President Barack Obama announced a plan to open up offshore drilling for oil and natural gas. Photo courtesy of ScrapeTV.com.

President Barack Obama announced his proposal to open up new offshore areas for oil drilling at the Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, D.C. earlier today.

The goal of his speech was not only to announce his decision to the public, but also to try and gain support from Republicans for the energy and climate bill in the Senate. However, the announcement has been receiving mixed reactions from the public.

The American Petroleum Institute (API), a group representing the oil industry, is excited about President Obama’s decision.

“The announcement by President Obama and Secretary Salazar is a positive development. We look forward to reviewing the details of the proposal, and we stand ready to work with them to make this a reality, ” Jack Gerard, API’s President and CEO, said in a statement.

However, Republicans remain unappeased with President Obama’s speech today. They continue to argue that the current state of drilling is limited and there could be many more sources of energy for the United States.

“Today’s announcement is a step in the right direction, but a small one that leaves enormous amounts of American energy off limits. And the proof of the administration’s announcement will be in the implementation: will the administration actually take concrete steps to finish the studies, approve the necessary permits, and open these areas for production?  Will they stand by as their allies act to delay the implementation in the courts?” Mitch McConnell McConnell, Senate Republican Leader, said in a statement.

Environmental groups are also unhappy with President Obama’s decision. They say that the government should be more focused on finding more sustainable and  renewable sources of energy rather than continuing to drill for oil.

“Today’s announcement is unfortunately all too typical of what we have seen so far from President Obama — promises of change, a year of ‘deliberation,’ and ultimately, adoption of flawed and outdated Bush policies as his own,” said Brendan Cummings, senior counsel at the Center for Biological Diversity.

However, President Obama and his administration support their decision by claiming that it will create new thousands of new jobs, sustain economic growth and meet the nation’s energy demands. His speech today also carried an interesting theme linking offshore oil drilling and the emergence of new “greener” fuel together.

While drilling offshore for oil, the administration also hopes to start tapping into the nation’s natural gas resources. President Obama added a note of optimism in favor of homegrown fuels by further announcing the testing of a new Navy fighter jet, the Green Hornet, that runs off a biofuel blend made from a plant. The test flight will take place on Earth Day.

Farrakhan claimed that the "white right" is set on making Obama's presidency limited to one term.

Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan delivered his annual Saviour’s Day speech this past Sunday to an audience of 20,000 at the United Center.

The speech, lasting 3.5 hours long, revolved around the usual controversial remarks towards white society and around President Obama.

A long time supporter of Obama, Farrakhan pleaded with him to “speak for the poor, speak for the weak.” He argued that if Obama could provide a voice for homosexuals, he should be able to provide a stronger voice for the poor people of the nation.

Obama began to distance himself from Farrakhan during the campaign due to his history of racist and Anti-Semitic remarks. Still, Farrakhan reaches out to him and claims that “the white right is trying to set Barack up to be assassinated.”

In his speech, Farrakhan claimed that he had been abducted onto a wheel-shaped spaceship with technology “1 million years ahead of America’s.” He further claimed that the spacecraft held 1,500 planes equipped with bombs and that the “angels on that human-built planet can build a wall out of air… wall America in and start a fire.” This claim is similar to one he made in ’89 where he stated he had a vision four years prior of “a wheel or what you call an unidentified flying object” in which he heard the voice of Elijah Muhammad, the previous leader of the Nation of Islam.

“I’m a light in the midst of darkness,” he said, explaining that it was “too cheap” to call him just a prophet.

In honor of Farrakhan’s speech, here are a few of his most controversial quotes:

“White people are potential humans- they haven’t evolved yet.” – Philadelphia Inquirer, March 2000.

“The Jews have been so bad at politics they lost half their population in the Holocaust.” – Saviour’s Day speech, February 1998.

“Now that nation called Israel never has had any peace in 40 years and she will never have any peace because there can be no peace structured on injustice, thievery, lying, and deceit and using the name of God to shield your gutter religion under His holy and righteous name.” –Chicago Sun Times/New York Times, 1984.

“It was aimed at correcting a historical injustice.” –on Robert Mugabe’s violent seizure’s of white-owned land and property. BBC News, 2002.

“The Zionists are in control of Congress.” –Saviour’s Day speech, February 2010.

Pres. Obama meets with Admiral Mullen and Sec. Gates. Photo by Pete Souza, official White House Photo.

