American in the sense that he’s a direct descendant of an Africa rather than of slavery. It really closes the loop in a way because the son of an African has become the first black president of the United States.”
Vice President-elect Joe Biden, who also ran for vice president and his seventh term as a Delware senator candidate, will now serve Obama and all of the American people. According to the Associated Press, either outgoing Gov. Ruth Ann Minner or Gov.-elect Jack Markell, who is a democrat, will appoint Biden’s replacement.
President George W. Bush called Obama to offer his congratulations. “Mr. President-elect, congratulations to you. What an awesome night for you, your family and your supporters. Laura and I called to congratulate you and your good bride. … I promise 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 said, according to the White House.
Television cameras showed Rev. Jesse Jackson at Grant Park with tears streaming down on his face.
BITTERSWEET VICTORY
Obama’s victory was clearly bittersweet for coming right on the heels of the death of his beloved grandmother, who had nurtured him and helped lead him on this historic and momentous occasion. He appeared more somber than joyous as he delivered his remarks. But as one observer noted, it may be that he was simply feeling at peace now that he has finally reached the end of an extraordinarily difficult battle.
Earlier this year, few would have predicted tonight’s matchup between Obama and Republican rival Sen. John McCain. The GOP base had long been suspicious of McCain and Obama was considered to new on the scene to be taken seriously. New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, armed with the financial and human resources of a powerful political machine built over many years with husband former President Bill Clinton, was considered by most experts to be the Democratic frontrunner. “Who is he kidding?” most ordinary people wondered, including blacks, who in the past had automatically supported the largely symbolic presidential campaigns of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., Al Sharpton, and others. He doesn’t have a chance.
As Obama noted tonight, “I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. Â We didn’t start with much money or many endorsements. Â 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.Â
It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give five dollars and ten dollars and