" Why don't all you Obama haters keep it real. BO has not done anything bad. Your just mad because he,s President. I've read all the comments there's no facts to back any of what is being said to bash our current president. For some people ignorance is bliss. Its very disrespectful and it tells alot about the type of people you are and you should be ashamed of yourself. I don't hear voices of intelligent people. All I hear is fear and hatred. We still have a long way to go as a people. "

" Hey SMB. You're right the world is changing. And with Obama in office our constitutional rights will be changing or should I say vanishing. How about you get with it and realize Obama is not our Messiah, but an unqualified lib who's going to sink this country more then Bush could ever do. "

" On November 11th 2008, for the first time in my adult life, I was proud to be and American. And I am not taking that statement back!!!

Who are all you wacked out folks with crazy extremist conservative ideas? Obama was elected not because of race, class, or religion, but in spite of these things. He was elected because he has the best ideas on how to run this country. Get with it Klamath Falls! The world is changing! "

" It is getting real hard to keep from dying of laughter after reading these posts. "Free country" ? Please tell me just one thing that is free about this country so I can go do it. I have yet to find anything "free" about it.

As the deliberate destruction of this country proceeds on schedule just remember it was your own fault for listening to New World Order shills on the corporate media propaganda circuit.

The rest of the world is correct. Americans never learn and have the worlds shortest memories. "

" Obama is under the largest microscope any president has ever seen. Good luck Obama nation. "

" Can't we just all get along and support our new president? Before you bash Obama, lets wait and see if he screws up as much as Bush, then you can bash him. "

" Watching and Waiting: .... well said my friend. The brain washed obama-maniacs will never understand, until this country is on its knees. Oh well, sig hail Obama right? "

" The timing of Russia's pronouncement is what is telling - less than 24 hours after the election. Every major knowledgeable news source on earth agrees this was meant to show how weak the Russians perceive the Obama administration will be.
And what is your answer to the reinstatement of the KGB and Putin's desire to take back the "presidency" now that we have Obama waiting to becoem the president?
All of these things are to test the resolve of the incoming administration.
How about Obama's decision to open relations with Cuba after a 40+ year embargo, and normalize relations with Raul Castro? Why should we reward an old and fading communist dictatorship that is about to fall - wouldn't it be better to let it fail on its own and then normalize the relationship.
And his desire to "work with" Venezula's dictator, Hugo Chavez, who threatens the US regularly, and threatens to allow Russia to put nuclear missles off our southeastern shore? He also is about ready to go under due to the price of oil and his failing economy. Let the people of his own country take him out and then we can offer aid.
Oh yeah - our standing in the world is improved - ha.
The elitist leftist "the US is bad" rhetoric is so passe. Even a fifth grader can understand the timing of Russia's announcement is the crucial item in the story. "

" No one care about the election! What happened to Laura from 99.5 The Rock? We miss her. I hope she runs for president in four years!!!! "

" "Would that be why less than 24 hours after Obama's win the Russian's declared they are putting nuclear missles on their Western front? "

How about: because Bush said he was going to put 10 Interceptor missiles in Poland, aimed toward Russia? I don't think the Russian move has anything to do with the election at all. "

" to Larry W.:
You said "Barack Obama's decisive victory over Rebuplican tyranny has already restored America's standing in the world."
Would that be why less than 24 hours after Obama's win the Russian's declared they are putting nuclear missles on their Western front? (That puts nuclear warheads in Europe's backyard and between Europe and the pipeline they need to survive in the EU.)
Oh yes, indeed his win has made the US something, but the immediacy with which that happened tells us they now believe we are powerless and fragile regarding defense.
Also, Putin declared he wants "officially" back in power and wants the KGB reinstated in the same time period.
Come on now- "restored our standing in the world"? "

