Election Night: The Speeches

I know you’d think that everyone has seen these speeches by now. Well, times have it such that I don’t have TV right now due to a lack of money (I know, imagine that). So, this is the first time I’ve seen, rather than read about, these speeches. I post them not only for posterity’s sake, but also for others who find themselves in similar situations. Enjoy.

President – Elect Barack Obama’s Acceptance Speech.

Text:

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.

It’s the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference.

It’s the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled–Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America.

It’s the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.

It’s been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.

I just received a very gracious call from Senator McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and he’s fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him and Governor Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nation’s promise in the months ahead.

I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware, the Vice President-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.

I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last sixteen years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nation’s next First Lady, Michelle Obama.

Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that’s coming with us to the White House. And while she’s no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure.

To my campaign manager David Plouffe, my chief strategist David Axelrod, and the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics–you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you’ve sacrificed to get it done.

But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to–it belongs to you.

I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn’t start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington–it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston.

It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give five dollars and ten dollars and twenty dollars to this cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation’s apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth. This is your victory.

I know you didn’t do this just to win an election and I know you didn’t do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime–two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century.

Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us. There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how they’ll make the mortgage, or pay their doctor’s bills, or save enough for college. There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair.

The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, 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.

There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won’t agree with every decision or policy I make as president, and we know that government can’t solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it’s been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years–block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.

What began twenty-one months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek–it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you.

So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, it’s that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers–in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people.

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.

For that is the true genius of America–that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that’s on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She’s a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing–Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.

She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn’t vote for two reasons–because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.

And tonight, I think about all that she’s seen throughout her century in America – the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can’t, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.

At a time when women’s voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot.

Yes we can.

When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.

When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.

She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that “We Shall Overcome.” Yes we can.

A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can.

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves–if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?

This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time – to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth–that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people.

Yes We Can. Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.

Sen. John McCain’s Concession Speech

Text:

“Thank you for coming here on this beautiful Arizona evening.We have come to the end of a long journey. American people have spoken and they have spoken clearly.

A little while ago I had the honor of calling Obama to congratulate him on being elected next president of the country we both love.

His success alone commands my respect … that he managed to do so by inspiring millions of Americans who once wrongly believed they have little influence in elections is something I admire.

This is a significant election and something I recognize for African-Americans.

I have always believed America offers opportunities to Americans who have the will.

We have come a long way … the memory of these events has the ability to wound.

A century ago, the invitation to Booker T Washington to dine at the White House was taken as a slight. There is no better indication of the change than the election of an African-American to the White House.

Obama has achieved something great – I applaud him and offer my sympathy for his grandmother’s death.

Obama and I have had and argued over our differences and he has prevailed. No doubt many of these differences remain.

These are different times for our country. We face difficult times … I urge all Americans who supported me to join me in not just congratulating him but offering our next president ways to come together to find compromises to bridge our differences … defend security in a dangerous world … leave a better country than what we inherited.

We are fellow Americans, and please believe me when I say no association has meant more to me than that. It’s natural tonight to feel disappointment … tomorrow we must move forward.

Though we fell short, the failure is mine, not yours.

I am so deeply grateful to all of you for your support … I wish the outcome had been difficult. Your support never wavered. I cannot express how indebted I am to you. I am grateful to my family, mother, old and dear friends who have stood by my side through this campaign.

Campaigns are often harder on a candidate’s family than on a candidate. That has been true in this campaign. All I can offer is more peaceful years ahead. I am also grateful to governor Palin, one of the best candidates I have ever seen.

One of the best campaigners I have ever seen and an impressive new voice in our party. Her husband Todd and their five beautiful children, for their dedication to our cause. We can all look forward to her service to the state of Alaska, the Repubublican party, and the country.

To all my campaign workers who fought valiantly month after month, thank you so much. A lost election will never mean more to me than the privilege of your faith and friendship.

I do not know what more we could have done to win the election. I will not spend a moment regretting what might have been. This campaign will remain the highlight of my life.

I was given a fair hearing before the country decided that Obama and my old friend Biden will have the honor of leading us for the next 4 years.

I have had the extraordinary privilege of serving the country for half a century … I thank the people of Arizona.

Tonight more than any night, I hold in my heart love for my country and its citizens whether they supported me or Obama, and I wish Godspeed to the man who was my opponent.

I call on Americans not to despair about our difficulties – Americans never quit. We never hide from history, we make history.

Thank you and God bless America.”

Group Liveblogging of Tonights Debate at Angry Brown Butch

Tonight is the final debate between Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain. I have to miss the live debate because I’ll be at work, but there will be some awesome liveblogging of the debate going on from Jack, Holly, Maegan la Mala, Nezua, Jose, and Sylvia.

Jack has a niftly little group liveblogging thing going on, so you can catch all of this liveblogging goodness in one spot, and seeing as these are some of the best and wittiest minds on the internet, you most certainly don’t want to miss their commentary and the opportunity to join the discussion.

The Roof Is On Fire!

Ha! Jay Smooth brings the funny!

No Excuses

Generally, as a matter of keeping me from head-desking myself a concussion, I stay away from places like The Free Republic. As anyone who has ever dared dirty their eyeballs by venturing over there knows, it’s a cesspool of hate, racism, ignorance, homophobia, hypocrisy, you name it. Besides, stronger bloggers than I often remind me of what goes on over there and that’s enough for me these days. Last night (or really early this morning), a good friend and ST reader pointed me to this lovely thread (conveniently hidden by an is.gd address…sneaky mofo!), and I followed it and discovered this lovely picture in response to a post about the possibility of Obama and McCain working together in an Obama administration. Needless to say, the folks over there are aghast at the thought.

