perhaps many people in America did vote for Obama on the basis of his race, and that is regrettable to me. I have heard that some 95% of blacks voted for him - did they all do so purely on the basis of his policies/personality, or did some of them vote for him on the basis of his race? :)
That would be almost impossible to quantify as I'm sure you know but I'd say beyond a shadow of a doubt some people will have voted primarily on race but some of those who did will be white. It does help that Obama seems the stronger of the candidates so maybe America gets the right man even if some people voted for the wrong reasons - a case of the end justifying the means perhaps?
dirtydog
06-11-2008, 13:38
That would be almost impossible to quantify as I'm sure you know but I'd say beyond a shadow of a doubt some people will have voted primarily on race but some of those who did will be white. It does help that Obama seems the stronger of the candidates so maybe America gets the right man even if some people voted for the wrong reasons - a case of the end justifying the means perhaps?
Of course some whites will have voted for McCain because he was white, as some blacks and perhaps other races perhaps voted for Obama because he is black (well actually mixed race). Both voted for the wrong reasons, but yes I am happy with the end result. I don't know what the Obama presidency will turn out to be like, but I am optimistic and even excited about the prospect, whereas a McCain administration filled me with dread.
Race is significant, not because it's completely fair that we see people as different from one another but, because it is an important part of this nation's history. The fact that 40 years before Obama gave his acceptance speech in Chicago, at that very location, were riots in that park after Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. 40 years ago if you would have been told a black man would be elected president within a generation no one would have believed you. So yes, people are talking, because many people out there were alive when blacks (and women) were not allowed to even vote.
I agree with Mel. People either forget or don't know that the US once had an Apartheid system as bad as the one we all know about from South Africa, so yes, it definitely is a big deal.
As for that 95% claim, personally I trust it about as far as Geoff Capes could throw it. On what basis was it calculated? One polling place? One district? It certainly isn't a national thing.
I have to say I find myself agreeing with DD. I think there possibly was more of a push to vote for him PURELY because he was black. Rather than any policies he may or may not have. Don't get me wrong i think he's the better choice out of the two, however owing to the US's black or afro-american population contributing to over 13-14% of the total population it's a significant number. Unlike the UK where the number is down at around 2-3% so for us it's less significant, and bear in mind they have had black inhabitants over 200years ago I believe compared to us.
However, I think race is silly, we are the "human race" - there's no such thing as race in my eyes. Just genetic differences, and as such we are no different to black people as I am to my father, just a few genes mean that someone has darker skin, and can suffer from certain conditions (sickler cell etc...) is no different to anyone else IMO.
Anyway that's a moot point, what I disagree with is the emphasis of him being of afro-american descendency as if that should make a difference. Yes I understand that in the US they had problems as Mark stated, and people were oppressed, but you know what? Get that chip off your shoulder - we've all had oppression of some kind. Do we really want to be living in the past or going forward? Why bring the past up as it serves no purpose in such things as modern USA.
however owing to the US's black or afro-american population contributing to over 13-14% of the total population
I think it would be naive to assume only other black people were voting for him purely because he was black, plenty of white people will have done too.
I have heard several examples of old white men who were racist towards blacks voting for Obama simply because they liked the guy. I'm not saying race SHOULD be a factor, but it is, because of this country's history, especially since it's still such recent history. It is proof that we've come a long way.
I think he got the attention of some voters (including black) because of his race, but I think he held their attention because of who he was and what he stood for and people actually listened to what he had to say about the issues. All in all I see it as a victory and a success.
Justsomebloke
07-11-2008, 10:47
Could somebody just tell me what is Good about the Dude, PLEASE.
Edit.
I don't mean I think he is bad as I have No idea at all, I would just like to know what it is about the Dude that we should be happy/positive about, What's his plans etc
semi-pro waster
07-11-2008, 13:41
Could somebody just tell me what is Good about the Dude, PLEASE.
Some of his policies in brief: tax cuts for the average citizen but slight increases in tax for the wealthy, he wants to move towards a measured withdrawal of troops from Iraq, allows abortion, wants to fund renewable energy. All of these are issues he has campaigned on, it remains to be seen how many would be implemented, if any.
You could take a look on the Barack Obama website (http://www.barackobama.com/issues/) for a further breakdown although obviously note the potential for bias.