" After eight long years of Republican rule by the most corrupt administration in America's history, I thank the good Lord that a hard working, accomplished, man of integrity will now lead our great nation. Barack Obama's decisive victory over Republican tyranny has already restored America's standing in the world. How sad it is that there are so many right wing extremists in Klamath Falls to render the community unlivable. "

" This thinkin's a lot too critical fur me. Readin's fur ninnyhammers. "

" Two years from now for the House and Senate and 4 years for the White House and the country will see the biggest swing to the right ever imaginable! As far as the political pendulum has swung to the left - it will return to the right.
Wait until people discover that the US House is considering literally confiscating ("nationalizing" is the term they use) all the 401K's in the US and putting it into a general fund under Social Security and dispensing the combined funds to people at 3% a year. We will see change happen if this gets passed.
Google "401k Rep. George Miller" and read all about it. Three hearing were held on it already in the US House in October.
I want to see the faces on the Obama and Democrat voter's faces when they realize the term "Marxism" will now apply to their hard earned retirement accounts. "

" Looks like no matter what we are in for a couple years of liberal control. It won't take long for the public to realize that the dems cannot deliver on all the big promises and I expect a massive turnover in the house and senate in a couple of years. Until them. Conservatives have to stick together. Pick an organization and join it -- answer their calls for action and make sure your voice is heard. We cannot sit siletly by while the liberals run us into the ground.

I pay close attention to the stuff that comes out of the US Chamber because I think that they are the best advocates on the issues that are important to me. I saw this video recently, and I think the message to conservatives is clear --

http://www.friendsoftheuschamber.com/takeaction/index.cfm?ID=246

We gotta stick together. "

" Nevermind, Terry. Your worldview is so black and white you'd never understand. Be proud of the party that jacked its own candidate (the republicans are happy to throw their own candidate under the bus, so i should vote for their candidate? Or them? ok... right... And the dems have been whiny crybabies for 8 years and i should vote for them because... i feel sorry for them? why? The only reason to vote for Kerry that anyone offered up was that he "wasn't Bush"- not good enough). Yes, I'm probably more liberal than you are, but more conservative than some other people. I'm not ashamed or embarrassed of the third party I vote for, but I sure feel sorry for the other two. "

" James...I am soooo glad you informed me of that! You are such an intellectual giant. "

" fnord...No I won't pay attention to your constant diatribe.

You voted third party but was glad BO won? I think you are a closet liberal. Be proud of what you are, I am.

Us conservatives need to always keep in mind that liberals, for the most part are not critical thinkers. Their minds are arranged only to regurgitate information and repeat this information without question. Conservatives are just the opposite. That is, we can think for ourselves. "

" Terry

In case you were not aware, the president gets 4 years, not 2 like you said you would give him.

That's 4 (four) not 2 (two). Have a nice day! "

" Rett..
The funny thing was the waitress was in total agreement with him... then she walked away and was talking to a man on the end of the bar about how Obamas a Muslim, so she was just in agreement for her tip LOL. "

" Terry, pay attention. You aren't reading what I'm writing. I'm not an Obama-maniac. I voted third party. Get that through your thick head full of preconceived notions about OTHER PEOPLE. I'm not interested in a Messiah, political or otherwise. Do you understand? I'm glad Obama is the president rather than McCain, but that doesn't make me one of the Obamamaniacs. I think the Republican Party did McCain wrong in a big way, and they ought to be ashamed of themselves for it. AND! I'm disgusted by the politics of the Democrats over the last few elections, as well.

Do you get it now or is it still just assumptions you are going to continue to make about people who don't agree with you? Your comments show you aren't even reading anything, just reacting to what you perceive as a threat. What a laugh. The Republican Party lost on this election. LOST. The whole party. Shown the door. Their policies have failed. They deserted their own candidate. They put a shiny puppet up for a VP. LOST. They don't give a flying donut about YOU. "

" Notice that about 1/3 of Klamath County said they were not republicans in the newspaper poll....That is more good news. Look at the mess republicans have put us in in D.C. and K Falls. Their machine defeated the Charter. I urge all you paniced republicans to move to Ireland, Haiti or whereever. Our society is better off now with Obama and will not miss mindless types when they run away...like lemmings over the cliff. "

" To "Got Censored"....

