Obama trounces McCain...promises change for America

It was a fairytale ending, a dream come true, a triumph of determination against racial barriers and an inspiration to many aspiring politicians across the globe. In a major breakthrough that would have seemed unthinkable just two years ago, Barack Hussein Obama, a first-time senator from Illinois, became the first ever African-American president-elect in the history of America. It was hailed as a momentous occasion, not just for Obama and the hundreds of thousands of African-Americans, but also for a nation that is going through one of its worst periods of economic crisis. Obama was elected the 44th US president, with relative ease, as Americans chose change from George W. Bush's unpopular foreign and economic policies.

Obama, 47, who is a Democrat, defeated Republican Senator John McCain of Arizona, 72, a former prisoner of war who was making his second bid for the presidency. Obama proved that, with the right message, a politician with no money or muscle can overcome the odds and emerge victorious. "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," said Obama in his victory speech in Grant Park in Chicago. "It’s been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this date in this election at this defining moment, change has come to America," the president-elect added.

In his concession speech, delivered in Arizona Biltmore, Phoenix, McCain offered his congratulations to Obama and saluted the historical significance of the moment. "This is a historic election, and I recognize the significance it has for African-Americans and for the special pride that must be theirs tonight," McCain said, adding, We both realize that we have come a long way from the injustices that once stained our nation’s reputation." Bush called Obama to congratulate him on his victory. He promised to make this a smooth transition. "You are about to go on one of the great journeys of life. Congratulations, and go enjoy yourself," Bush told Obama. For Republicans, who have dominated the party for nearly three decades, the defeat represented a bitter setback and left them contemplating where they now stand in American politics.

Not only did Obama capture the presidency, but he led his party to sharp gains in Congress. This puts Democrats in control of the House, the Senate and the White House for the first time since 1995, when Bill Clinton was in office. Still, the Democratic haul in the Senate falls four short of the 60 needed to pass controversial legislations without Republican support.

Obama and his expanded Democratic majority on Capitol Hill now face the arduous task of seeing the US through an impending recession, and several challenges on the foreign policy front. "The road ahead will be long, our climb will be steep," said Obama. "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," he added. He faces the monumental task of prosecuting two wars abroad, protect the US from terrorist threats and putting the sluggish economy back on track.

Obama has huge promises to keep as well. He has pledged tax cuts to 95% of families. He has proposed near-universal health care. He proposes more spending on infrastructure, both physical and human. He has also promised to get the US out of Iraq in a fast and orderly fashion. In a recognition of the difficult transition he faces, Obama is expected to start filling White House jobs as early as this week. Obama’s advisers said he would not be passive and would move quickly to demonstrate leadership without waiting for the transfer of authority on January 20.

With such a great victory come unreasonably great expectations. And, Obama will inherit a nation weary of the past and wary of the future, gloomy about its place in the world and cynical about its government. Nearly nine of every 10 Americans think the country is on the wrong track, the deepest expression of national pessimism in the polling history. Obama will not take office until January 20, but he can start acting now itself. First, by announcing that he will offer jobs to a few Republicans. Secondly, he can ask his new treasury secretary to start working closely with Henry Paulson immediately, in resurrecting the US economy.