ELECTIONS: Obama turns to building a presidency
By TERENCE HUNT - Associated Press | ∞
WASHINGTON -- His storied election behind him and weighty problems in his face, Barack Obama turned Wednesday to the task of building an administration in times of crisis as Americans and the world absorbed his history-shattering achievement as the first black leader ascending to the presidency.
Obama enjoyed an everyman day-after in his hometown of Chicago on Wednesday after an electric night of celebration, anchored by his victory rally of 125,000 in Chicago and joyful outpourings of his supporters across the country. The president-elect saw his two young daughters off to school, a simple pleasure he's missed during nearly two years of virtually nonstop travel, then had a gym workout.
Pressing business came at him fast, with just 76 days until his inauguration as the 44th president.
The nation's top intelligence officials planned to give him top-secret daily briefings starting Thursday, sharing with him the most critical overnight intelligence as well as other information he has not been allowed to see as a senator or candidate. And Obama planned to give the first of his daily briefings to the media on Thursday as he moves quickly to begin assembling a White House staff and selecting Cabinet nominees.
Obama was asking Illinois Rep. Rahm Emanuel, former political and policy adviser to President Clinton, to be his White House chief of staff, Democratic officials said. John Podesta, who served as Clinton's chief of staff, was expected to join Obama Senate aide Pete Rouse and campaign adviser Valerie Jarrett in leading the transition team.
President Bush pledged "complete cooperation" in the transition and called Obama's victory a "triumph of the American story."
Naming the staggering list of problems he inherits in his decisive defeat of Republican John McCain -- two wars and "the worst financial crisis in a century," among them -- Obama sought to restrain the soaring expectations of his supporters late Tuesday night even as he stoked them with impassioned calls for national unity and partisan healing.
"We may not get there in one year or even in one term," he said. "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."
Helping him to get there will be a strengthened Democratic majority in both houses of Congress. When Obama becomes the president on Jan. 20, with Delaware Sen. Joe Biden as his vice president, Democrats will control both the White House and Congress for the first time since 1994.
A tide of international goodwill came Obama's way on Wednesday morning, even as developments made clear how heavy a weight will soon be on his shoulders.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev issued a congratulatory telegram saying there is "solid positive potential" for the election to improve strained relations between Washington and Moscow, if Obama engages in constructive dialogue.
Yet he appeared to be deliberately provocative hours after the election with sharp criticism of the U.S. and his announcement that Russia will deploy missiles near NATO member Poland in response to U.S. missile defense plans.
In Afghanistan, where villagers said the U.S. bombed a wedding party and killed 37 people, President Hamid Karzai said: "This is my first demand of the new president of the United States -- to put an end to civilian casualties."
Young and charismatic but with little experience on the national level or as an executive, Obama easily defeated McCain, smashing records and remaking history along the way.
Ending an improbable journey that started for Obama a long 21 months ago, he drew a record-breaking $700 million to his campaign account alone. The first African-American destined to sit in the Oval Office, he also was the first Democrat to receive more than 50 percent of the popular vote since Jimmy Carter in 1976. He is the first senator elected to the White House since John F. Kennedy in 1960.
And Obama scored an Electoral College landslide that redrew America's political dynamics. He won states that reliably voted Republican in presidential elections, such as Indiana and Virginia, which hadn't supported a Democratic candidate in 44 years. Ohio and Florida, key to President Bush's twin victories, also went for Obama, as did Pennsylvania, which McCain had deemed crucial for his election hopes.
With most U.S. precincts tallied, the popular vote was 52.3 percent for Obama and 46.4 percent for McCain. But the count in the Electoral College was much more lopsided -- 349 to 147 in Obama's favor as of early Wednesday, with three states still to be decided. Those were North Carolina, Georgia and Missouri.
The nation awakened to the new reality at daybreak, a short night after millions witnessed Obama's election -- an event so rare it could not be called a once-in-a-century happening. Prominent black leaders wept unabashedly in public, rejoicing in the elevation of one of their own, at long last.