I sure do wish I was at KG when that old "lib" was blathering on! I'm proud to be in 64% REDNECK country! If it wasn't for us Good 'Ol Boys and REDNECKS, there wouldn't be a free country for you limp-wristed liberals to bash. Have a free day....thanks to all the REDNECKS! "

" Fact over Fictions: Theres only one messiah. His name isJesus Christ.
I trust in him and the Bible tells me that perfect Love
cast out all fear. God is Love. My hope is in my Lord and savior. All things work for good to them that love the Lord.
Barak Obama:
Born August 4, 1961 (1961-08-04) (age 47)
Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.A.
Raised by his white mother and his White grandparents.
Resides: Kenwood, Chicago, Illinois
Alma mater:
Occidental College
Columbia University
Harvard Law School
Profession Attorney
Politician
Religion United Church of Christ
He took out serveral student loans
HE was the first African American President of the Harvard Law review.
AFter he graduated from law school He turned down Lucrative job offers
to help communities in South side chicago that were devastated when steel plants closed.
Member of the Illinois Senate
from the 13th district
In office
January 8, 1997 – November 4, 2004

As a member of the Democratic minority in the 109th Congress, he helped create legislation
to control conventional weapons and to promote greater public accountability in the use of
federal funds. He also made official trips to Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
During the 110th Congress, he helped create legislation regarding lobbying and electoral fraud,
climate change, nuclear terrorism, and care for returned U.S. military personnel.

Michelle His wife is also highly educated. She graduated from pinceton and Havard.
After completing her formal education, she returned to Chicago and accepted a position
with the law firm Sidley Austin, and subsequently worked as part of the staff of Chicago mayor Richard M. Daley,
and for the University of Chicago and the University of Chicago Hospitals.
Michelle Obama is the sister of Craig Robinson, men's basketball coach at Oregon State University.
She met Barack Obama when he joined Sidley Austin.
After his election to the U.S. Senate, the Obama family continued to live on Chicago's South Side, choosing to remain there rather than moving to Washington, D.C.
Michelle Obama's first cousin once removed: Funnye’s mother, Verdelle Robinson Funnye
(born Verdelle Robinson) and Michelle Obama’s paternal grandfather, Fraser Robinson Jr.,
were siblings. One of America's most prominent African American Jews,
known for acting as a bridge between mainstream Jewry and African Americans. "

" DRJ....I could care less if Obama was purple, I don't like some of the things he wants to do. The color of his skin makes no matter to me. As for honoring him...I will pass. I will honor the office he holds, but not the man...unless he proves himself worthy. Honor and respect have to be earned. "

" I noticed a comment from J on the election about moving to Ireland before the you know what hite the fan. I have heard this many people recently specifically mentioning Ireland as their destination. I think maye these people should do some research. Ireland is a socailist state, so all the changes that you are so scared of under President Obama are long established in Ireland, Socailised Healthcare, free education through 3rd level, social welfare with no time limits, equal rights and access to social services to all immigrants, nationalisation of industry for the common good. Below are some of the articles of our constitution.
The free market and private property must be regulated in the interests of the common good.
The state must prevent a destructive concentration of essential commodities in the hands of a few.The state should ensure efficiency in private industry and protect the public against economic exploitation.
Everyone has the right to an adequate occupation.
Another point to be considered we don't accept racism and our tolerance of free speech from a racist is a lot less than you have here.
So if you want to go somewhere to escape Presidents Obama (long overdue) reforms Ireland is not the place for you. As a side point but very important one, Bush is reviled in Ireland and I have had more e-mails from home celebrating Obamas victory than I can count and welcoming the U.S. back to it's rightful place as the world's leader.
So J if you do decide to go to Ireland you would be as welcome as a f#$t in a spacesuit, as we say in Ireland. Peace out "