At the meeting both the  Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman, Admiral Michael Mullen and Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates endorsed the repeal. Sec. Gates stated that “I fully support the president’s decision. The question before us is not whether the military prepares to make this change, but how we best prepare for it. We have received our orders from the commander in chief and we are moving out accordingly.” Admiral Mullen’s endorsement was even stronger. He stated “No matter how I look at the issue, I cannot escape being troubled by the fact that we have in place a policy which forces young men and women to lie about who they are in order to defend their fellow citizens….For me it comes down to integrity — theirs as individuals and ours as an institution.”

17 years ago, the ban was instituted, after an apparent showdown between President Clinton and then Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Colin Powell. At that time, Gen. Powell favored the ban on gays in the military. This position played a large role in the implementation of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Years later, Gen. Powell has changed his position, saying in a statement “In the almost 17 years since the ‘Don’t ask, Don’t tell’ legislation was passed, attitudes and circumstances have changed…I fully support the new approach presented to the Senate Armed Services Committee this week.” Gen. Powell’s statement boosts the odds DADT will be repealed, either by Congress, the Pentagon or both.

The likelihood DADT will be repealed increased by bounds Tuesday with Admiral Mullen and Secretary Gates standing in solidarity with President Obama. I will be much more difficult for the politicians who support DADT to oppose the repeal when the top military officials themselves support allowing gays, lesbians and bisexuals to serve openly. Of course, the repeal is still up to a year away. Gates stated in his testimony that the he plans to appoint a commission to study how the issue will effect the “effectiveness” of the military and how it can be implemented.

Interim Communications Director Anita Dunn was one of the first official White House reps to go on the record saying that Fox News isn’t a real news source. Surprisingly, other valid news organizations went up in arms at this accusation.

David Axelrod said on Stephanopoulos’ ABC show, “The only argument Anita is making is that they’re not really a news station if you watch. It’s not just their commentators, but a lot of their news programming. It’s not news, it’s pushing a point of view… We’re going to appear on their shows, we’re going to participate, but understanding that they represent a point of view.”

Axelrod goes on to explain that one of the White House’s main concerns is not that Fox News calls itself a valid news source, but that other legitimate news stations claim it as so. He says. “The bigger thing is that other news organizations ought naught to treat them that way, and we’re not going to treat them that way.”

White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel appeared on CNN with John King stating, “It’s not so much a conflict with Fox News. The way we look at it is it’s not a news organization so much as it has a perspective. And more importantly, is not to have the CNNs and others in the world be led and following Fox as if it were a legitimate news organization.”

While some people believe it isn’t the President’s or the White House’s job to criticize news organizations and their critics, I say kudos. The White House isn’t saying they refuse to make appearances on Fox News programs. They aren’t refusing to speak with them. They are merely asking that Fox admits to be what it really is- biased and opinionated- when it is obviously so. And obviously, the White House and Obama know that there will be critics. Their goal isn’t to get rid of all critics. Their goal is to have their critics and fans be labeled as such- fans and critics, people that lean one way or the other and don’t go right down the middle.

Barack Obama admitted to smoking marijuana in his first book. "Of course I inhaled, that was the point," he wrote. Image via Coed Magazine.

In a big win for states’ rights and potheads alike, it was announced late last night that the Obama administration would no longer seek to arrest medical marijuana users and suppliers as long as they conform to state laws.

Two Justice Department officials described the policy to the Associated Press, saying that prosecutors will be told it’s not a good use of their time to prosecute people who provide  medical marijuana in states where the drug is allowed.

As of today, 14 States allow medical marijuana in some aspect: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington. Some states a much more relaxed atmosphere than others, with California usually seen as having the least strict rules. It’s the only state with widespread dispensaries, essentially “marijuana stores” where one can purchase plant marijuana as well as THC in many, many other forms.

This policy is largely a 180 from the Bush administration’s, which continued to heavily police legitimate medical growers and distributors, especially in California. Supporters have long argued that the decision to allow medical marijuana should remain a states’ issue, and the federal government was abusing its powers by arresting these legitimate businessmen and sick people.

A memo is expected to be sent out Monday to federal prosecutors in the 14 states that allow medical marijuana, as well as top DEA and FBI officials, according to the AP story.

The memo supposedly emphasizes that prosecutors have wide discretion in choosing which cases to prosecute, and says it is not a good use of federal manpower to prosecute cases that are obviously in compliance with state law.

At the same time the government will still prosecute dealers who use medical marijuana as a cover for other illegal activity. The memo particularly warns that some suspects may hide harder drug dealing or other crimes behind a medical marijuana business.

