Transcript of Mr Obama’s victory speech below.
Extracts from CNN report.
Barack Obama told supporters that “change has come to America,” as he addressed the country for the first time as the president-elect.
“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,” Obama said in Chicago, Illinois.
Police estimated that 125,000 people gathered in Grant Park to hear Obama claim victory.
Obama said he was looking forward to working with Sen. John McCain and Gov. Sarah Palin “to renew this nation’s promise in the months ahead.”
McCain on Tuesday urged all Americans to join him in congratulating Sen. Barack Obama on his projected victory in the presidential election.
“I pledge to him tonight to do all in my power to help him lead us through the many challenges we face,” McCain said before his supporters in Phoenix, Arizona.
“Today, I was a candidate for the highest office in the country I love so much, and tonight, I remain her servant,” he said.
Read the full report here.
Watch the videos of Obama’s victory here and here.
The Guardian’s editorial: President Obama.
——–
President-elect Barack Obama’s victory speech
Tuesday, November 4th, 2008
Chicago, Illinois
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 Senator 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 Governor 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 sixteen 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 five dollars and ten dollars and twenty dollars 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 two-hundred and twenty-one years – block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.
What began twenty-one 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 our 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.
###
———
When will change come to Singapore?
Malaysian did it,
Taiwanese did it,
American did it,
So can Singaporean!
It was incredible watching this live. People were crying — it really is remarkable
Many people will try to work with the obama camp and some of them no doubt will be motivated by altruistic reasons. Others will do so to preserve their self interest. That’s life.
I know for a fact, as soon as it was clear that obama was going to win. The brotherhood sent their senior ranking envoys to meet up with the democratic side in the virtual and begun congratulating them.
Prior to that they had always supported the Republicans. And refused to talk to them.
At first no one knew who these people were. They kept telling everyone, they are a super power in the virtual, but no one has ever heard of them before. One of them even scanned a postal order for a sum of USD$50.35 cents and said, “look, we donated to obama, now we want to tell him what he can do for us!” You can check it all out in a clip in youtube, some American captured it all in the virtual. Even before obama had emerged as the clear winner, they had already begun to forward their terms. What a bunch of psycho’s! See what I mean.
Water will always find its level, even in zero gravity, it seems
They kept going on and on and on about their mineral rights and the rights to mine precious metals in China without undue interference and they also wanted the Americans not to pass any online tax laws or something.
This is definitely not a good news to LKY as he openly declared support McCain.
Btw, who care, on whom LKY support?
The entire transcript is found here –> http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=96624326&ft=1&f=1001
/// 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. ///
This particular sentence says it all. Can our politicians be as magnanimous in victory?
Sorry, no estate upgrading for you…
With the passing of the Bush administration, will the Bush principles of preventive war, unilateralism, export of democracy and US hegemony be abandoned?
Will Mr Obama’s new regime signal a renewed application of the enduring American ideals of “democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope”?
Or more relevantly, do these values apply to Singaporean society? If we are to remake our society, trying to undermine the present power structure and hierarchy is not enough.
Are the PAP principles of pragmatism, secularity, religious and ethnic sensitivity, freedom from foreign interference and individual accountability still adequate for our NEW SOCIETY?
I hope this US election will inspire us to re-examine the fundamentals of our society. Our best minds from both sides of the divide should work together to re-construct the bedrock intellectual framework of our national existence. Only when this is achieved can change proceed in Singapore.
Are the PAP principles of pragmatism, secularity, religious and ethnic sensitivity, freedom from foreign interference and individual accountability still adequate for our NEW SOCIETY? – smallvoice585
There is no such thing as one set of principles that fit all problems. It doesn’t take beyond common sense to arrive at that conclusion. In fact, some of the principles mentioned are either outdated or have been mis-represented to the public.
It is not an issue of freedom from foreign interference, but to manage foreign interference. Singapore’s economy depends on being a global hub for finance and logistics. We have foreign interference in every aspect of our lives, from popular culture to branding campaigns, from economic decision making to international security management. To take a stand on freedom from foreign interference is as good as cutting off Singapore’s economy from the world.