The Rev. Jesse Jackson, who had made two White House bids himself, said on ABC's "Good Morning America" that the tears streaming down his face upon Obama's victory were about his father and grandmother and "those who paved the fights. And then that Barack's so majestic."
Rep. John Lewis, a Georgia Democrat and leading player in the civil rights movement with Jackson, said on NBC's "Today" show: "He's going to call on us, I believe, to sacrifice. We all must give up something."
Speaking from Hong Kong, retired Gen. Colin Powell, the black Republican whose endorsement of Obama symbolized the candidate's bipartisan reach and bolstered him against charges of inexperience, called the senator's victory "a very very historic occasion." But he also predicted that Obama would be "a president for all America."
On Capitol Hill, Democrats ousted incumbent GOP Sens. Elizabeth Dole of North Carolina and John Sununu of New Hampshire and captured seats held by retiring Republican senators in Virginia, New Mexico and Colorado. Still, the GOP blocked a complete rout, holding the Kentucky seat of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and a Mississippi seat once held by Trent Lott.
The Associated Press prematurely declared incumbent Sen. Norm Coleman the winner in a race against Democratic former comedian Al Franken that by state law is subject to a recount based on the 571-vote margin. The party also held onto a Mississippi seat once held by Trent Lott.
In the House, with fewer than a dozen races still undecided, Democrats captured Republican-held seats in the Northeast, South and West and were on a path to pick up as many as 20 seats.
"It is not a mandate for a party or ideology but a mandate for change," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada.
After the longest and costliest campaign in U.S. history, Obama was propelled to victory by voters dismayed by eight years of Bush's presidency and deeply anxious about rising unemployment and home foreclosures and a battered stock market that has erased trillions of dollars of savings for Americans.
Six in 10 voters picked the economy as the most important issue facing the nation in an Associated Press exit poll. None of the other top issues -- energy, Iraq, terrorism and health care -- was selected by more than one in 10. Obama has promised to cut taxes for most Americans, get the United States out of Iraq and expand health care, including mandatory coverage for children.
McCain conceded defeat shortly after 11 p.m. EST, telling supporters outside the Arizona Biltmore Hotel, "The American people have spoken, and they have spoken clearly."
"This is an historic election, and I recognize the special significance it has for African-Americans and the special pride that must be theirs tonight," McCain said. "These are difficult times for our country. And I pledge to him tonight to do all in my power to help him lead us through the many challenges we face."
The son of a Kenyan father and a white mother from Kansas, the 47-year-old Obama has had a startlingly rapid rise, from lawyer and community organizer to state legislator and U.S. senator, now not even four years into his first term.
Almost six in 10 women supported Obama nationwide, while men leaned his way by a narrow margin, according to interviews with voters. Just over half of whites supported McCain, giving him a slim advantage in a group that Bush carried overwhelmingly in 2004.
The results of the AP survey were based on a preliminary partial sample of nearly 10,000 voters in Election Day polls and in telephone interviews over the past week for early voters.
In terms of turnout, America voted in record numbers. It looks like 136.6 million Americans will have voted for president this election, based on 88 percent of the country's precincts tallied and projections for absentee ballots, said Michael McDonald of George Mason University. Using his methods, that would give 2008 a 64.1 percent turnout rate, the highest since 65.7 percent in 1908, he said.
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aDAMANT wrote on Nov 4, 2008 8:18 PM:Sad day for this country. Unfortunately, we the American people will now see that this socialist does not know how to run a country. He will rip this countries' constitution apart and then the American people will see that voting for this man was a big mistake. God save America.
chrisce wrote on Nov 4, 2008 8:21 PM:barack for world leader!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! forget all you yes on prop 8's you are ingorant
Govt Mule wrote on Nov 4, 2008 8:38 PM:This election should dispel all the
previous myths of racism in America if you ask me.
Sue wrote on Nov 4, 2008 8:43 PM:Way to go Obama!
