Obama's challenges.

President-elect Obama gave his first press conference on the economy today. He essentially summed up what he has been campaigning about all this time, focusing on the economic stimulus package he wants to pass in congress to help boost the consumerism of the middle class. However, he refrained from mentioned the tax increases for the wealthy, which might foreshadow his change in policy. Most commentaries from CNN have praised his actions so far, saying that he seemed very presidential today. 

At this point, he has been clear that he cannot do anything because he is not the president of the United States just yet. 

The New York Times has also reported that he appointed his Chief of Staff earlier this week as Representative Rahm Emanuel. Most have only to say good things about the man, but others believe he will increase the divide between Democrats and Republicans. 

Young Voters Turnout Big for Obama

Over the past few weeks, political pundits asked the age old question "will youth show up to vote?"

On Tuesday night they did and propelled Senator Barack Obama to victory in key swing states like Nevada, Ohio, Florida, Virginia, and Indiana. Nationally, Obama won the 18-29 year old demographic 66% to 32%. The 34% margin between Obama and McCain represents the largest recorded victory among youth since exist polls began in 1976.

Ballots are still being counted in many parts of the country, but as of now the youth turnout between 2004 and 2008 has increased by at least 2.2 million voters. The reasons for this increase will be debated and discussed in the coming weeks, but the fact that the Millennial generation's political engagement is on the rise is undeniable.

The Future

I've said it before and I'll say it again, as a Republican I am not afraid of an Obama presidency. Much of me truly supports Senator or should I say President Obama and what he stands for and what his victory means socially for this nation. That's what made this election really hard for me. In the end I just felt Senator McCain was truly ready to lead, even if I have to question his decision making process since he did select Sarah Palin as his VP. If anything I feel strongly (or hope) that the Republican party will benefit by this loss by finally getting away from social issues and focusing on the small government fundamentals that are the party's main platform.

Tonight is a triumphant moment in this great nation's history. Seeing the excitement on the streets tonight, even if half of it was just an excuse to get plastered, was really encouraging and I know it wouldn't have happened if John McCain had won. Like Obama said, the American dream truly is alive, and I hope that this great feeling of optimism will continue for the next four years and beyond. Part of this entry was for my own purpose since a lot was going through my head the past couple of hours, so y'all can disregard it.

On a different note, it looks like the Democrats have secured 56 seats but will not make it to 60, even if they do come close. On local affairs, Prop 8 looks to have passed with 53% in favor  with 60% of the precincts in. I guess while this state is overwhelmingly for Obama, there are a lot of folks who have a strict definition of marriage. If the prop does pass, I dont know what that portends for gay rights all over the nation, given that this is the largest state in the union and is very liberal. An unfortunate step backwards after much celebration in May.

Berkeley Celebrates!

From Moffit Library to Sproul, Telegraph Ave. to Unit 2, the streets were full of screams and celebration. Only around 2AM did the noise settle down. Even with some disappointments such as the passage of Prop 8, Berkeley's liberal atmosphere prevails with Obama's victory.
Obama's "Yes we can!" speech seems to have grasped millions of voters, winning 338 electoral votes above McCain's 163.
Although the year-long battle for the white house has finally come to an end, the time to fix the nation's economy and bring some legitimate change to the nation seems to be just beginning.

Some important questions: Who will future President Obama choose for his cabinet? and What kind of changes are evident with the Democrats control of Congress and the Executive Branch?

Barack Obama Will Be The Next President of The United States.

Enough said.
Have an incredible night, everyone.

A Little on Russia

One of the most talked about political figures has had some “sleepless nights,” and it is not Senator Barack Obama or Senator John McCain. A video on Grani-TV showed a very angry Vladimir Putin after Russia lost billions of dollars in U.S. investments. It seems that the final weeks of the election have allowed people to shift focus from America’s economic problems to the results of the presidential race. We will soon know who the winner will be, (and polls from Real Clear Politics show that it will probably be Obama) but as we finish reading the headlines and turn of the television, we will have to return to reality. The candidate who wins will have a lot on his shoulders, and he will have to face significant unresolved problems left from the last administration. One of the biggest questions for future politics has been the relationship between the United States and Russia, so we will have to see how if our next leader will be able to retain its status as a world power.

McCain's SNL Appearance

McCain appeared on Saturday Night Live last Thursday in response to Obama's buying three major network stations for his 30 minute ad time. As part of his performance he was promoting his campaign on QVC while simultaneously selling memorabilia from his campaign. Sarah Palin and his wife Cindy McCain were also present. CNN reported The Republican candidate made a crack at the ten town hall meetings he wanted to have with Obama with ten empty plates in the place of what could have been. McCain seemed somewhat bitter in his comments, and maybe legitimately so. Obama's campaign did not try to discuss forgoing the 84 million dollar funds from the government with the McCain campaign even though he promised to and he turned down the debates. But, does McCain have any right to be angry at Obama for his recent loss in the polls (Gallop Polls)? After all, it has partly been due to his own failure to meet the demands of the public. He chose to use almost all negative campaign ads questioning Obama's judgement and morals. And he chose to leave his campaign to get an economic bill passed (that didn't get passed when he went to congress). McCain should stop acting bitter because it will only make him lose more and start acting like the wise old man he claims to be.