November 4, 2008
Posted: 11:36 PM ET

From
Obama supporters react to news that he is the projected to be the next president.
Obama supporters react to news that he is the projected to be the next president.

(CNN) — American voters — who elected Barack Obama president tonight — made their choice with a mixture of excitement and tempered optimism. Among the electorate as a whole, 30 percent indicated they would be excited if Obama won the election while 24 percent said they would be optimistic but not excited. Reflective of the election results, only 14 percent said they would be excited if McCain were elected and 32 percent optimistic.

Negative feelings and expectations are also held toward both candidates. Twenty-five percent reported they would be scared if Obama were elected and 20 percent concerned but not scared. With respect to McCain, 28 percent said they would be scared and 25 percent concerned.

Filed under: Barack Obama • Exit Polls


Tamara17   November 4th, 2008 11:55 pm ET

We need to stop dividing our country with racist rants about the President Elect being a terrorist. All this BS that people threw in the mix in order to scare us and prevent us from trying something new and different. If he can run this country the way he ran his campaign we will be FINE! Congrats Senator, you earned this win FAIR AND SQUARE and with your dignity intact. I am thrilled that we actually had the courage to vote for change.

S Mac   November 4th, 2008 11:55 pm ET

Mark My Words.

nancy2u   November 4th, 2008 11:55 pm ET

Rosa Sat
so that King could walk
so that Obama could run
and our children could Fly

God bless America

Patrice   November 4th, 2008 11:55 pm ET

I am so overwhelmed by this election! Congratulations President Obama!

ernest gakanga   November 4th, 2008 11:55 pm ET

the americans have finally spoken.kudos.let the world emulate such a free n fair election.

John M   November 4th, 2008 11:54 pm ET

Ummm, sorry but "change" is not voting for a candidate in a party that has been a major force in Washington for over a century. That is more of the same, just as voting for McCain would be more of the same. It is astounding how such poor performances in Washington has yielded no "change" by the voters – they keep voting for the Democrats and Republicans. Real change is when something truly different comes to and happens in Washington. Both parties are now for big government – how is that going to change? Both support policing of the world with military presences in over 130 countries – how will this change? Both parties consistently violate the Constitution – the law of the land. how will this change? the answers? It won't change. Good job America on voting in another 4 years of more of the same.

Jamie   November 4th, 2008 11:54 pm ET

Woo hoo! I am proud of America tonight! Now, let's get past this election as a unified country and move toward a peaceful and brighter tomorrow. God Bless Obama/Biden!

jeanie jacobs   November 4th, 2008 11:54 pm ET

the people have spoken loud and clear,with their right to vote.this man is a Leo,and they are known for their loyalty,so let's give him the chance to fix all the mess left behind and support his efforts.

Mail68   November 4th, 2008 11:54 pm ET

Just make the changes and unite the country and God Bless us all President Elect Obama

Sid   November 4th, 2008 11:54 pm ET

I like the sound of that: President Obama

Adebayo   November 4th, 2008 11:54 pm ET

Congrats Mr. President….God bless Obama, God bless America.

Stacy   November 4th, 2008 11:54 pm ET

Im very happy for u and ur family

just the facts   November 4th, 2008 11:54 pm ET

very close call…..hope you all are ready for more taxes..more laws.. and more gov spending…I own a electrical Co and will have to charge more when Obama's new laws come in…and Joe the plumber id going to have to charge more…good luck USA

holiday   November 4th, 2008 11:54 pm ET

Congratulations to Obama…but I think the news anchor on election night are misinformed Obama is African/White…why do they keep saying Black…if they submit Black with being African-American than Obama is not Black…if they submit Black with his complexion..then why don't the call some HIspanics, Cubans, Jamaicans….Black???? This is crazy…I'm am Black/Chinese…I didn't want to vote for any of them…Obama is for issues regarding homosexuality, planned parenthood, MCcain economy plan is not favorable…anyway… The crazy thing is at Ebnezer Baptist Church is happy for someone who supports homosexual marriage, and planne parenthood..Do not go to this Church..Please…

Leo, Texas   November 4th, 2008 11:54 pm ET

Well, he won fair and square. He wasn't my choice, but now it's time to put partisan politics behind us. Let's give our support to him and hope America made the right choice.

Smart voter   November 4th, 2008 11:53 pm ET

CONGRATS OBAMA! GOD BLESS AMERICA!!! IF THERE IS A PLACE IN THIS WORLD WHERE U CAN SUCCEED IF U WORK HARD REGARDLESS WHO U ARE OR WHERE U COME FROM, THIS PLACE IS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! GOD BLESS THIS COUNTRY AND GOD BLESS OBAMA!SO PROUD OF AMERICA!!! A YEAR AGO I DID NOT EVEN KNOW WHO IS OBAMA, COULD NOT EVEN SPELL HIS NAME, BUT THE MORE I KNEW THE GUY, THE MORE I LIKE HIM, THE MORE I ADMIRE HIM, THE MORE HE INSPIRES ME!!! HE IS A TRUE LEADER!!!NOW LET S GET TO WORK….