" My fellow Americans:
I want to thank my supporters, for your mindless support of me, despite my complete lack of any legislative achievement, my pastor's relations with Louis Farrakhan and Libyan dictator Moamar Quadafi, or my blatantly leftist voting record while I present myself as some sort of bi-partisan agent of change. (Thank you, too, for recognizing that my vast experience of 143 days in the Senate uniquely qualifies me to be your President.)
I also like how my supporters claim my youthful drug use and criminal behavior somehow qualifies me for the Presidency after 8 years of claiming Bush's youthful drinking disqualifies him. Your hypocrisy is a beacon of hope shining over a sea of political posing.
I would also like to thank the Kennedy's for coming out in support of me. There's a lot of glamour behind the Kennedy name, even though JFK started the Vietnam War, his brother Robert illegally wiretapped Martin Luther King, Jr. and Teddy killed a female employee with whom he was having an extra marital affair and who was pregnant with his child. And I'm not going anywhere near the cousins, both literally and figuratively. And I'd like to thank Oprah Winfrey for her support. Her love of meaningless empty platitudes will be the force that propels me to the White House.
Americans should vote for me, not because of my lack of experience or achievement , but because I make people feel good. Voting for me causes some white folk to feel relieved of their imagined, racist guilt. I say things that sound meaningful, but don't really mean anything because Americans are tired of things having meaning. If things have meaning, then that means you have to think about them.
Americans are tired of thinking. It's time to shut down the brain, and open up the heart. So when you go to vote, remember don't think, just do. And do it for me. "

" Laura...You are the one who has the hang-up about a black man being President. I have never mentioned his race. Although, if Bill Cosby would have run for President, I would have gladly voted for him.
Fnord...You people are so brainwashed about the new "Messiah." I do truly feel sorry for you. Time will tell and if BO does a good job, I will come back on here and admit it. You have my word. I'll give him 2 years. "

" Bobby

Oh my bad I typed I instead of E that makes the crackpot theory more viable!
Grasping at straws aren't we...... "

" Let's start with "Marxist" then. The fundamental definition of Marxism is when "the workers own/have total control of the means of production."

I don't see anything in Obama's policies that calls for that, or anything even close. Did Obama study Marxism in school? Probably, as he took economics classes and ALL macroeconomics classes discuss Marx and his theories. I know mine did. Discussing is not the same as advocating.

"Radical" in this context is meaningless; it's just being used to modify (or, actually, intensify) the word "Marxist."

The next part: "who all his life has been mentored by, sat at the feet of, worshipped with, befriended, endorsed the philosophy of, funded, and been in turn funded, politically promoted and supported by a nexus" - why are all those modifiers and conditions in there? Because that way whoever came up with the paragraph can justify virtually any contact - no matter how vague and secondary - as being true.

But let's take one anyway: "anti-Semite." According to exit polls done by Gallup, 77% of people who identified themselves as Jewish voted for Obama, despite the Republican targeted mailer/robocall smear campaign to "prove" Obama was an anti-Semite. "

" No, Terry, definitely NOT like you. Bush was and still is my president, despite that I feel he tore the country apart with bad judgement. I voted for our president in '04.

I can't believe there is so much fear over a black man becoming president. I used to think there was way too much fuss over racism, that we had really evolved as a country, but the day after the election really showed the the ugly, bigot side of people. Children coming to school talking of murdering Obama? Posts on myspace calling our future president an n-word terrorist? Top searches on Google for "racist Obama jokes???" Those are the people to really fear in the next 4 years. "

" Bill:

You must be drinking some of your own kool-aid, you said"

Quote "Have you ever studied Nichi just to better understand the human psyche? He did while attending Harvard and leading his class."

Here is a newsflash, Nichi is A papier-mache float of Vendola.

