The First Black President: Barack Obama

Published by Pamela Gentry on Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at 2:14 pm.

President-elect Barack Obama and Vice president-elect Joe Biden, right, wave to their supporters after Obama delivered his victory speech at his election night party at Grant Park in Chicago, Tuesday night, Nov. 4, 2008. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais

By Pamele Gentry, Senior Political Producer

COLUMBUS (Nov. 5, 2008) – Throughout the night I received text messages, voice mails and e-mails from folks who couldn’t believe what was happening.

One text message from my niece in South Carolina was simple, “OMG” [Oh my God]  and another from a niece in Michigan: “I wish toot could have seen this,” referring to Obama’s grandmother, who died Monday morning after suffering from cancer.  

Cheers, tears and hugs are the only way I can describe the crowd’s reaction to the news that the freshman senator from Illinois had won Ohio. 

Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman told me, “He’s done what Michael Dukakis, Al Gore, and John Kerry couldn’t do,” win Ohio.  The win in Ohio truly set the mood for the rest of night. While waiting for returns from other battleground states, the crowd gathered in downtown Columbus had an air of confidence.

Widescreen televisions became the focus of the night and as state after state turned blue, the crowd erupted into cheers.

Columbus along with Cleveland, Toledo, Dayton and Youngstown delivered for Obama, and he faired well with earlier voters, young folks and African-Americans is the state.  According to polling by CNN, Obama landed 63 percent of 18 -29 year-old voters, 97 percent of the Black vote, and 50 percent of the undecided cast their vote for the president elect. 

Ohio is an important state in presidential politics and Tuesday night it was one of the early signs Obama was on the road the victory.

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Comments

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seschris Said on

EXCUSE ME WHILE I DANCE!!!



LIL Tony Said on

Say Bro I wanna Know Since Obama won… Does this mean I can skip White people in line…. Or even Wear An Dew Rag To church….. I just wanna know…… This is an Joke And Lets Got Obama!!!!!!



Amber Stallings Said on

I’m only 17 years old and I’m just exited to witness this historic election. Since Obama was in the primary race, I was on his side to the fullest. At Mccains consession speech, the repubicans were booing Obama because he won the race. It was disrespectful and it tells me that they were races.Today at my school there were so many racial slurs that I told them it is not about race, age, or gender. Its about what you can bring to the table and Obama is the right person for this job. I’m with Obama because I think the war should end and the economy is out of control. We should give Obama a chance before judging him and we should all be excited for him, including the republicans.



Kathy B Said on

Word could never express the way I feel, for my gone on but not forgotten family, We are so very proud to be part of the United State of America and we are sssss proud of you our President OBAMA.



Debra Walls Said on

I’M GLAD TO BE A FEMALE/AFRO-AMERICAN. TO HAVE LIVE TO SEE MARTIN LUTHER KING DREAM COME TRUE. WE HAVE NOW ARRIVE. OBAMA WILL MAKE SURE A CHANGE HAS COME FOR US ALL!!!
I THINK IF THEY MAKE A MOVIE ABOUT THIS EVENT-THAT HOLLYWOOD GET “WILL SMITH ” TO PLAY THE PART OF OBAMA.



Barry Said on

Yes, I agree, being poor is color blind, and does encompass all people classes.

Although my team did not win, I will continue to work to better our country.

Now, what we must do is pray for Barack Obama, and not grumble.
He is not perfect, just as no president has, or ever will be.
Just as our parents didn’t always make the correct decisions in life, we’ll pray for our new president that God will speak to him privately, so he will make wise decisions “publicly”.
Now, we are to pray for those in-authority over us. The same God who gives us wisdom needs to speak to Barack’s heart, in his own quiet time, and encourage Barack how to lead our nation. We always hope that with any of us, presidents included, we each would have a Moses like “burning bush” experience, as recorded in Exodus 3.



Jenelle Said on

I AM SO HAPPY TO BE ALIVE T SEE THIS MOMENT, BARACK OBAMA THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN PRESIDENT, IAM JUST STILL SHOCKED..



o Said on

when two or more gather in my name there i am in the mist of them .
very strong and truthful verse because ive tried him.

great job obama i just watched how people prayed for him in churches everywhere so for those of u dont know god he can move mountains.



micayla Said on

got this in a email, thought i’d pass it on. comments welcome. i’ve been polling people- is it funny or in bad taste or both? so far most people i’ve asked think it is funny. a couple said both.

Q: what do abe lincoln, john f. kennedy and barack obama have in common?
A: nothing yet.



Marquitta Minniefield Said on

I think I still want to cry! I am
still so emotional… I believe that at this time, we all can say something
that would relate to us personally!