It will be interesting to see where the Obama administration takes this policy. If California legalizes weed for everyone, will they still stay out of the states business? If a precedent like that is set, we may see large scale legalization sooner than we ever thought.

Earlier this month, Bardwell, the Justice of the Peace of Tangipahoa Parish refused a marriage license to an interrcial couple out of concern for future children. Bill Quigley, director of the Center for Constitutional Rights and Justice refuted this claim with slap, saying “Perhaps he’s worried the kids will grow up and be president.” Referring, of course, to President Obama being born of a black man of Kenya and a white woman of Kansas.

Bardwell claims “I’m not a racist. I just don’t believe in mixing the races that way.” The couple, Beth Humphrey and Terence McKay were married by another Justice and are considering legal actions against Bardwell for violating their civil rights.  As Bardwell is an elected official, he is required by law to follow the laws put in place.  By denying Humphrey and McKay a marriage license based on their race, he violated both the law and their civil rights. He let his person prejudice and judgment cloud his duty to the people of the Parish.

Bardwell claims “I try to treat everyone equally” and one has to question if that is really true.  With all the debate over gay marriage, its stunning and shocking that we must jar ourselves out of the comfortable, liberal, Seattle pocket we live in to remember that in some parts of the world, the debate of interracial marriage is still fluid and active.  There are just some stories where I hang my head in shame, for every time I think we’ve progressed, I’m thrown back to 1954.

Here’s to the happy couple; may they have a long and happy marriage.

Aww, It's okay Obama. You tried. Courtesy of The New Republic

Despite the Obamas pleas to the International Olympic Committee this week in Copenhagen, the news came out this morning that Chicago has officially been shot down, along with Tokyo, as possible hosts of the 2016 Olympic Games.

Cue sad Obama face.

The Olympic Committee just did not seem to bite even though Michelle Obama delivered an emotional speech that, according to CNN, chronicled ‘her family’s roots in the South Side of Chicago, Illinois, and her late father’s battle with multiple sclerosis.’

Barack Obama pushed the angle that Chicago was already experienced in hosting large events, citing the 1893 World’s Fair and the 1994 World Cup as examples. Apparently, the IOC didn’t think hosting a 116 year old fair and a big soccer match were good enough credentials. But it’s okay everybody, don’t be upset- Tokyo has giant robots and ninjas, and they aren’t in the running anymore either.Rio De Janeiro and Madrid did move on to the next round of bidding though, igniting huge celebrations from crowds in the respective cities full of balloons and dancing. Spain has hosted the Olympics once before, Barcelona being the home of the Summer games in 1992. If Rio wins the bid it would be the first time a South American country has ever hosted an Olympic game. UPDATE: Rio de Janeiro has won the bid!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Despite the serious problems our country is facing every day, it seems that President Obama is still able to laugh and poke some fun at himself and other members of his administration.

At a dinner for White House correspondents Obama gave a speech that was a bit more akin to a 20 minute stand-up comedy routine. He cracked jokes aimed at himself, Joe Biden, Timothy Geithner, Mayor Bloomberg,  and many, many others.

“I believe my next 100 days will be so successful I will be able to complete them in 72 days,” Obama joked. “And on the 73rd day, I will rest.”

Check behind the jump for the full 20 minute “speech.”

Click here to view the embedded video.

Recently, “Organizing for America” has reached out to college students and recent graduates. They’ve created an eight week Summer Organizer’s Program. This unpaid position offers students interested in public service, politics and grassroots advocacy an opportunity to gain invaluable insight into how the system works. Students will work 40 hour weeks within communities on such issues as health care, education or clean energy–three of Obama’s top priorities. Applications for the program are due May 5 at the Web site and more information can be found in the FAQ section.

Kal Penn at Obama event. Photo courtesy of Barack Obama on flickr.

Kal Penn, the actor famous for playing stoner Kumar in the “Harold and Kumar” films is moving up in the world. The actor recently announced he is taking a break from acting to take a position in the Obama Administration as Associate Director in the Office of Public Liason.  Penn’s job will be to continue the work he did while campaigning for the President, namely connecting with various groups in public outreach efforts in order to maintain a connection between the White House and the American public.  Penn says his focus will be on the arts and Asian-American cultures.

Recently Penn’s character was written off the television show, “House” in a shocking scene, allowing for the actor to move to Washington, DC.  Penn says his grandparents instilled in him a desire for public service. They marched with Ghandi and he is balancing his love of the arts with his desire for the public good.  Penn graduated UCLA with a Bachelors in Sociology and has previously taught classes in Asian American Studies at the University of Pennsylvania. He met Obama back and 2007 and has worked with him on campaign rallies, becoming one of the most vocal “Hollywood” voices in support of the President.