I sure hope YOUR president has more qualifications that studying a papier-mache float.

Put a little more stuff in your Kool-Aid and try it again. "

" MoSo:

I agree with Belko, what exactly is the "lie" here, and I will show you the "truth". "

" July 4, 1776-November 4, 2008





While a lot of people don’t deserve what’s coming, too many remained passive in the face of blatant duplicity by the candidate and the total rejection of individual responsibility by his disciples. When the corrupt, the parasites, and the simply (or willfully) ignorant become a vocal majority, democracy cannot stand, because of their perceived ability to vote for themselves a share of other peoples’ productivity. The ancient Greeks were right about that.



Why do liberals always think that it’s only their neighbor who will be categorized and declared to be an “enemy of the people” as the need may arise? When the ideology follows its historic path, the farmers and landowners will be near the top of the list to be held up as examples of greed, as exploiters of the people, and therefore must surrender their property to the Almighty government for the good of all.



Let’s see if you’re so proud in two years, when you may very well be included in the ranks of the “rich and hated”.



I doubt that I’ll be able to muster much sympathy for those who suddenly discover that even the “enlightened” have been duped by a stone faced liar, and find themselves included in the ranks of the exploitative masses.



Sadly, these hapless drones only know to fall to their knees and beg for further nurturing, no matter what the true cost. One of the (formerly respected) Founding Fathers said: “those who would sacrifice liberty for security deserve neither”.



May God help our young ones, who may not ever know the truth. "

" no Terry, not like me. I've never uttered "He's not my president". Never suffered from Bush derangement syndrome. Found the liberal reaction to the Bush presidencies to be unreasonable and a little nutty. In fact I voted third party. So keep making assumptions. Makes you look great. Do your best to not suffer from Obama derangement syndrome. "

" Well I wrote a letter letting Klamath residents know what the liberals are saying about the Repulicans! and it obviously got bumped! So here we go again!
We were in the KG having breakfast the day after the election. As an older man, in his late 60's walked in and commented to the waitress something like good time are back again and started to sing it over and over. He said he couldn't believe that Klamath was 64% REDNECKS! (because 64% of klamath voted for mccain). And he wouldnt shut up about how stupid us Klamath People were! He was saying the liberals were finally back in power and that all the 'REDNECKS' that voted for mccain needed to get out of HIS town and move! He went on about how Republicans are the ones sucking the system dry, they are the ones on welfare, etc. Well the majority of true Republicans I know either came from money, have money, or are people of true class. (not that any democrat isnt).
So The liberals are calling 64% of Klamath People Rednecks! Hmmm 64% is the majority in this area! Maybe that older man should move himself?! "

" "A Marxist radical, who all his life has been mentored by, sat at the feet of, worshipped with, befriended, endorsed the philosophy of, funded, and been in turn funded, politically promoted and supported by a nexus comprising black power, anti-white racists, Jew-haters, revolutionary Marxists, unrepentant former terrorists, and Chicago mobsters, is now the President of the United States."

Except that, of course, this is a collection of misstatements, half-truths, truth-stretching, exaggeration and out-right lies. Repeating them in multiple threads here doesn't make them any truer.

You could right a similar paragraph about any politician you don't like by looking at a record and exaggerating and stretching the things you don't like. John McCain for instance: you can emphasize the Keating 5 scandal, the US Council for World Freedom and Iran-Contra. "

" Belko I suppose you researched all that as fact right? Your not regurgitating what you've heard from some far reaching radio station. Anti-White? Jew haters? Marxists? Sir you are drinking some very toxic cool-aid.
I hope through his actions he can bring you back a little from the edge, he's half white lest you forget and a very educated individual.
Have you ever studied Nichi just to better understand the human psyche? He did while attending Harvard and leading his class. I would think he is probably the smartest individual we have had in office in a very long time. "

" I for one will never call him my President.
Hussein fits him better! Geez Decade, maybe you should write a book, I mean come on now!! You lost me on the first paragraph. "

" Yes Fnord and Laura, I guess I'm kinda like the two of you. "

" Terry that's kind of silly. You probably looked down on the ones who said it about Bush, why not try to be a better person about it? You've just put yourself on the same whining level as the ones you complain about. "

" Hmmm... some very bitter, fearful people on here. Obama IS your president. Something tells me, Terry, that if anyone would have said the same about President Bush, you would have called them "unpatriotic."

