Barack Obama Already Hard at Work Building His Team
Because of Bush's unpopularity, Obama has been the de facto favorite ever since he vanquished the seemingly invincible Sen. Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primaries in June.
The Palin factor
Republicans dared to dream after McCain capped a successful convention in St. Paul with a surprise choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate. Suddenly, a dispirited base that has never liked McCain much was energized by the self-styled hockey mom and former small-town mayor.
By mid-September, the race was a dead heat.
Then came the financial crash—and McCain's momentum dissipated. The national conversation refocused on pocketbook issues, a Democratic sweet spot. Foreign policy, McCain's strong suit, was shunted aside by the electorate and media.
Simultaneously, voters concluded Palin wasn't qualified to be vice president, much less President, calling into question McCain's judgment.
His credibility was further tarnished when McCain decided to suspend his campaign and fly back to Washington to broker a financial rescue bill, bow out of the first debate in Oxford, Miss., and urge Obama to do the same.
Within days he was forced to reverse his field and participate in the debate.
The gyrations came off as a political stunt, not statesmanship. Obama aides gleefully wrung their hands over McCain's "erratic" behavior—a none-too-subtle barb reminding voters of the GOP candidate's 72 years.
Well before the first wave of exit polls began circulating in media and political circles, the body language of party professionals pointed to a compelling Obama win and a crushing loss for McCain and the GOP brand.
"The extent of the defeat could be breathtaking," a party elder worried. He was right.
Obama is only the third sitting senator elected President and the first in nearly a half-century. Republican Warren Harding of Ohio won the White House in 1920, and Democrat John F. Kennedy of Massachusetts was elected in 1960.
Reader Comments
Barack Obama
Regretfully I am not an American as yet, but have supported and encouraged my brother to vote for B.O. who I believe in his strong will to bring change to America's internal policy and reduce unemployment so all people could live a dissent life. happy to see finally an 8-year chapter closed.
Americans don't know how much the world admire their decision
I'm not an american. but it beats me to read the kind of fear-inspiring comments some americans are making about their new president elect.
I think americans just proved to the world that they are still miles ahead when it comes to building an ideal society.
I give all of you americans kudos. You should be proud of your choice. And i strongly believe that B.O will deliver. He won't do it alone.
I love you america!
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