Click here to view the embedded video.

A few weeks ago, President Obama announced his mortgage plan, a plan to help prevent millions of foreclosures. Quick on his heels was CNBC’s Rick Santelli , a veteran of Wallstreet. The rant was an off-the-cuff response to the Obama plan and became quite famous in the aftermath for capturing the flaring tempers of the billion dollar plan.  Many network and cable news institutions covered the rant, but none better than the feisty and hilarious Jon Stewart.

Though Jon Stewart holds comedian as a title, I find in his television show possesses more truth and investigation than any of the talking-heads that mused on the Santelli rant. And why did Jon Stewart succeed? Because he explores the hypocrisy of a veteran Wallstreet trader, working for a business cable news television show, ranting against a plan to help Main Street, while glossing over the billions in Wall Street bailout money. His rant places the blame on the American people, yet he, and the network, have shown a lack of journalistic integrity in dealing with WallStreet.

Click here to view the embedded video.

I don’t claim to hold a strong understanding of the economy, or media for that matter. But what  I do possess is a certain amount of indignation over the fact that purported professional journalists seem so entwined with the world they are reporting on.  The Stewart piece shows the CEOs of companies and major players in the banking industry using the network to pump up their companies, without pressing questions from the “reporters.” Perhaps my glasses are tinted in a different shade than Santelli. I don’t understand the business world, but I certainly don’t condone an unwillingness to question business on  business news channel, all the while skewering hard-working Americans who need help to stay in their homes.

With the death of the newspaper industry and cable news divided by political leanings, it is nice to come across some one who is willing to call out the misinformation that permeates the television under the guise of news.

On Wednesday, I took an hour and a half out of my designated ‘paper writing’ time to sit down and watch CSPAN. President Obama, in all his oratory glory, set out to give a rousing speech on the state of our union, without actually having to declare in what state our union is in. I guess he lucked out there. 

Click here to view the embedded video.

His speech melded his optimist message with a declarative on personal and communal responsibility. The mastery of President Obama’s speech, which focused primarily on the economy and stood as a precursor to the budget he released Thursday, was not so much in the various plans and visions he had for the future of the United States. His mastery emerged from his tone.  A confident, resilient President took the reigns and propelled a nation forward, pulling on the belief that we are all in this together. The hopefulness that emanated from his words gave credence and confidence to a shaken American people. His message, melding with elements of policy and budget pitfalls, relied on a call to Americans to stand up in this time of crisis and take responsibility. It is a new age of America, and in these tough times ahead we will have to make sacrifices.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Contrast President Obama’s tone and message with that of the Republican response by Louisiana Governor, Bobby Jindal.  Gov. Jindal’s speech fell flat, with a slow-spoken tone reminiscent of an adult talking to a child. One felt spoken down to, as if he dumbed down the message to easy to eat morsels. His words, though no less valid, felt stale.  In an opportunity to counteract the large spending plan of the president, Gov. Jindal lost both the soundbite and the heart of the message in his response; a response which is mostly that government=bad. Further, it didn’t inspire hope or spark new ideas within our shaken nation. And as we saw in November, a message of hope in times of uncertainty wins out.

I simply cannot support Congress’s attempts to pass this so-called “Stimulus Package.” Now, I don’t really have a problem with the actual items on the bill. Nor do I have a problem with the money, or the time frame, or the congressmen/women and senators themselves.

I guess my only real qualm is the name of the bill. Stimulus Package. For such a brilliant man, Obama should easily notice the importance of this detail- history has proven time and again the vital necessity of a catchy name:

Roosevelt named his program “The New Deal,” not the “Let’s Get the F**k Outta this Depression” Bill.

Johnson dubbed his program ideas “The Great Society,” not the “I’m Gonna End Poverty By Myself Bitches” Bill.

Let’s jump ahead to the new century and look at the tactics that gave Bush such early widespread suport. After all, who would ever think against Leaving a Child Behind? Or who wouldn’t support something called the Patriot Act? Are you a patriot or not?!?

In time, it will matter very little exactly what was part of the $800 billion Bill. It’s Obama’s first attempt to push something incredibly expensive and controversial through Congress, and historians will need something snazzy to refer to it by- The Hope for Change and Change for Hope Bill; the Welcome to Obama’s White House Bill; the Most Ethical Damn Bill Ever; The Beatles Are Back Bill; the Force Brett Favre to Retire for Good Bill.