Peris Kamau   November 4th, 2008 11:53 pm ET

am so happy for the new president…… history has in deed been made.
PERIS , KENYA.

charles   November 4th, 2008 11:53 pm ET

WHAT A HISTORICAL NIGHT. EVERY LOW INCOME PERSON WILL BE CELEBRATING KNOWING THEY HAVE A FREE RIDE NOW. I HOPE THE REST CAN SURVIVE .

Olusegun Aribido   November 4th, 2008 11:53 pm ET

Yes we have gotten a change and we expect the change. Congrat Obama and Joe

Kenya Anderson   November 4th, 2008 11:53 pm ET

This is the day we made it to "The Promise Land"!!! MLK you can RIP now, we did it!

BillyBob   November 4th, 2008 11:53 pm ET

Great!!!! Now I can get a government check………

Chuka Onya   November 4th, 2008 11:53 pm ET

GOD BLESS PRESIDENT OBAMA!!!!!
GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!

Megan Bryan   November 4th, 2008 11:52 pm ET

I stood in the rain for two hours today to vote for Obama and it was worth every minute! It is time for a change that is needed very much!

Smoyo   November 4th, 2008 11:52 pm ET

Tomb's up for obama

Darcy   November 4th, 2008 11:52 pm ET

Now, now republicans. Don't be poor losers. Embrace the nation's choice!

Voter08   November 4th, 2008 11:52 pm ET

thin ice? I don't think so.

Look at the electoral votes. It's a Landslide!!!

roderick cunningham   November 4th, 2008 11:52 pm ET

We must come togethier as I nation under God and Obama

Maureen   November 4th, 2008 11:52 pm ET

I am proud to be an American today. Congratulations President Obama – the people have spoken. Thank you for giving us all hope for the future!

JT from TN   November 4th, 2008 11:52 pm ET

we are excited to hope and getback to work and back in control of things.

Hillary   November 4th, 2008 11:52 pm ET

All the popular vote counts are not in yet. I imagine the current number does not include votes from California. He is not on thin ice by no means.

Republican for change   November 4th, 2008 11:52 pm ET

Someone call the U-Haul…Bush is going home to Texas!!

President Obama
04-Nov-2008

Tat   November 4th, 2008 11:51 pm ET

Well played, Obama. Well played.

You'll find republicans are far more gracious in defeat than democrats ever are. If a republican looses, it's a good game. If a democrat looses, then someone must have fixed the race.

Your failure is complete now, Dubbah. Enjoy your retirement on that ranch in Texas. You've earned it!

step   November 4th, 2008 11:51 pm ET

america is going to become a weak country now.

Chuka Onya   November 4th, 2008 11:51 pm ET

GOD BLESS OBAMA!!!!!
GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!!

Ohioans for Obama   November 4th, 2008 11:51 pm ET

McCain finished honorably and for that we Democrats respect him. Obama will make a great President and McCain will continue to serve us well in the Senate. Good Job America! We all won tonight.

Thin Ice?   November 4th, 2008 11:51 pm ET

52-48 is not thin ice, when BUSH won with FEWER individual votes! This is not thin ice, this is permafrost!! I love it!!!

Barbara in NC   November 4th, 2008 11:51 pm ET

No more lies, hate and division. NO MORE SARAH

alex   November 4th, 2008 11:51 pm ET

wowwow. are you kidding? 52-48 is a huge win

Emma from Texas   November 4th, 2008 11:51 pm ET

Oh my God, I think I am gonna cry from over joy. Let's welcome President Obama! I am so happy that I voted for Obama!
God bless President Obama! And God bless the USA.

Bishop Rawle Jones   November 4th, 2008 11:51 pm ET

this is the day the lord has made, and he has bless it ,today is a bless day in amercia history, the dream has come alive

God bless amercia and may God Bless and keep The President Elect and his family.

musso   November 4th, 2008 11:51 pm ET

Congrats to Obama n ppl of America for choosing hope over fear, change over same old policies and a new direction towards peace and prosperity ….

dave   November 4th, 2008 11:51 pm ET

Would someone SHUT UP the group on tv right now. They are so full of crap. And to the one black lady on the panel, you better hope that we are not changing from the "Joe the plummer" society because your people are not the ones out there creating businesses and jobs. Your people are the ones living off the system. Celebrate your payback for being brought over because is all over now.

Marlene H.   November 4th, 2008 11:51 pm ET

I am so happy to be a part of such a historic moment. I never thought I would be able to see a African-American president and now here we are. God Bless you President Obama! Congrats.
Marlene

lipatterson   November 4th, 2008 11:51 pm ET

i think this a great day for the country and for the people who call this home. May we find our way together to make this a place we can be proud of again.

