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Tuesday, November 4, 2008
A New Beginning
ELECTORAL COLLEGE
Obama: 375
McCain: 163
POPULAR VOTE
Obama: 52.8%
McCain: 45.6%
Other: 1.6%
SENATE
Democrats: 57 (+8)
Republicans: 41* (-8)
Independents: 2
* There will be a run-off in the Georgia seat since neither candidate will get 50% of the vote
HOUSE
Democrats: 261 (+25)
Republicans: 174 (-25)
I'm a history and politics major. I eat, breath, sleep, and drink all things political. That is why I can tell you with absolute certainty that today is a moment in history that rarely happens. It is a chance for America to fundamentally shift itself. I need not tell you that
the past eight years have been terrible. President George W. Bush will leave in his wake the worst economic conditions since the Great Depression, two unwinnable wars, a major deficit, an even bigger debt to our children, and a world which no longer sees America as that "shining city
on a hill."
It is time for us to change it. It is time for us to change it. This election is hardly about Senator Obama or Senator McCain. Both men would be vast improvements over President Bush. But there is only one man who can actually change the direction of this country by inspiring the people,
committing us to make the tough choices, and having the will-power to stay through it all. John McCain isn't George W. Bush -- but he may well be a similar President. McCain's entire mantra is a "shoot from the hip, straight-talking Maverick." This campaign has shown he is prone to impulsive, even
reckless, decision-making (see: Palin, Sarah). If either of these men are to rebuild this country, to alter our stance in the world, he must be calm, cool, and collected. He must possess an intellect to hear an opposing side and not deride them out of hand. He must make a decision -- and then
carry it out effectively and efficiently. John McCain has proven himself unable to do that throughout the course of this campaign.
Ultimately, Barack Obama is the future. John McCain is the past. This country can chart a new course. We can be the first Western nation to elect an African-American as our Head of State. We can show people that America is once again ready to lead, ready to take on the immense challenges ahead of us
with a sense of renewal and purpose.
Barack Obama will be the next President of the United States of America. I will cry when I vote for him. I will cry when the election is called for him. I will cry when he takes the oath. I will cry when he makes his Inaugural speech. Because I have forever hoped to live in a country where a man like
Barack Obama could be President. He is the son of an immigrant. Raised by a single-mother and his grandparents. Worked his way to the very best schools in this country. Chose to work in a community with little pay and less respect. Married the woman he loves. Built a career in politics out of hope, not division.
He is America.
POSTED BY JASON RAMSEY; 12:02 AM