This is the age of truly, truly witty puns. If it’s not witty, we’ll know. We have the internet.

So there’s the challenge, Mr. President, if you choose to accept it.

This picture tells you nothing about former President Bush, but a NYT compilation of photos will remind you the 43rd was, after all, human. Credit: White House photo by Eric Draper

In the weeks up to the inauguration of President Barack Obama, it seemed most national news organizations were also paying plenty of attention to the guy on his way out.

Their burning question: How would history remember Dubya?

Well, some said favorably, others think not so well and some think the negatives will outlast George W. Bush’s positives in our memories.

But the most powerful take on the question comes courtesy of Errol Morris in this blog post for the New York Times.

Morris has compiled defining photos from the Bush administration with the help of the photographers who followed the president from Iraq to New Orleans, to Ground Zero to Prairie Chapel Ranch. Take the time to view the pictures, and if you want the true experience, be sure to read the commentary, too. It may change the way you look at Bush. And it will be an incredible trip down memory lane.

In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr Day Monday and in the wake of the historical inaguration this Tuesday, it’s a good idea to take a moment from the rush-rush of our lives and take a look back at our collective past. Sunday, President-Elect Barack Obama gave a speech at the Lincoln Memorial. In it he harkened back to the immortal “I Have a Dream” speech given by the great Dr. King on the same steps in 1963. We face a lot of challenges to come. The dream may not have been completely realized, but we are one step closer. For a moment, let’s take a moment to relive the great words of Dr. King and cherish, for a moment, how far we’ve come.

The president’s dog, however, is an ENTIRELY different story, and I’ll be on the first bus north before I see a Labradoodle in the White House. Labradoodles are, without a doubt, the most dimwitted, delusional, disgusting occupants of the entire planet, and I’ll be damned if it gains the title of First Dog.

A sexy Portuguese Water Dog (left) and a damn Labradoodle (right)

The current controversy, if you haven’t heard, deals with the type of canine the Obama family is looking to acquire. As for now, it seems that the contest has come down to one of two types of dog: a Labradoodle or a Portuguese Water Dog. Both of these breeds meet many of the qualifications that the Obamas have been searching for, primarily their aptitude in shedding the least amount of hair (so as to ease one of the Obama daughters’ allergies).

So the question becomes, which dog should it be? Well, let’s take a careful look at each: the labradoodle (a cross-breed between a Labrador and a poodle) (which are both repulsive, spiteful little goblins in their own right) is a hellish demon-dog as vindictive in its behavior as it is malicious in its relationship with children. It will deviously infiltrate the lives of the Obama daughters and force them to unwillingly disobey their parents through unspeakable acts (eg, wearing 2 different socks, not making their beds, smoking pot, etc). Soon enough, both girls will likely begin to pick up the drink.

Seen Here: a labradoodle, doing nothing. Because it does nothing.

Now lets look at a dog that wont ruin the reputation of America: the Portuguese WaterDog. Dating all the way back to the 13^th century, this skillful and devilishly-handsome breed of dog used to work on boats with Portuguese fishermen, and even delivered messages between the boats themselves. This particular dog is so advanced in grace and wisdom that, within years, it will likely evolve wings, as well as the abilities to play chess and ride bikes.

Seen Here: Portuguese Water Dogs, being incredibly awesome, with style.

Is this even a question worth considering? Or should we all just head for Canada right now? We could probably get a good group discount rate…

I know exactly what Barack is going through. I’m a resident of Illinois myself, and when I first departed for Seattle my freshman year of college, the last thing I did before getting on the plane was picking up an Italian Beef sandwich from Portillo’s and topping it off with a old fashion Chicago-style hot dog. As I got on Air Force One — ahem, Southwest Airlines — I was ready to take off and leave for my new home instead of still dwelling on the wonderfood that I could be eating.

Chicago lives and breathes with food. Whether it’s a chedderwurst or a cheeseburger, a nice harty combo of bread, cheese, and meat makes even a bad day feel good. Why else do you think Wrigley Field sells so many hot dogs? (ohhhh! dis! take that one, Cubs fans!). The rest of the country can learn from this. If you’re troubled by hard economic times, a failed marriage, or your pet goldfish’s death, eat a few baguettes of bread or something . . . you’ll feel so much happier.

So no, I won’t criticize Barack. I respect him. He wanted to have one last bite of fine Chicago dining as he took off for Washington DC, an area known for politics but not food. But I do have a question for Mr. Obama: Why didn’t you get bacon on that Cheeseburger!? Seriously, what kind of person are you?

