Barack Obama, 47 years old, becomes the first African-American President in the History of the United States.
A hudge victory.
According to the first informations, Barack Obama has won the election by 337 electors, becoming the 44th President of the United States. This election was marked by a level of unprecedented participation. In many key states the percentage of voters has reached a level never seen before. According to experts, between 130 and 135 million Americans turned out to vote. This is 15 million more than in 2004.
Joy.
Scenes of jubilation erupted in several cities in the USA. In Chicago, about 250,000 people had gathered on the lawn of Grant Park to listen to the speech of the new President. Among the huge eclectic crowd, we could see Oprah Winfrey’s tears (a famous television journalist) but also the Reverend Jessie Jackson crying. In Manhattan, thousands of people have expressed their joy in Times Square by screaming the name of the winner « Obama ! Obama ! » or using drums. In Washington, in front of the White House, residents showed banners with the name of the future tenant.
Congratulations from all over the world.
John McCain, the defeated candidate, was the first to congratulate his opponent, speaking of a « historic election ». George Bush was quick to send his congratulations: « Mr. President elected, congratulations ! (…) You are about to undertake one of the greatest journeys of your life ». Nicolas Sarkozy has also sent a message to the new President, saying that his victory sparked « a great hope ». In Kenya, a country from one of Barack Obama’s grandmothers, November 5 has been declared as a « National Day » by its government.
Once again, America is making History. Barely 50 years after granting voting rights to Blacks, an African-American is elected to the head of the State. America bought his faults and goes beyond the dream of Martin Luther King. Barack Obama will officially take office as President of the United States on January 20, 2009.
