President-Elect Barack Obama's Acceptance Speech - Change Is Coming To America

You Tube Video of President-Elect Barack Obama's Acceptance Speech

I almost could not believe it last night when the networks called the election for Barack Obama. I waited about a half hour to let the reality of his election seep in, still worried it was not quite real and would somehow be taken away. After Senator McCain's gracious concession speech, I realized that Barack Obama will be the next President of the United States. Just Amazing!

Here are excerpts from Barack Obama's 2008 Presidential Victory Speech:

If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

And:

...Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House - a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, “We are not enemies, but friends…though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection.” And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn - I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too.

And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world - our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down - we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security - we support you. And to all those who have wondered if America’s beacon still burns as bright - tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope....

I am glad the election is over and the country can start addressing many of the serious issues facing us. However, the Wall Street Journal profiles some people who will miss the excitement, tension and entertainment aspect of the campaign:

... The end of the most-followed presidential campaign in recent years will leave many Americans feeling lost, even if their candidate won. The 2008 race provided drama and suspense to a nation hooked on reality television, mystery novels and Hollywood epics....