Not to mention better health care for the poor.
cleanbluesky
07-11-2008, 13:59
I have heard several examples of old white men who were racist towards blacks voting for Obama simply because they liked the guy. I'm not saying race SHOULD be a factor, but it is, because of this country's history, especially since it's still such recent history. It is proof that we've come a long way.
I think this result shows that the band may have changed but the song remains the same - 95% of blacks have proved themselves racist voters (not to mention that about 80% of blacks voted yes on prop 8) - its also interesting to note that the majority of white voters didn't vote for Obama either... so perhaps it isn't quite the moral victory that Obama has been implying throughout his campaign.
I think he got the attention of some voters (including black) because of his race, but I think he held their attention because of who he was and what he stood for and people actually listened to what he had to say about the issues. All in all I see it as a victory and a success.
I've not seen any intelligent explanation of why Obama is a better candidate, not one single Obama supporter have managed to explain their perception of the man with any clarity. According to exit polls, the state of the economy was the most significant issue for voters, and whilst Powell claimed that Obama's vision for the economy was superior it was almost identical to McCain's plan.
I think this result shows that the band may have changed but the song remains the same - 95% of blacks have proved themselves racist voters (not to mention that about 80% of blacks voted yes on prop 8) - its also interesting to note that the majority of white voters didn't vote for Obama either... so perhaps it isn't quite the moral victory that Obama has been implying throughout his campaign.
I've not seen any intelligent explanation of why Obama is a better candidate, not one single Obama supporter have managed to explain their perception of the man with any clarity. According to exit polls, the state of the economy was the most significant issue for voters, and whilst Powell claimed that Obama's vision for the economy was superior it was almost identical to McCain's plan.
Historically, African Americans have always voted Domorcats, regardless who is their candidate, Clinton had around 85% of the black votes and John Kerry had around 88% of the Black votes, unless I am mistaken and something Clinton and Kerry isn't telling us, they are both white.
African Americans do not just vote for Obama because he is black (at least not 90% you suggested), although no doubt there has been some have voted because of that, so would the some white Republicans who voted for McCain because the Democrats has a Black Candidates and that because McCain is white. The majority of African Americans voted (at least 85% - Clinton numbers, or 88% in the case of Kerry) voted for Democrats because they always votes for Democrats not because Obama is black. So your 90% is now down to merely 2%. And you can't say for certain statistically that there are less than 2% of Republicans who voted for McCain because he is white, because Obama is Black, muslim, arab....etc it's a 2 way street.
As to your second point, i can go on til the cow comes home but only time will tell if he can do what he promises to do. Plus i am at lunch and i still not gone out to get my sandwich.
dirtydog
07-11-2008, 14:26
95% of blacks have proved themselves racist voters
Don't be silly. Some of them no doubt voted for him because of his race, but you can't say all of them did. Most blacks have always voted Democrat and up until now the candidate has been white.
I've not seen any intelligent explanation of why Obama is a better candidate
I think watching any of the televised debates between him and McCain would make that abundantly clear.
I think the biggest policy change that's likely to affect us is a desire for the US to stop being the world's 'bully'. I really don't mind the US giving despots 'what for', but a little less itchy trigger finger wouldn't do any harm.
cleanbluesky
07-11-2008, 14:30
Historically, African Americans have always voted Domorcats, regardless who is their candidate, Clinton had around 85% of the black votes and John Kerry had around 88% of the Black votes, unless I am mistaken and something Clinton and Kerry isn't telling us, they are both white.
That's a good point, I didn't realise it was that high in previous elections - although its also worth note that voter turnout was high for this election, therefore we are dealing with a greater number of people - Obama support was also significantly higher amongst minorities such as jews and hispanics. The propspect of voting in a minority has held significant sway amongst minority populations.
It is also worth noting that not only the swing states like Ohio and Penn went Democrats (Bush in 2004), Obama has almost done what previously thought impossible. He went and took Virginia and North Carolina, both considered to be hard core Republican states and both where African Americans are very much in the minority.
The depressing statistic for Republican is that in the projected figures (read in the Daily Telegraph yesterday) is that Whites will be a minoity by 2042, so if the statistic that 85% of Blacks votes Democrats, the Rebublican party have an up hill struggle to gain votes in the coming years.