OMG! I am not sure what is bigger than a milestone, but the US just hit
it! I was watching the news this morning and people were calling in asking
the media to stop saying the first “black president” and say our New
President ……..Please lets speak the truth! He is and after all my
ancestors went through for me and you, (getting emotional) WE have all
right to be excited, to cry and to enjoy the fact that my president and I
are the same shade of color! I am just overwhelmed with JOY. The Joy that
God gives, because HE saw fit to pick the right man for the job. I am
soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo HONORED to be me! I feel and know
that my dream is only a step away. Because with each step, I get closer to
my dream! NEVER STOP DREAMING! I have nothing bad to say about those who
hated, talked bad and criticized, God bless you! Oh my goodness, there is
so much to say! I cried so hard last night, for so many reasons. 1.
Because for the very first time in history, our votes did count (James) 2.
Our President is black…..PERIOD! 3. CHANGE and 4. Doors are open,
will the real black men please stand up! I cried extremely hard for them
because someone said something last night that really hit home….. How do
you go back to the block and do the same ol stuff, now????

One thing is for sure, there is NOTHING like the strength of a black woman!
It takes a VERY STRONG woman to support a STRONG man with a vision.

****I personally ask that you do me, yourself and our NEW PRESIDENT a
favor! Even though he may not ever meet us or even get to meet us, let us
pray for his continued protection and that GOD would cover him as our
leader and to cover his family! Please incorporate this into your everyday
prayer! He is going to need our prayers!

I will tell you this. I came into work at 8am and I found out some VERY
interesting things. The people who use to speak, didn’t even look at me?
The people who use to look at me, went the other way. All I could do was
chuckle and smile because on Tuesday, November 4th, 2008, “Yes we can,
became YES WE DID and today, YES WE DID becomes….. YES I
CAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Live life and keep dreaming!

Marquitta D. Minniefield



Marquitta Minniefield Said on

Good Morning everyone, I think I still want to cry this morning! I am
still so emotional… I believe that at this time, we all can say something
that would relate to us personally!

OMG! I am not sure what is bigger than a milestone, but the US just hit
it! I was watching the news this morning and people were calling in asking
the media to stop saying the first “black president” and say our New
President ……..Please lets speak the truth! He is and after all my
ancestors went through for me and you, (getting emotional) WE have all
right to be excited, to cry and to enjoy the fact that my president and I
are the same shade of color! I am just overwhelmed with JOY. The Joy that
God gives, because HE saw fit to pick the right man for the job. I am
soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo HONORED to be me! I feel and know
that my dream is only a step away. Because with each step, I get closer to
my dream! NEVER STOP DREAMING! I have nothing bad to say about those who
hated, talked bad and criticized, God bless you! Oh my goodness, there is
so much to say! I cried so hard last night, for so many reasons. 1.
Because for the very first time in history, our votes did count (James) 2.
Our President is black…..PERIOD! 3. CHANGE and 4. Doors are open,
will the real black men please stand up! I cried extremely hard for them
because someone said something last night that really hit home….. How do
you go back to the block and do the same ol stuff, now????

One thing is for sure, there is NOTHING like the strength of a black woman!
It takes a VERY STRONG woman to support a STRONG man with a vision.

****I personally ask that you do me, yourself and our NEW PRESIDENT a
favor! Even though he may not ever meet us or even get to meet us, let us
pray for his continued protection and that GOD would cover him as our
leader and to cover his family! Please incorporate this into your everyday
prayer! He is going to need our prayers!

I will tell you this. I came into work at 8am and I found out some VERY
interesting things. The people who use to speak, didn’t even look at me?
The people who use to look at me, went the other way. All I could do was
chuckle and smile because on Tuesday, November 4th, 2008, “Yes we can,
became YES WE DID and today, YES WE DID becomes….. YES I
CAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Live life and keep dreaming!



Joykeesha Hawkins Said on

I for one am very proud to be a African American in this time in our life. We have reached a milestone that no one can take away from us. I am ellated and so overwhelmed with the decision that we as fellow Americans made and I for one am very pleased with the results. As President elect Obama made his speech last night I cried because we have come a long way and done something that they said would never be done. I know and the world knows it is time for a change and the world has spoken on who we know can and will make that change. I just hope and pray that we can all get together some how or another and join in this fight with President elect Obama to make a change for our country.Also congratulations to the
First Lady and also The First African American First Lady Michelle I know that she is veyry proud of her husband and is sticking by her man in this fight also.May God Bless the United States of America and in the famous words of President elect Barack Obama “Yes We Can” and Yes We Have.



Maddie Said on

I am a white woman who supported and voted for Obama this year. I am still weepy (with joy) that Obama was elected and change has come to America. Today I am so proud to be an American. God bless Barack Obama and keep him safe.