Racism Alive and Well

[ETA: It's come to my attention via this thread that I should point out that Ted Szukaiski, the photographer of the original photo, and whose name appears underneath, had nothing to do with this photoshopped piece of garbage.]

The point, of course, is that this is the job that Obama should get in a McCain/Palin administration.

Why do I bring this up? Why do I bother pointing out what most folks expect from a site like The Free Republic (and frankly, compared to a lot of what I’ve seen recently, this is almost sorta tame)? Well, I do so because I’ve been thinking about Renee’s question in comments lately. Why is it that I and so many other bloggers are shocked by any of this recent upsurge in bigotry and hatred, when, as she rightfully points out, “This is an old school tactic by the ruling elite. Whenever there is an economic crises they hyper value whiteness and blame brown bodies for all of the evils of the world.”

‘Tis true indeed.

I suspect that part of it is the “old school” part of the equation. I somehow managed to convince myself that we are now in some sort of new school, where the bigotry and hate is coded, not quite so obvious (well, unless you hang out at The Free Republic, that is). No doubt that it’s still there, but not so out in the open. This is what I said to Nezua in a similar conversation over on Twitter: ” That’s what I think gets me. The transparency. I’ve gotten so used to the structural, the hidden. Now it’s so out in the open again.” There’s no hiding behind shields of irony or intent or humor. It’s just out there in all of its naked ugliness for the world to see. I don’t experience the same sort of shock that I felt when nooses became en vogue again. There was that pathetic shield of “humor” put up. I almost expected it and the excuses that would follow.

But now, not even excuses. This is how people honestly feel and they aren’t afraid to let anyone know it.

All because a Black man might become the President of the United States.

When a woman is factually and absolutely incorrect in her assertions, and even John McCain in all of his racist, sexist bs calls her on it, and she still jumps through hoops to stick to her beliefs about The Scary Black man…well, I’m left feeling a lot less optimistic about the world than I was even just a week ago.

Because this is the stuff that matters to me. I find it hard to be all up in arms over the current economic crisis. I don’t feel any more broke than I did six months ago, a year ago, and I’m hard pressed to feel bad for a bunch of crooked investors whose stock portfolios now value $250,000 rather than the $750,00 they did three weeks ago. Am I pissed about all of this bailout business? Yes, but a lot of the people I know have been feeling this crunch for a long time before it hit Wall Street. That it doesn’t matter until it hits Wall Street is all you need to know about the priorities of our current government.

No excuses. That says it all.

[Update: This post has been updated to correct some grammatical errors I've found. I've also corrected a sentence or two to better get my point across.]

Out Of The Woodwork They Come

I just watched this video via a link at Shakesville. I’m speechless. The author of the video isn’t, though:

I’ve been doing blog video for a while, and presidential rallies a lot longer. And this is the most strange, ignorant, uninformed, angry, up-to-no-good, and gullible group of people I’ve ever seen at a political rally.

You think it’s bad now? I suspect it’s gonna get worse once Obama is elected President. Prepare thyselves.

You Really Said That?

“That one”?

Really? OMFG!

McCain, you are an ass. I can’t believe that I actually stayed up to watch a replay of that debate and had to hear some shit like that.

No. Actually, I can believe it, but I’m still pissed as all get out about it.

Y’know what? It’s true, I’ve got my qualms with Obama as a politician. That’s nothing new if you’re used to me. My hyper-liberal ass always has qualms with any mainstream politician. But for real: I can’t wait to see Obama friggin just PWN McCain.

“That One”?

WTF?

Who Would You Vote For In A Blind Taste Test?

Tip o’ the hat to Villager for pointing me to this nifty little online test from ABC News that is designed to determine whether you identify politically more with Sen. Obama or Sen. McCain. It’s set up so that you are given two statements, one by each of the candidates and you choose which one you agree with the most. Of course, you don’t know which candidate said what. It’s a blind taste test!

I found it interesting for two reasons. One, for many of the statements, I couldn’t discern that much difference. It almost seemed like a toss up to me. Two (and this is definitely related and informed by the first), for me, it often came down not to which I agree with more, but which do I disagree with less. In other words, it’s often exactly like asking me to choose between Coke or Pepsi. I don’t, for instance, agree in the slightest with either of these statements, which are a part of the quiz:

I personally believe that marriage is between a man and a woman. But I also agree with most Americans…that decisions about marriage should be left to the states as they always have been.

Um, yeah. I personally believe that marriage is between any two people that want to get married, so I’m lost on that one. And there’s that State’s Rights bit. You will excuse me if I’m a tad bit wary of that argument.

I do not believe gay marriage should be legal…but I do believe that people ought to be able to enter into contracts, exchange powers of attorney, other ways that people [who] have relationships can enter into.

Um, what? So, If you believe that people should be able to “enter into contracts that people [who] have relationships can enter into,” then why is that contract called marriage off limits? And, um, are you really saying that gay folks don’t have relationships? They shouldn’t be able to marry each other, but should still be treated like those normal het folks who have relationships?

WTF? I can only choose on which statement comes off less hypocritical.

Y’see? Hard for a brotha to pick a statement that he agrees with more here. I’d prefer to call bullshit on all sides, but alas, I had to choose to get my results, and when it was all over, it seems that I disagree with Obama less than I disagree with McCain. But, is that really a surprise to anyone?

Here’s what really freaked me out about this quiz, though: out of all the statements provided, the one proffered by McCain that I agreed/disagreed less with was on Health Care. I gotta say, that scares me a bit. I need to figure out what the hell I’m thinking.

Regardless, check out the test. Did it make you think more about who you support this election and why?