Individual accountability is good, but it should not be a mantra for individual action and bargaining. Collective bargaining and collective action remains a powerful pressure should a community be marginalised, by either through public policy making or corporate policy making.
obamania on November 5th, 2008 3.10 pm & 4.07,
Thank you for your charming fairytale. Now we know why McCain lost, with speech writers like you in his camp, who really needs enemies?
I dont doubt, the symbolism of a blackman tending the rose garden in the white house lawn is certainly compelling.
No one denies the psychological effect is uplifting not only for Americans, but for virtually everyone who aspires to move beyond the issue of race and creed throughout the whole world.
The social impact in the African continent will be spectacular. This will probably motivate many to re-examine many of their traditional values and beliefs concerning racism, self determination and equal opportunities. It wouldn’t even surprised me. If the white house is even renamed the ebony house in the next few months.
On a doable front, let us be realistic, Obama has inherited a haemoraging sick man. The problems he and his team will have to deal with in the short term is formidable and daunting. If he is not careful, this could well turn out to be a poison chalice and the blackman in the whitehouse may very well end up as the fall guy.
My fear is he has already promised so much “change” in his campaign trail and while that has secured him the lease to the white house for one term; this also sets an unrealistic expectation that he cannot possibly deliver on with the electorate, not within one term at least. We needs at least two, to fix some of these problems as they are really serious.
It remains to be seen how well, he will tackle these issues. When the dust eventually settles on the initial euphoria of a blackman winning the US presidential race; how he performs will day to day will be the coda on how most people will judge his term as president.
Nonetheless this is a proud and historical moment for not only Americans, but for everyone who is interested in freedom and democracy in the whole wide world.
We wish the Republican party the best of luck.
SD (Internet Liaison Officer of the Brotherhood)
How does Obama fare against our Nathan president ? Obama is nothing when it comes to making salary and prata.
Nathan = Silence is golden
Obama = Inspiration is hope.
South Korea, the Philipines and Indonesia have congratulated Obama, but Singapore remains silent.
Tells you lots of things
“South Korea, the Philipines and Indonesia have congratulated Obama, but Singapore remains silent.”
For all we know, Singapore has to ask approval by Old Fart whether to celebrate Obama’s victory. MSM a mouthpiece, isn’t it ?
Now who’s losing credibility and shitting his pant ?
http://app.sprinter.gov.sg/data/pr/20080215994.htm
“Mr Lee: “Who will win? Hillary or Obama?”
Q: “I think Obama.”
Mr Lee: “You think so? Hillary has the resources and the networks.”
Q: “Yes, but he’s coming on very strong, sir. He’s very good, he’s got a beautiful manipulation of the English language, which helps. We haven’t had someone like that for a long time and I think more and more people are…”
Mr Lee: “But the momentum is coming too late for him, isn’t it?”
Q: “You think so, sir?”
Mr Lee: “You’ve got Super Tuesday on the 5th, that’s only three days off. If he can’t pull that one off, well, there are many delegates behind, especially California and New York.”
Q: “You favour Hillary, don’t you?”
Mr Lee: “I feel safer. I’ve watched him on television, but I’m a bit scared when he says ‘We’ll get out of Iraq’ just like that and he can’t get out of it, you know.”
Q: “He can’t get out.”
Mr Lee: “If he wins, he’s got to get out of Iraq and that will be a very big mess.”
Q: “I think that Brzezinski will convince him that you can’t just walk out of Iraq.”
Mr Lee: “But I mean, if he doesn’t walk out of Iraq after all this, he’s finished, his credibility is gone.”
Q: “You think so, sir?”
Mr Lee: “Or are Americans that shortsighted or short memory?”
Q: “Well, I come to you, sir, from the new bilingual capital of the United States. You know what our second language is in Washington? It’s the truth, seldom spoken, unfortunately. You’ve seen that in recent years. Memories are very short, sir. People don’t remember what was said one day, the next day, they’ve forgotten.”
Mr Lee: “But you know, the world will not forget this. He will lose credibility. He’s got to at least have a caveat. But this is my view, but I will take the assessment of the military leaders at the time.”
Change can only come about if the people empower themselves and vote for change.
Prerequisite number 1 : a charismatic leader who has a good plan.
Sorry to say that it will not happen in Singapore anytime soon, not yet.
