Barack Obama: A History-Maker

It is true that most of us never believe we would see a day like this one in the history of mankinds. A black man publicly elected to lead one of the most powerful nations on earth: The United Nations of America. From the moment he stepped out of no where to live for a greater cause, he attracted a number of enemies against his plan to bring “change” around. However, his courage meant the world to all of us because in the face of fierce adversity he didn’t dare to shrink back, nor give way to the giant who thought he was going to keep tradition alive by having the last word as usual. But thank God for people to whom quitting is not an option to access success.

In his speech as the first black president of the United States, Barack Obama said: “…Is anyone up there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our fathers is alive in our time; who still question the power of our democracy: tonight is your answer.”

He appeared as calm as ever. He was finally reaping the fruit of his labour. Barack Obama was addressing the nations with a firm voice, highlighting his clear purpose for the White House just as he did throughout his campaigning season. There, stood a man looked upon as a hero by an overjoyed crowd. Some in tears: young, old, white, black, Asians and people from all walks of life. They all turned up to listen to their history-maker.

What can we say? At the end of a race, there is always a winner and a loser. It is no wonder that in the Republican’s camp, defeat was raining on an obviously disappointed crowd. A large number of people who also lined up to hear Senator John McCain wrap up his last sermon to confirm that his race to the White House was over. Still the latter encouraged his faithful followers to “forget their differences and reunite” with the Democrats in order to “rebuilt” the country.

Meanwhile, back to the place where all the spotlights were, Obama said: “Tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment: change has come to America.” The 44th elected president declared that he did not win the election for himself but that this victory belonged to his supporters who stood up to fight with him to the end.

Aware that the victory was won but the battle was not completely over yet, he admitted that he wasn’t a “perfect” man. He knew it would take a lot to reach a satisfying ground for the whole of America and even all other nations looking up to the US. But he also confidently said: “I promise you that we, as a people …we will get there.”

Barack Obama urged the people who didn’t vote for him and who probably still didn’t think he was worthy to take America to the next level, to see the bigger picture. It was about time they joined him because he needed their participation in order to restore the country, just as much as he needed those who wholeheartedly accepted him in the first place. And so he passionately cited a quote by a great pioneer of the past, Abraham Lincoln who said “We are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bond of affection.”

To see a shot of Jessie Jackson’s face, the man who has campaigned as a civil right activist for many years, in tears like a speechless child. It was priceless. Various broadcasters played over and over again the clip showing Jessie Jackson’s face as he broke down in tears. It felt as though the expression on his face was sending a message of relief, consolation and “victory at last” to the viewers all around the world.

Finally, proving to be a sensible man, Barack Obama remembered to include his unofficial supporters from all over the globe. “…And all those watching from beyond our shores …and the forgotten world; our stories are singular but our destiny is shared. The new dawn of America’s leadership is at hand,” he said to emphasize his sympathy to nations in the third world countries.

After winning with a score of 349 beating his rival John MacCain who fell short with a total of 173 points, it is no wonder that a broadcaster announced that it was a “comfortable” triumph for the Democrats. In fact, with this undisputable victory, surely Obama is a hero to many and is going to remain a history-maker for generation after generations.