Barack Obama elected US president, says "Change has come to America"

by Rachel Nixon | November 4, 2008 at 10:19 pm

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Obama's Last Speech Before the Elections-Charlotte, N.C.

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Democrat Barack Obama has been elected the first black president of the United States, as his Republican rival John McCain conceded defeat.

Obama delivered his acceptance speech to cheering crowds at Grant Park in Chicago. He said: "It's been a long time coming, but tonight... change has come to America."

As he appeared on stage in front of tens of thousands of people, he said: "If there is anyone out there who still doubts that all things are possible... who still questions the power of democracy, tonight is your answer."

"We are and always will be the United States of America."

Obama paid tribute to Senator John McCain. "We are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader." He said he looked forward to working with McCain and Sarah Palin "to renew this nation's promise".

He added: "The road ahead will be long, the climb ahead will be steep.... but America I have never been more hopeful that we will get there. We as a people will get there," Obama said, while the crowd chanted: "Yes we can."

After the speech, Obama and his running mate Joe Biden were joined on stage by their wives and families.

Celebrations are taking place across Chicago, outside the White House in Washington DC, and in Kenya.

In Phoenix, Arizona, John McCain delivered his concession speech. He said: "The American people have spoken and they have spoken clearly." The crowd booed when McCain said he had called Obama to congratulate him on winning the presidency. McCain silenced the crowd.

"Senator Obama has achieved a great thing for himself and for his country. I applaud him for it."

McCain urged all Americans to find ways to come together, help restore prosperity and security and "leave our grandchildren a better country than we inherited."

"It is natural tonight to feel some disappointment but tomorrow we must move beyond it and work together to get our country moving again... The failure is mine, not yours," McCain told the crowd.

Here's a list of full election results, state by state.

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Roberto Alvarez-Galloso

at 17:47 on November 4th, 2008

America Teve 41 has reported that Joe Garcia and Mario Diaz-Balart remains in dead heat for District 25 in Florida. America Teve 41 has projected that Ileana Ros Lehtinen and Lincoln Diaz Balart has won reelection for their districts. Ileana Ros Lehtinen defeated her opponent Annette Taddeo and Lincoln Diaz-Balart has defeated Raul Martinez.

According to the BBC News Website, one of the reporters commented that Georgia has been projected for McCain. BBC is stating that the Georgia Result was reported by FOX News. Let us see what happens.

BBC News has interviewed Jesse Jackson who proclaims that "a new America has begun".

Rhonda J Mangus

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 17:48 on November 4th, 2008

Rachel Nixon, I like this story. It's good stuff.

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso

at 17:59 on November 4th, 2008

The BBC commented about a comparison between the US System and the British System. I tend to agree with the BBC that the British System is better. I also think Canada has a better system than America.

BBC News commented about Obama sending lawyers to check the counts.

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso

at 18:05 on November 4th, 2008

According to the BBC News Special Programme, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, New York has been projected for Obama while North Dakota has been projected for McCain.

Wyoming and Kansas has been called for McCain. Finally, Rhode Island has been called for Obama.According to FOX News, Ohio has been called for Obama but that has yet to be confirmed.

Mc Cain currently has 61 electoral votes while Obama has 175 electoral votes. It is almost over for McCain.

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso

at 18:07 on November 4th, 2008

BBC News finally reports that Georgia has been called for McCain. McCain has 76 Electoral Votes while Obama has 175 Electoral Votes.

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso

at 18:09 on November 4th, 2008

According to FOX News and reported by the BBC, New Mexico has been projected for Obama. I will wait for this to be confirmed.

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso

at 18:12 on November 4th, 2008

Currently Obama carries 50% of the Popular Vote compared with 49% for McCain.

Terri Potratz

at 18:20 on November 4th, 2008

Thanks for your continuing updates!

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso

at 04:39 on November 5th, 2008

For Terri and Now Public: Thanks for your comments and for helping to fill in the gaps in the election coverage.

For Rachel: Thanks for this special coverage.

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso

at 18:20 on November 4th, 2008

Associated Press reports that the Democrats retain control of the Senate.

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso

at 18:26 on November 4th, 2008

Remember that McCain has 76 Electoral Votes while Obama has 175 Electoral Votes not 174. Many in the BBC are wandering what an Obama Presidency will entail or whether he is left or too left. According to the BBC, Obama has talked about being the "United States of America". I do not know if this could occur.

BBC News has projected that Obama has won Ohio and its 20 Electoral Votes. Mc Cain has 76 Electoral Votes compared with Obama at 195 Electoral Votes. This is AlvarezGalloso reporting from Miami Florida signing off so that others in Now Public could take over.

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso

at 18:28 on November 4th, 2008

Thank You Now Public for allowing me to report on this important and historic election. A New Era has begun for the USA.

Rachel Nixon

at 18:32 on November 4th, 2008

Thank you also, AlvarezGalloso, for all your updates.

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso

at 04:44 on November 5th, 2008

Rachel: Thank you for bringing to light such an important story and for allowing me to cover this historic election.

caj1

at 18:51 on November 4th, 2008

It is looking good now for Barack Obama. Penna. and Ohio have been "called for" him as winning states. He may go ahead and win the election now, whereas Sen. John Kerry lost Ohio, for example, the last time around for the Democrats in the presidential election.