Time to take America back for the people and kick out some of the good ole boy network. There may be hope for this country yet. And perhaps a scrap of integrity left that the Republicans have not soiled.
Whoohoo!!!!!
Sad Day wrote on Nov 4, 2008 8:45 PM:This is a tragic day for our country and our freedom. My God watch over us and protect us from what is ahead and God Bless our Military Troops!!
obamanation wrote on Nov 4, 2008 8:46 PM:And the Obamanation begins! Run for the hills!
no more excuses wrote on Nov 4, 2008 8:49 PM:I guess the glass ceiling has been broken. President Obama is proof that a black man can make it America. You only have yourself to blame if you fail!!
An American wrote on Nov 4, 2008 8:57 PM:Congratulations America, you've messed it up for us all.
connie wrote on Nov 4, 2008 9:01 PM:Time to pray - our country truely is in danger now. I bet the terrorists are dancing in the streets. Congrats to Mr BO and may the good lord help us.
Cali Native wrote on Nov 4, 2008 9:35 PM:This is a great day! Change is on the way
Hmmmm..... wrote on Nov 4, 2008 9:39 PM:Lets all hope he follows through......
Joe wrote on Nov 4, 2008 10:00 PM:May I be the first to congratulate Mr Obama on his victory, I am not a supporter of his policies and I hope he will do right by the American people.
The End wrote on Nov 4, 2008 10:37 PM:John McCain, said it the best, " we have come to the end." America's free enterprise is dead! Socialism is here and its here to stay. Viva Hugo Chavez. We should fly Che's flag and burn the last remants of any remaining wasp heritage. Enjoy. I would like to thank Acorn for its help and hope Obama gives Acorn the proper credit. "Vote early and often." It works.
Born Artist wrote on Nov 4, 2008 11:58 PM:Congratulations President-elect Obama on a wonderful, dignified and well run campaign! We as a nation have a new direction and the right leader to guide us. I feel blessed to be a part of this. Thank you America!
TSWRA wrote on Nov 5, 2008 1:41 PM:Be careful what you ask for!
Radman wrote on Nov 5, 2008 4:20 PM:To aDAMANT:
Those of you spouting off the socialist agenda. You obviously don't know what real socialists are. You heard this on TV and decided to repeat it but by doing so show your ignorance. Obama is just going to return the money that the rich stole during the Bush years and return it to its rightful owners. The trickledown theory doesn't work and Bush proved it. The money only trickles out of the U.S. and overseas or to the Cayman Islands in hidden bank accounts. I don’t think any of these bloggers are making more than $250,000 per year so what are you worried about. The middle class is the back bone of this country and if it disappears the rest of the country will crash and burn. Obama has a difficult time ahead but I now have hope for a better future.
To All God Save America Posters wrote on Nov 5, 2008 4:45 PM:Why? Because he's done such a great job so far?!?!?!?!
Peter wrote on Nov 5, 2008 4:49 PM:In less than 24 hours the Russians announce they will be placing missiles near Poland. That says a lot of what they think of the President-elect, but then again they know his promises put him in a position of weakness, and thus puts America behind the eight ball.
Born in CA wrote on Nov 5, 2008 4:54 PM:To the people spouting Socialism. Please get a dictionary and look up the word. You really do not know what you are talking about.
So are you all better off than you were 8 years ago. If so, you all must be very rich (more than $250,000 a year) and afraid your taxes will increase. For a majority of us that make less than 250,000, our taxes will not increase.
I have lived in California all my life and it is sad that there are still so many people that are prejudice.
I wish Obama that best!
A GREAT DAY FOR AMERICA wrote on Nov 5, 2008 5:24 PM:to the poster who rants about socialism. That was LAST WEEK'S GOP and FOX news' scare tactic during the campaign.
Get over it. Don't be such a sore loser.
Landslide victory wrote on Nov 5, 2008 8:43 PM:Oh happy days are here again !
Greg in Oceanside wrote on Nov 6, 2008 6:03 AM:Obama is already "resetting the expectations." We'll see soon enough that the silver-tongued, snake-oil salesman sold us a bill of goods.
