Obama’s Victory and McCain’s Defeat

Lisa Parady

Barack Hussein Obama (D) made his victory speech to a reported several thousand people in Chicago’s Grant Park late Tuesday night and addressed the American people as the 44th president-elect of the United States. After 21 months of campaigning against Senator John McCain, Obama succeeded in a win of 51 percent to McCain’s 48 percent vote.

“Tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America," Obama stated in his speech to his supporters which aired on all major news organizations including CNN and MSNBC. Obama urged his supporters to recognize that with his victory comes a change in America and a new perspective on American fundamentals. Obama stated, “Tonight we prove, once more, that the true strength of our nation comes […] from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.”

Obama also honored his opponent, Senator McCain, by stating that McCain “has fought long and hard for this campaign.” Obama thanked McCain and Governor Sarah Palin for their contributions. “I look forward to working with them,” Obama stated.

John McCain (R) made his concession speech earlier Tuesday night outside the Biltmore Hotel in Arizona. McCain congratulated Obama on his victory saying, “His success alone commands my respect for his ability and perseverance.” McCain acknowledged his loss when stating, “We fought- we fought as hard as we could. And though we fell short, the failure is mine, not yours.”

McCain’s audience was a much smaller group compared to Obama’s. But, McCain’s supporters stuck with him throughout his speech in chanting, “We love John” repeatedly throughout the night. McCain supporters consisted of older men and women, primarily white. Young adults and children made up a small portion of the audience.

Obama’s audience represented a larger crowd of mixed ethnicities, ages, and classes. Celebrity figures such as Jesse Jackson and Oprah Winfrey were present. The supporters waved American flags, held large posters of Obama and wore his campaign t-shirts to show support. At one moment, in response to Obama, members of the audience began chanting “Yes-we-can,” in unison.

Obama appeared at center stage in a crisp black suit, white-collar Oxford shirt, a red striped tie and his American flag pin. His wife, Michelle Obama, and two daughters, Malia Ann and Natasha Obama, wore complementing dresses in black and red. Obama held a stern face throughout his speech, with little to no smile. The rigidness of his face, and shining dark-skinned complexion was prominent by the lighting on stage. When smiling, Obama never showed his teeth. Instead, he kept his lips pursed shut.

In the final moments of his speech, Obama made a strong promise to resolve the current issues in American politics, including the financial crisis and the War in Iraq. “The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year, or even in one term. But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight, that we will get there. I promise you.”