Matblack
07-11-2008, 14:59
Its not a black thing, its a GW Bush is a tosser thing :)
MB
True. Up to 2004 McCain was very much his own man. He tried to play on that in this election to put some space between him and Bush, but unfortunately his voting record showed 90% votes in favour of Bush policies.
dirtydog
07-11-2008, 15:13
That's a good point, I didn't realise it was that high in previous elections - although its also worth note that voter turnout was high for this election, therefore we are dealing with a greater number of people - Obama support was also significantly higher amongst minorities such as jews and hispanics. The propspect of voting in a minority has held significant sway amongst minority populations.
Define minority. Aren't whites a minority in the US yet? If they aren't now then they will be soon, in my and your lifetimes.
In the wider world, whites are already a minority and blacks and other races vastly outnumber us.
Justsomebloke
07-11-2008, 15:27
Does this mean we can start saying "Is is because I'm White" :)
What made the election such a landslide, especially with new voters, was not in fact race, but age. I'm not going to bother looking right now for the exact statistic but I heard on a news report last night that it was like the first time ever that the number of 18-25 year old voters outnumbered over 65 voters. That's what did it. Young people motivating each other, through new medias such as online (facebook etc). This made a huge difference. Even Obama's campaign was involved in this. During the primaries you were able to subscribe on his website to receive text message alerts to be notified of things like when he was chosen for democratic candidate.
Alongside the presidential electiions, other state elections were taking place, such as state house, and other state level referendum style votes. Back in July I ended up in a 4th of July parade for a democrat, Chris Lee, going for state house for the district my fiance lives in, who was also the youngest nominee of any district of Hawaii this time around at 'just' 28. From a virtually unknown back in July, he since visited every single household twice (imagine your MP doing that for maybe a quarter of his area, it's a similar achievment, tens of thousands of households) and been sign waving at major intersections, and so on.. He made it through preliminaries where the republican candidates all failed, leaving him and Kawananakoa who is 'old money' with all the old boys school connections, the right social circles and so on; all the advantages that make a polititian to many. Kawananakoa was rather arrogant and dismissive of Chris, until tthings like the local newspapers started to support him, and other social and business groups too. Last week in a desperate vote grap Kawananakoa sent a proffessional leaflet around pointing out why he was better, with rather dirty tactics, e.g. each school he'd attended had 'graduated' next to it whilst Chris just had 'attended', despite graduating highly, and so on. That didn't go down too well amongst the locals, and on Tuesday Chris won the place with a whopping 66% of the votes. Poor guy has been up at 4:30 every day to sign wave for the last 4-5 months, along with everything else, but no rest for the wicked. Tuesday he was up late for the results and then Wednesday saw another 4:30 start, waving a 'mahalo' sign (thank you) before heading in for a full first day in the new role!
A bit of a thread revival here. Not sure if anyone caught his acceptance speech yesterday. Unfortunately I haven't seen it yet but I read the transcript of it courtesy of The Times.
My fellow citizens: I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and co-operation he has shown throughout this transition.
Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath.
Related Links
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Live - Barack Obama's inauguration day
New dawn begins for Barack Obama
The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents.
So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.
That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land - a nagging fear that America’s decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.
Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.
We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted - for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame.
Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things - some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labour, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.
For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and travelled across oceans in search of a new life.
For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and ploughed the hard earth.
For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.
Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.
This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began.
Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished.
But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions - that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.
For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act - not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology’s wonders to raise health care’s quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.
Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions - who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans.
Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.
What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them - that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works - whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public’s dollars will be held to account - to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day - because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.
Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill.
Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control - and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favours only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart - not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.
As for our common defence, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience’s sake.
And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.
Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.
We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort - even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan.
With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the spectre of a warming planet. We will not apologise for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.
For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.
To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.
To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world’s resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.
As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment - a moment that will define a generation - it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.
For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the fire-fighter’s courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent’s willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.
Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new.
But those values upon which our success depends - hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.
This is the price and the promise of citizenship.
This is the source of our confidence - the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.
This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed - why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.
So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have travelled. In the year of America’s birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood.
At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people: “Let it be told to the future world...that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it].”
America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children’s children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God’s grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.
I was impressed that there wasn't one single "I" in his speech i.e. what he was going to do for America. It was all geared towards common goals and ethics and about how more can be achieved collectively than as indviduals. He has recognised his main priorities.
Maybe a very lofty ideal but I hope that America firstly and the world thereafter becomes colour blind. His Presidency should now be judged on what he does and what he delivers despite of his skin colour.