I turned on the GOP this election. As someone who's lived in small town America nearly all of my 30 years, the Republicans can no longer convince me that the "trickle down" effect is the way for our country to prosper. The only thing it seems to have achieved is a near-monopoly that is closing the doors of small, locally-owned business and stripping our beautiful little towns of their unique character and individuallity.

Obama has youth, vitality, energy and a strong connection with youth who have grown up in torn times. Like him or not, qualities are what this country sorely needs to see in a leader. "

" To: DRJ

You stated the following:

I'm not sure what it is that people don't like about him.

In case you missed this part of the election, here is what people don't like about him.

A Marxist radical, who all his life has been mentored by, sat at the feet of, worshipped with, befriended, endorsed the philosophy of, funded, and been in turn funded, politically promoted and supported by a nexus comprising black power, anti-white racists, Jew-haters, revolutionary Marxists, unrepentant former terrorists, and Chicago mobsters, is now the President of the United States.

Think that sums it up. I'll give it about a year until the "I told you so's" start. "

" I welcome Barack Obama as my president. I'm not sure what it is that people don't like about him. Is it the fact that he is black or is it that he is black and your president. The fact is that he is both black and white. Wether or not you choose to acknowledge who he is. It is was it is. He is The newest president of the United States of America. I suggest you honor him. I did not agree with president Bush in office and alot of you who are writing in this blog probably voted for him. Look where our economy is now. Nevertheless I still prayed for him. My honor that I give, is first to a man and next to a president. Barack Obama is a son,grandson,brother,husband,father,
friend,neighbor and coworker. He is someone that can identify with the struggles that many of us face today.
My children go to a local school and they came home telling me that some children where talking about how they want to murder Barack. I would say that this historical election has revealed the character of a lot of people. God created Barack just like he created me and you. He has huge challanges ahead of him as a president. Not only him we all do. If you want to make a difference pray for him. Ask not what your Country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country. John F Kennedy 1961 May God Bless America! "

" same show different pony. i forsee "north americans" continued over consumption at the expense of finate world resources. which will keep the dwindling, slavelike middle class complacent. that is if the middle class still has food and shelter. the leaders will still keep the rest of the world under wraps with militaristic foreign policies causing more disdain for the u.s. long live united fruit company! thats what i think of the "election." "

" L.T.

The seperation of church and state is there to prevent certain religious groups from gaining control. I don;'t want christian ethics in my white house no more than i want Jewish, Catholic or Muslim. And yes they are all the same people being told what is right from wrong instead of having to figure out it out for themselves. The church is so far behind modern thinking, I don't have a problem with a persons personal beliefs but don't shove YOUR religious agenda into the political arena and expect it to suit all. "

" Food for thought:

Conservatives have advocated small government for years. Yet, somehow, some parts of the GOP have decided to give the government the power to decide who can marry who, what a woman does with her body, and whether adult citizens are mature enough to make decisions about what substances they put in their bodies.

As a true conservative, I do not want the government making all of these decisions. Don't grow my government by deciding to legislate EVERYTHING. Leave me alone. I realize religious views are behind some of these ideas. But I believe in our Constituion and seperation of church and state isn't just an idea; it's what our country was founded on.