It was a truly an inspiring speech par excellence. I followed every sentence of his and was 100% impressed. In fact, I even printed out his victory speech.
Without a written script – he spoke from his heart.
Truly a visionary leader! These leaders are rare and are formed in the crucibles of suffering, pain and principles higher than mere financial rewards. You can’t buy them with money!
At least his speech dont contain jokes like “…mee siam mai hum…”
such things, you know
Barack Obama’s last sentence in his victory speech – “Yes We Can. Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.”
In God We Trust – Psalms 56:4
May God Bless Singapore too!
17) May God Bless Singapore
God helps those who help themselves
thankfully, we will never hear this kind of speech from the PAP.
I’ll puke if lsl ever said change is coming to singapore….
Folks,
My term as the dedicated internet liaison officer of the brotherhood in this site will have to take an untimely break due to intervening events.
I will have go to Germany for business for the next two months.
I will hand over to Kadjal. He hardly requires any introduction to those of you who are familiar with the brotherhood press.
Meanwhile please visit this site: http://singaporenewsalternative.blogspot.com/
Bookmark it! It is new, fresh and will add considerably to your reading pleasure.
I take my leave with much regret, need I say? It has been a privilege.
Singaporedaddy signing off.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-vPWsHwZ90&feature=related
Remember ladies nothing is impossible.
Beautiful speeches, well written and executed by a colorful and charismatic man now president elect of the united states of America. there is no question whatsoever many people feel a great sense of hope for unity and change by the election of Barack Obama. In the words of Barack himself, the time has now come for YOU Americans to be volunteers and progressive activists in Americas future. the time is now for YOU to do something as America faces very severe problems in economy,war,global warming and more.
My opinion, in my 19 straight months on the net amongst all the Americans as i try desperately to uncover my science experiments to end global warming-war for oil- alleviate costs for energy- I have found no Hope and assistance from fellow Americans. I believe the change all ask for is because they all know inside something is very wrong all around them- it is YOU. YOU are the problem, and YOU are the solution. In my opinion America drifted into an atheistic secular dog eat dog attitude towards one another and may the best man win.
To all who have shed a tear for Obama win in the feeling of hope and change, here is your chance. i don’t want your money, just your actions as an American trying to find a solution for our country. I risked my life to hand build and survive a one million volt experiment for all of us. I feel successful and the only way to be proven true is to have my dangerous experiment repeated by a credible university for truth. Since it is very dangerous and only several universities even have the proper equipment, i have narrowed it down to Princeton university to provoke.
If you care for a possible solution to alleviate most of the crisis president elect Obama is running for, if not the world, pressure Princeton university(or something you feel) and do something. I try everyday and it is ridiculous and disheartening the amount of no support but rather abuse and ridicule for people who try.
Your choice. Free will. do something for all of us and we all win. do nothing for all of us and the problems get worse.Here is YOUR chance to implement change- what will you do.
sincerely
Solomon Azar-19 months to a deaf non caring america-what has changed?
http://noblefuse.com
welcome to office, President Obama.
You have brought hope to millions. It’s now time for you to deliver.
=)
Btw, did you guys know that Joe Biden’s *nett worth* is estimated at between US$250,000 to US$1 million? He is the US’s poorest senator and he has served many years without complaint. Our ministers earn more than that in a year.
“Btw, did you guys know that Joe Biden’s *nett worth* is estimated at between US$250,000 to US$1 million?”
Theirs are the real patriots and heroes, Ours are the real clowns and kangaroos. Don’t think can compare durian with grape.
8) smallvoice585
(……. hope this US election will inspire us to re-examine the fundamentals of our society. Our best minds from both sides of the divide should work together to re-construct the bedrock intellectual framework of our national existence. Only when this is achieved can change proceed in Singapore…..)
I don’t think anyone could have said it any better.
:) ;) :) ;) :)
Next CHANGE for Singapore. It may happen in 2 years time.