I liked it :) He delivered it quite powerfully too. I hope he actually does all that he says as it was quite exciting to watch so much optimism yesterday afternoon.
Davey_Pitch
21-01-2009, 16:06
Excellent speech, with some very clear goals. Hopefully he can follow through on a lot of things he's aiming for, as the world will be a better place for it.
Justsomebloke
21-01-2009, 17:38
Speech was pretty good but it's a Shame somebody else wrote it & he only spoke it.
Without doubt the Best Orator since Hitler, I do Honestly Wish him & the States the best of Luck over the coming years.
In typical fashion, the mainland ignored the state of Hawaii and started proceedings at a time that meant getting up silly early if we wanted to watch :)
semi-pro waster
21-01-2009, 19:36
It's a good speech and (largely) written by the youngest speechwriter in White House history, a man by the name of Jon Favreau (not the one who directed Swingers) and he's only 27 which is remarkable in itself.
Let's hope that Obama can deliver on his promises, I'm very willing to give him a chance but I'm not willing to declare him the messiah just yet, I want to see what he does rather than how well he talks (which is little short of brilliantly every time I've heard him). :)
I think he might do quite well.
We had a quick discussion yesterday about when we reckon the first assassination attempt will be. Some stupid white supremacist is bound to have a go some time. :(
Psymonkee
22-01-2009, 03:32
Just watched the video of the Inauguration - flip me that's a lot of folk! :shocked:
Certainly a better turn out than 4 years ago ;)
I think he might do quite well.
We had a quick discussion yesterday about when we reckon the first assassination attempt will be. Some stupid white supremacist is bound to have a go some time. :(
According to FBI reports they've already been trying. So far they've been caught but it's only inevitable that some will slip through the noose.
Apparently his entire wardrobe for the inauguration was 'bullet resistant' just in case.
His car can apparently withstand machinegun fire, and an RPG blast. It has its own backup air supply in case of a local chemical attack. The tyres will run when flat. It has three fuel tanks, each reinforced from gunfire and sabotage.
DO WANT
On a more serious note:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/obama_inauguration/7843864.stm
US President Barack Obama is expected to sign an executive order to close the Guantanamo Bay prison within a year.
Good start. :)
Justsomebloke
22-01-2009, 14:38
Why are they making such a Big deal out of him fluffing his lines :angry:
Only a Bloody day & Already we have Negativity creeping in, It Really boils my piss :angry:
Whether you like Him, the Yankys/USA or not we should All get behind him & at least give him some time before we start picking holes.
*Not directed at Anybody here just a general Anti negativity post/Rant*
Why are they making such a Big deal out of him fluffing his lines :angry:
Only a Bloody day & Already we have Negativity creeping in, It Really boils my piss :angry:
Whether you like Him, the Yankys/USA or not we should All get behind him & at least give him some time before we start picking holes.
*Not directed at Anybody here just a general Anti negativity post/Rant*
Agree with all of that there Malc. There is so much negativity in the world that I think we have all become cynical beyond belief. In as much as Obama has come with the tag line "Yes we can", half the world is so down beat that it believes "No we can't" before it even tries.
It would be refreshing to see the world try and ride this new wave of optimism and see where it takes us
He's off to a good start with some of his promises. Guantanamo is being closed down and torture is being banned. CIA illegal cells across the planet are to be closed down (suspect they'll still be open, but entirely off the books where he won't be able to see)
Von Smallhausen
26-01-2009, 12:35
I don't think the issue is so much as Barack Obama but more the fact that 45 years ago a black man wouldn't have been allowed service in a restaurant let alone the highst office in the United States and probably the world.
Personally, I like him a lot and think he can breathe life and belief into the US perhaps similarly to the Way Ronald Reagan did in the 1980s.
He has a very tough in tray though but I wish him the best.
He has a very tough road ahead, and I wonder if he'll deliver or be able to stick to his promises. I'm still very skeptical, and still wonder whether or not some of things that will "stop" will actually stop and not go on without him knowing. Ultimately it's the people around him that make a good president, if they don't support him or if they hold cards close to their chest, which they often do as most advisors live to see several presidents in their career then he has no hope.
I think what I'm saying is, I'll believe it when I see it. I don't see the relevance of his skin colour or that he made a hash of his lines, probably me being thick, but I really don't understand it. :/
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