Anyway, writing this made me think of something. I suggest you click.

The New Year begins, and new problems await us. As president-elect Barack Obama inches himself closer into the somewhat-circular office, we must all be as attentive as ever. After all, if Obama intends to guide America through its bountiful array of problems, then it requires all of us to judge the soundness of our leader’s mind and the strength behind his courage. Additionally, we must keep an eye on his emerging cheeseburger addiction…

What kind of policies will Obama be instituting, and has he thus far taken the right actions in upholding the relationship between himself and the American people (via our lovely and respectful media)? My eyes tell me no. According to a new CNN article, Obama recently said goodbye to his house in Chicago. Even though he admitted to choking up, he reportedly “did not linger long enough to take any questions from reporters” and, instead, “he returned to his cabin in the aircraft where he ordered a cheeseburger and fries.”

…“Cheeseburger and Fries.” Is that our president-elect’s solution to all of life’s problems? When the violence in Gaza fails to subside, will Obama simply hide into Air Force One and munch away? The traditional American meal is an inappropriate and an illogical solution for our country’s major problems, and I simply cannot support our president-elect in such courses of action.

Thankyou, CNN, for the top-notch reporting

In a video address this week to an international climate conference hosted in Beverly Hills by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, President-elect Barack Obama again signaled his intent to introduce a stringent economy-wide cap & trade system in the United States.

Gov. Schwarzenegger’s conference is geared towards influencing upcoming United Nations climate talks in Poland next month, and counted a number of international representatives in attendance. Ongoing U.N. climate negotiations aim to broker the next international agreement to succeed the emission reduction commitments made under the Kyoto Protocol, which ends in 2012.

Due to inordinate economic costs and the absence of developing economies like China and India as signatories, the United States never signed onto Kyoto. In his comments to Gov. Schwarzenegger’s climate summit, President-elect Obama signaled he also intends to change that by committing the country not just to participation, but a leadership role in future U.N. climate negotiations.

Heritage Foundation energy & environment analysts have described and quantified the economic impacts of previous cap & trade proposals, such as the Lieberman-Warner bill introduced last year, which sought to regulate carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.

In addition to whatever cap & trade proposals are brought forward, the Obama Administration will also likely move quickly to implement new controls from the EPA on carbon dioxide. Those regulations could further put the squeeze on American pocketbooks by driving up gas and food prices, transportation costs, and the price of manufactured goods.

As the next Administration comes into office, it should give careful consideration to whether the benefit from proposals designed to address global warming do more economic harm than environmental good. With the nation facing uncertain economic times, the last thing we should be considering is saddling the economy with growth-limiting taxes and regulations.

President-Elect Barack Obama. Courtesy of Associated Content.com

George Bush, the economy, widespread distaste for the Iraq War and Obama’s promise of change melded in the country’s psyche, leading to a stunning Obama win.  For two years, the election’s dragged on, taking the country on a rollercoaster of excitement, the likes we haven’t seen in forty years. 

In the last month it was a question to whether Obama could pull off a win. And win he did. Obama received 364 votes in the electoral college to McCain’s 174. 52% of the popular vote, totally 64million votes topped McCain’s 46%, equal to 56.5 million votes. Over 135million people voted in this election, nearly 20million more than four years ago.  The numbers are staggering.

The youth vote was a huge demographic leading to the historic Obama victory. Anywhere from 49-54% of the youth turned out, with their votes going 2-1 toward Obama. 18% of the electorate were between 18-29. This year, the youth vote finally showed up to the polls. And together with nearly every other demographic, save people over 60, whites, especially those of small, rural areas and Protestants, went toward Obama.

The New York Times demonstrated best just how effective the Obama campaign was in turning the country blue. In a trend map created every four years, the Times’ illustrates the electoral shifts of each congressional district, creating a mosiac of red and predominately blue shades. The map demonstrates the changes in the electorate, showing whether that district voted more Democratic or Republican than last election. The sheer blueness of the map is staggering.

And what is a final look back at the election without hearing the final words of the candidates. McCain, in true election 2000 maverick form, gave an extremely gracious and concilliatory speech. His words were humble, his tone bittersweet and his call for unity perfect for a new beginning.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Obama’s speech followed perfectly on the heels of McCain. His words were nspiring, uplifting and laced with a sense of duty and heavy realism. He accepted McCain’s hand and extended his own to the whole of the country. It really is a new beginning.

Click here to view the embedded video.