Lim Ah Beng – PM
Tan Tok Heng – DPM
Tay Lia Mah – Finance Minister
Ahmad b Amein – Defence Minister
Oh Non Tah – Minister for Water
Netha Gota Singh – Minister for Electricity
Ma Mathe Tik – Minister for Trade
Jim Long Kok – Minister for Internal Affairs
Unless we act and do not just talking shop, we will have fireman become elected PM, wireman become elected DPM, car washerman become elected Minister for Water etc. This is a real world. Do not get yourself wake up the next day after the General Election and quickily pack up – close your bank account and migrate.
Beautiful speeches, well written and executed by a colorful and charismatic man now president elect of the united states of America. there is no question whatsoever many people feel a great sense of hope for unity and change by the election of Barack Obama. In the words of Barack himself, the time has now come for YOU Americans to be volunteers and progressive activists in Americas future. the time is now for YOU to do something as America faces very severe problems in economy,war,global warming and more. My opinion, in my 19 straight months on the net amongst all the Americans as i try desperately to uncover my science experiments to end global warming-war for oil- alleviate costs for energy- I have found no Hope and assistance from fellow Americans. I believe the change all ask for is because they all know inside something is very wrong all around them- it is YOU. YOU are the problem, and YOU are the solution. In my opinion America drifted into an atheistic secular dog eat dog attitude towards one another and may the best man win. To all who have shed a tear for Obama win in the feeling of hope and change, here is your chance. i don’t want your money, just your actions as an American trying to find a solution for our country. I risked my life to hand build and survive a one million volt experiment for all of us. I feel successful and the only way to be proven true is to have my dangerous experiment repeated by a credible university for truth. Since it is very dangerous and only several universities even have the proper equipment, i have narrowed it down to Princeton university to provoke. If you care for a possible solution to alleviate most of the crisis president elect Obama is running for, if not the world, pressure Princeton university(or something you feel) and do something. I try everyday and it is ridiculous and disheartening the amount of no support but rather abuse and ridicule for people who try. Your choice. Free will. do something for all of us and we all win. do nothing for all of us and the problems get worse.Here is YOUR chance to implement change- what will you do. sincerely Solomon Azar-19 months to a deaf non caring america-what has changed? http://noblefuse.com–
post stock market open was a big drop and unwelcome for barack obama- wouldn’t it be nice if during the presidency of barack his administration finds the solution to the energy crisis- greenhouse gases-the MAIN reason we are in war and economy collapsing- well i did it- get past your ignorance for my one man campaign efforts and uncover my science deeds if you want this to happen- in 19 months on this net- noone does anything- no wonder America collapses- people need to CHANGE- submit to god with Christ as king as you might have a clean chance in life-otherwise- you are nothing more than an animal- worse than the dog as it is far more noble to its own pack
We have ministries to govern every aspects of living in Singapore, Ministry of Finance, Health, Community,Environment, Education, Development, Foriegn Affairs and even a Ministry for food and agriculture and many many more.
How come we don’t have a Ministry of/for the People?
No joke you know. The closest we have is the Ministry of Manpower, but this relates to only workers welfare. How about the people at large? The govt of the day is the PEOPLE’s action party. How come no ministry that takes care of the people?
Imagine having a minister for the Ministry of People. The MOP minister to stand on the side of the people to make sure all policies take into consideration the welfare of the people.
How come we don’t have a Ministry of/for the People?
make sure all policies take into consideration the welfare of the people should be an implicitly built-in principle of any policy.
I believe:
MINISTRY FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, YOUTH AND SPORTS and
MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
should be playing the primary role of MOP you suggest.
“26) Oscar Choy on November 7th, 2008 6.21 am
Unless we act and do not just talking shop, we will have fireman become elected PM, wireman become elected DPM, car washerman become elected Minister for Water etc.”
Do you really think so ? People like you just do not have any respect for the general intelligence and judgement of our fellow Singaporeans and competing political parties.
If a fireman happens to be elected, why do you think the net judgement of the electorate would want him to elected be as compared to an economist, lawyer, doctor, etc – usually an extremely easy given walkover of the latter over the former.
29) sarek_home
Ministry of Home Affairs deals mostly with internal security matters.
Ministry for Community Development, Youth and Sports deals with matters that relates to enhancing the community spirit at large.
What I am hoping for is a ministry that solely looks after the welfare of the people. This ministry will have to encompass some of the other ministries to ensure that the welfare of the people is taken care of, like their basic needs to live, health, education etc.