sayeah mayson Said on

GOD IS WONDERFUL!!!! I AM SO HAPPY, WORDS CANNOT EXPLAIN HOW EXCITED I AM FOR PRESIDENT BARACK OBMA!. HISTORY HAS BEEN MADE, AND MANY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS SPECIAL DAY! I LOVE IT. I KNO THAT HE IS GOING TO BE ONE OF THE BEST PRESIDENT TO STEP FOOT IN THE WHITE HOUSE, AND HE WILL ALSO NEED OUR HELP TO IMPROVE THIS COUNTRY. WE JUST NEED TO STAY POSITIVE, KEEP OUR FAITH IN GOD AND WE WILL ACCOMPLISHED EVERY GAOL WE SET. I THINK THAT MANY AFRICAN AMERICAN PEOPLE WILL IMPROVE THEIR LIVES AND MOVE ON TO BIG THINGS BECAUSE OF THE HISTORY THAT WAS MADE YESTERDAY. THEY CAN ALL SAY “IF BARACK OBAMA(A BLACK MAN) CAN FIGHT HARD AND MAKE IT THAT FAR MAYBE I CAN TOO, MAYBE I CAN BETTER MYSELF AND BE THE PERSON I ALWAYS WANTED TO BE, MAYBE I CAN WITHOUT THINKING THAT PEOPLE WONT GIVE ME THE CHANCE BECAUSE OF THE COLOR OF MY SKIN. MAYBE I CAN AND YES I WILL”! THIS THIS A BIG CHANGE AND IT MADE ME REALIZE THAT IT IS NOT ALL ABOUT RACE. THIS YEAR WAS THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE I’VE EVER GOTTEN INTO POILTICS, ITS LIKE IM ADDICTIVE TO IT NOW. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA YOU CHANGED MY LIFE FOREVER, I CAN’T WAIT TO TELL MY CHILDREN ABOUT THIS HISTORIC DAY!! MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY PRESIDENT OBAMA, MAN IT FELLS GOOD SAYING THAT!



Moya Said on

Okay beautiful black people, white people, hispanic people, asian people, and whoever else, we all came together and promised to have Obama’s back as well as each others back. I’m soooooooooooooooooooooooo proud of us all. NOW LET’S HONOR OUR PROMISE because I have a strong feeling this president is going to honor his promise due to how hard he had to and did work just to have his promises heard and then believed by so many! This is a powerful man yall, and we can all be just as powerful if we want to be. But this is not new news at all, just a new day thats been a long time coming, and there are many more new days coming so once agin please, LET’S HONOR OUR PROMISE! Be Powerful ALL and good nite. OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Teshia Said on

Its been a long journey!! Congratulations to the Obama family!!!!! My thoughts and prayers go out to Barak Obama and his family for the loss of his beloved Grandmother. Even though she wasnt her to see her grandson make history she already knew in her heart what the outcome would be!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS PRESIDENT BARAK OBAMA!!!!!! CONTINUE TO MAKE HISTORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I HOPE THE FAMILY PUPPY HAS A GREAT TIME IN HIS NEW “WHITE HOUSE”



TDHM Said on

I wrote to you in July. Before the democratic and President election. What do you think about the poem. I wrote it in May and it was copy written in 06/24/08.
http://www.constitutionnetwork.com

If African American Speeches Did Not Exist

If African American Speeches did not exist.
Then the speech I have a dream
By Rev. Martin Luther King
Would not have become Americas civil rights theme
or
What Frederick Douglass stated
Which would have been a lost
Stand by those princple
Be true to them, On all occasions
In all places, Against all foes
at whatever cost

If African American Speeches did not exist
Booker T. Washington Could not insist
That the laws of changeless justice
Bind oppressor with oppressed
And close as sin and suffering joined
We march to fate abreast
or
Sojourner Truth Ain’t I a woman
Would not have been heard
nor Shirley Chisholm or Rosa Parks
Most eloquent famous words

If African American Speeches did not exist
The different cultures in the world, would not have met
Langston Hughes or Mary Mcleod Bethune,
WEB Du Bois, just to name a few
Thurgood Marshall against the Supreme Court Judges
And now Barack O’bama’s Speech
when he accepted the Democratic endorsement

If African American Speeches did not exist
Where would we be as a society
This poem could not even fit
Because this is an African American Speech
Through the art of poetry

© 06/24/2008 By TDHM



scuda Said on

Finally, I can exhale!!!!!!! What a Breakthough!!!!!! Yes We Can!!!!!!

God Bless America



Sydney Said on

I am so happy that Obama won!!!! He made history and is the first democrat to sweep the traditionally red states, like Virginia, Colorado, and Iowa.



kay Said on

WE WITNESS ‘MLK’S DREAM” LAST NIGHT. AND I WILL DEDICATE THIS MOMENT IN HISTORY TO HIS STRUGGLE. THAT ALL PEOPLE WILL BE TREATED AS EQUAL… AND THAT ALL PEOPLE WILL COME TOGETHER. AND WE SAW THAT YESTERDAY, THAT WE CAN COME TOGETHER IN HARMONY, NO MATTER WHAT RACE WE ARE!!! SO LET’S CONTINUE THIS MOMENT, AND WORK TOGETHER TO BETTER OURSELVES AND EACH OTHER. AND LET’S NOT GIVE IN TO THE IDIOTS THAT COME ON THIS SITE, WITH NI…….ER COMMENTS!!! THEY ARE ALWAYS THE ONES, THAT THINK, TAKING A BATH ONCE A WEEK, IS GOOD HYGIENE!!!!!