I give him about 9 months before the luster of his 'American idol-like' popularity wanes and people see this wasn’t the best choice.
Here's something the zealots and lemmings who voted for him don't understand; Obama hung out and associated with people of questionable character. And because of this he never would be able to pass an investigation for a security clearance. The SF-86 form and subsequent investigation would reveal he's a security risk. But, interestingly, now that he's been elected, he'll be getting access to all sorts of 'classified' information, including the President's Daily Brief. This will be an eye-opener for him and here too we'll see him waffle on his call to "end the war" in Iraq.
Like I said, we're going to see Obama change colors like a chameleon and back track most of his promises, all before the end of his first year, mark my words.
To Greg wrote on Nov 6, 2008 8:03 AM:So you're saying he'll act like pretty much every other politician who's sat in the oval office? ... Gee ... that's a stretch. What a keen prediction.
You honestly think McCain would have stuck to his guns? Not a chance. He's a politician too. Deception is in their nature.
What's going to kill Obama's popularity the most is that people have voted for what they consider change and they're going to want immediate results that can't be provided. This country wasn't broken overnight (or even just in the last two years) and it won't be fixed overnight either.
McCain would be in the exact same boat if he would have been elected instead.
History wrote on Nov 6, 2008 1:07 PM:History will tell of George Bush being the worse president in American history. It will define what was meant when President Obama received more than 80% of the popular vote as compared to the extremely slim margins that Bush received in either of his elections. History will show that democrats have always supported their country without prejudice, hatred, or animosity. History will show that some fanactic republicans are more concerned about their party than their country. History will show that the few republicans that have hatred and bigotry will never understand that we are a nation for ALL people and that majority does rule. As you read the comments, you can see the few people who just do not get it because of their shallow minds. Even when history shows that it is Bush as the worst and Obama as a good President, these republicans with their hatred and shallow minds will never get it. I ask them, what is wrong with you?
Greg in Oceanside wrote on Nov 6, 2008 1:08 PM:Well, To Greg (8:03 AM post), you're trying to put words in my mouth. No, I DIDN'T say anything about Obama being like every other politician. He is a well versed orator and thespian.
What I am saying he made an awful lot of lofty promises during his 'near flawless' campaign, most of which didn't have any substance. We'll be seeing him back-track, waffle, and flip-flop as the pressure of the office bear down on him. It's about 'walking-the-walk' after he's 'talked-the-talk' so eloquently during his campaign.
As for the security clearance issue, Obama will be privy to a lot of information that wasn't available to him when he 'arm-chair' quarterbacked from the sideline. It will be interesting to see how he acts/reacts to threats after seeing the real data and intel. (Sure, it's not perfect, but it's probably better than any other intelligence organization in the world can gather).
To Greg wrote on Nov 6, 2008 6:47 PM:You obviously missed the sarcasm in the first paragraph. Part of me wants to apologize for the confusion, but part of me says you seem like a reasonably intelligent person who should have gotten it.
Nonetheless, Obama certainly does have his plate full. The same way McCain would have in the same situation.
The reality of current events will surely be at least a bit more than was anticipated on his part and require some serious planning changes. Again, the same situation McCain would have been in as well.
The time for taking sides ended a long long time ago. The fact that society hasn't gotten past it is a big part of the problem today. Whether you agree with the elected choice (i didn't like either one) it's time to be as supportive as possible since we are now working through one of the toughest times our nation has seen in decades. Infighting and I told you so's aren't going to help anything.
esteban wrote on Nov 7, 2008 8:20 AM:Will this shut the racists up, finally?
Happy Happy wrote on Nov 8, 2008 2:47 PM:As a life long Republican that has never voted for a Democrat for president, until Obama came along, I applaud his victory. I believe that he will be a great president. He has touched a great deal of people in this country. November 4th was a great day for our country and the world. God bless Barack Obama and may God protect him fromt he evil in this world.
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