I hope the GOP comes back to its conservative roots; I don't want Sean Hannity speaking for the party I love. GIve me William F. Buckley any day. "

" James:

What is it you don't understand about "He's not my president!"? I've had to listen to you Bush bashers say some of the most disgusting and venomous lies imagineable. I just can't say it any clearer! HE"S NOT MY PRESIDENT!! "

" Gee, Decades, did you vote for Obama?
If you paid attention to the national numbers for voting, this was not an extraordinary turnout...just the norm- especially in Oregon. Oh-unless you count the voter fraud. Obama's right in his speech- he will be my president too- but he's gonna have to earn my trust- he sure didn't earn my vote.
I voted for Bob Barr-the Libertarian Candidate. I know I 'threw my vote away' but at least I voted my conscience. Bob Barr is pro-life, believes in smaller government and less government intrusion and the Fair Tax. That's all I ask for- leave me alone, let me make my own decisions and live with the results and tax ALL of us fairly. I'm pretty unhappy that both Obama and McCain supported that kazillion bailout so neither deserved my vote. No one is going to bail me out if I screw up my personal budget so why should I have to bail out a corporation? Let 'em fail. "

" 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 first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different, that their voices could be that difference.
It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled. Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or 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've been told for so long by so many to be cynical and fearful and doubtful about 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 date in this election at this defining moment change has come to America.
A little bit earlier this evening, I received an extraordinarily gracious call from Sen. McCain.
Sen. McCain fought long and hard in this campaign. And he's fought even longer and harder for the country that he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine. We are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader.
I congratulate him; I congratulate Gov. Palin for all that they've 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 the train home to Delaware, the vice president-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.
And I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last 16 years the rock of our family, the love of my life, the nation's next first lady Michelle Obama.
Sasha and Malia I love you both more than you can imagine. And you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the new White House.
And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother's watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight. I know that my debt to them is beyond measure.
To my sister Maya, my sister Alma, all my other brothers and sisters, thank you so much for all the support that you've given me. I am grateful to them.
And to my campaign manager, David Plouffe, the unsung hero of this campaign, who built the best -- the best political campaign, I think, in the history of the United States of America.
To my chief strategist David Axelrod who's been a partner with me every step of the way.
To 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. 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 $5 and $10 and $20 to the 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.
It drew strength from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on doors of perfect strangers, and 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 the Earth.
This is your victory.
And 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 the children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage or pay their doctors' bills or save enough for their child's college education.
There's new energy to harness, new jobs to be created, new schools to build, and threats to meet, alliances to repair.
The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in 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 the 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 to join in the work of remaking this nation, the only way it's been done in America for 221 years -- block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.
What began 21 months ago in the depths of winter cannot 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 can't happen without you, without a new spirit of service, a new spirit of sacrifice.
So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism, of 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's resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long.
Let's 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 and individual liberty and national unity.
Those are values that 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 tonight, 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 the world, our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand.
To those -- to those who would tear the 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 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.
That's the true genius of America: that America can change. Our union can be perfected. What we've 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's 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, 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 doubts 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. "

" I'm ecstatic that Obama won. Hopefully with time the bitter right wing idealogues on this blog will give Obama the support he'll need in these trying times.

I was torn between Smith and Merkley. Smith has done alot of great things for Oregon but I'm not sure he represents the new direction the majority of Oregonians seek.

Glad to see the Bill Sizemore measures go down.

I wish we would have invested in the Fire department and KCC. "

" socialism is on the way. "

" To Terry:

Yeah, he is your president, just like if McCain had won even though I would never, ever consider voting for him and the nutjob he picked as a running mate, he would have been my president. "

" I'm glad the election is over. It is too bad that all money issues failed; KCC would have been a very good investment, 911...not sure, fire...necessary? The charter was a knee jerk reaction to three grown men not being able to play and work together. I don't really see this problem changing.

History has proven that what a president elects promises and deliver are two different things. Hopefully, this will be the case with Obama. It would be good if media could some day help voters with information helpful in making a decision. "

" National: Victory for those not willing to apply the fundamental long standing American hard work ethic to survive and succeed. Success and innovation in small business now to be further penalized rather than rewarded for jobs created. One giant step forward for socialism and even bigger government.
One giant step backward for our second ammendment rights.
State: Former conservative state gone bad. Spanish soon to be the required language.
Local: County government is still broken and will continue to be controlled by three good and well meaning people but unqualified managers for at least two more years.
A great opportunity for community forward progress was lost by the defeat of the KCC bond measure. "

" Just remember..whatever happens is God's will...God's plan. Keep your faith and trust in God. He knows when a sparrow falls from the sky, He will take care of his own. His own may face adversity, but we are promised life ever after...since we will see anything but Christian ethics in the White House. "

" I think it is very sad that America, the greatest country in the world, has sold her soul to the enemy. We will be destroyed from the inside out. Once people realize the terrible mistake that they have made in electing this man, it will be too late. "

" I think that we'll be able to reverse the health care crisis, and make major steps toward energy independence over the next 4 years. Although these alone will give it a boost, the economy will probably get worse over the coming months.
But we're winning! Even those of us who don't know it!
I thought they both gave good speeches. McCain was proud, gracious and supportive, and I hope even the folks in the republican party can follow his lead. Obama stressed that this is not a change in the country, but the opportunity for change. Let's get going again! We really are all in this together.
I'm sorry so many of you are so scared, and hope you find the strength to face the ghosts that haunt you. It must be very painful for you at times. I pray that light is shined on you. "

" You are so right Dont Get It! Lets all keep a close watch on the 3 some. "

" From the Freedom Riders of the 60's to the presidency in my lifetime.
Only in America. "

" Either the people of Klamath were too worn out by political ads or they were just too disinterested in change because even on the Herald and News online voting survey the Charter Government issue was close, and that is what everyone expected, but the outcome just showed that most people really aren't interested in what the commissioners do behind closed doors with their money. I think more people will wake up when they start imposing more "fees" for everything we do as businesses and homeowners because without taxes that is the way they grow government. I guess we just have to wait and see - and watch the new commissioners as a threesome. "

" I was disappointed that the voters didn't invest in KCC. That would have given our ecomony a multi million dollar shot in the arm. Now those State matching funds will likely stay on the other side of the mountains. Our kids and our citizens are worthly of every dime of that money. Back to the stone age we go........ "

" Sore losers, you sound like the Dems have over the last 8 years. Have some grace, like your candidate did. Such bitterness just makes your beloved party look bad. "

" This sounds just like when Clinton was elected, fear mongering, hate speech. Can we stop all this and work together to achieve a goal. Imagine if half of a football team decided to play thier own way THEY WOULD NOT WIN. we have to come together people. And yes I lost in the election last night as well, but C'mon do you really think the FBI, CIA would allow a terrorist into the white house just stop all the fear tactics. "

" I'm glad to be alive to see our first black president electted! It's exciting to live in this historic time. Barack Obama is intelligent, thoughtful, and a statesman who will lead our country to better times. God bless him! "

" I think we will all have to watch what we write in e mails, post online, and say in public, because after he gets his 'civilian security force' up and running, we will have no freedoms left at all. He has already trashed speech and press freedoms, and the other half of the first amendment will no doubt follow: assembly and religion
Hitler had a civilian security force as well. The brownshirts. I will no longer feel safe in my own house, and certainly not safe at all going out on the street. "

" It's all about being black OR white which ever Obama decides to be at the time. Two faced, loser "

" This is a great loss for the American people to have their future in the hands of a dishonest, inexperienced, UNAMERICAN person. This is a race about just that------race, it's all about a "black man" trying to decide if he's black or white. What a loss to us all "

" He's not my president! God help us. "

" If Obama gets in ,we are doomed!! I'm prayin for McCain and Palin! "

" I expect to see that whomever wins the presidential race will not be able to stand up to his promises....like always. "