Dealt, Lisbon   November 4th, 2008 11:51 pm ET

@WOWWOW
Let us put it this way… Obama is skating on less thin ice than cCain would. Andd then he also has the support of a huge majority in the rest of the world. You're not alone anymore. You're respected again.

go america   November 4th, 2008 11:50 pm ET

Congratulations President Hussein

J J   November 4th, 2008 11:50 pm ET

Phil November 4th, 2008 11:47 pm ET

"Well, that was fun :>)! No matter who you voted for, the people have spoken and we have a new President…time for us to give him the support and respect the office deserves."

So would it be racist to bash Obama as many have bashed Bush the last eight years, since Bush never got the support and respect the office deserves. I am not one to think that Bush did a great job but it is pretty hypocritical, 52-48 percent is pretty close.

Aimee   November 4th, 2008 11:50 pm ET

it was a landslide where it mattered. just accept it.

Anonymous   November 4th, 2008 11:50 pm ET

GOD BLESS OBAMA!!!!!
GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!

John Ardila   November 4th, 2008 11:50 pm ET

God Bless you Mr. elected President you will be one of the greatest since JFK

babygirl   November 4th, 2008 11:50 pm ET

How can we vote for someone thaty doesn't truely believe in america but only about power. obama is nothing bu a lier. He can't he pay the respects of the flag and what it stands for. I feel regret of having aobama as president.

R   November 4th, 2008 11:50 pm ET

thin ice? So Bush was skating on a soap bubble in the past 8 years!!

Barbara in NC   November 4th, 2008 11:50 pm ET

CNN – I don't believe you when you allow the constant negative crap from WOWOW

That's been on for TOO LONG

NoBarry   November 4th, 2008 11:50 pm ET

Sad day for many Americans. We will spiral down even further now.

FTT   November 4th, 2008 11:50 pm ET

It is a sad day for america….A man with no substance and a new story for every voter is president. The next four years will be awful.

Nick   November 4th, 2008 11:49 pm ET

Landslide? You wish.. it was only be 3%

Aimee   November 4th, 2008 11:49 pm ET

the electoral votes are all that speak. doesn't look like thin ice to me.

reality   November 4th, 2008 11:49 pm ET

landslide victory. largest popular vote victory since lyndon b. johnson.

Clinton/McCain   November 4th, 2008 11:49 pm ET

A lot of dumb people out there.

She Katt   November 4th, 2008 11:49 pm ET

I think Obama is a wolf in sheeps clothing…. Bible is fulfilling it's prophey…. We are living in the end times…. I'm thinking it's all downhill from here….

Mardi   November 4th, 2008 11:49 pm ET

What did Soledad just say?

"The Minority is the Majority, it's not Joe the Plumber"

Wow. So did someone in the media actually admit the white guy is the minority now?

Niky   November 4th, 2008 11:49 pm ET

They said this day would never come – President Barack Obama. Yes we can!

CJM   November 4th, 2008 11:48 pm ET

Well hang on to your guns, your jobs and your earnings because our next presidents agenda is going to turn us into the next France. He is a socialist in every aspect of the word and if the country is dumb enough to vote for this man based on the color of his skin and lack of experience to go along with it, then we deserve everything we are about to get.

Californian4Obama   November 4th, 2008 11:48 pm ET

Congratulations to our 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama!!

Change   November 4th, 2008 11:48 pm ET

Thank my freaking God…..

Kelli   November 4th, 2008 11:48 pm ET

Congrats Obama/Biden! Lead us in the right direction.. Show the doubters faith!

Congrats   November 4th, 2008 11:48 pm ET

very excited that Obama won, were going to see a turn around for the better, I feel the economy will get much better and I feel the bes man has won. :)

Marie Kolbe   November 4th, 2008 11:48 pm ET

Thanks for your coverage. I am a student in Rome, living in a house of students from all over the world who are just as engaged by this election as we are in the states. They keep me on my toes for sure!

dave b.   November 4th, 2008 11:48 pm ET

WooHoo!!! I am 35 years old and have never before had tears well up when a new president was announced. From shame to pride in a matter of hours!!!!

Chris from St. Louis   November 4th, 2008 11:48 pm ET

The election is over …. One special request for political pundits …. please please do not make Obama's election a race issue … Because, it is NOT … he is our president not because of his race … It is his message and his ability to reach beyond race, religion or country of origin.

Please do not trivialize this victory …

And, a special message to President Obama …. please keep the race (and people like Rev. Jackson, and opportunists like him) away from your governance. GOD bless …

BK   November 4th, 2008 11:48 pm ET

CNN thanks for your media bias for the last two years. You have misinformed and withheld information to the people you are hired to inform. If I could remove your network from my progamming I would. My promise to you is I will never watch CNN again. Good bye.

J J   November 4th, 2008 11:48 pm ET

Trickle up poverty….here we come

nula   November 4th, 2008 11:48 pm ET

America has spoken and we were finally heard our vote will better the future and together we are united as one in the begining of the day we are americans no matter what race or color and at the end we are equal americans are red white and blue will always shine and fly high I love usa and im proud to be an american change will make a difference

tasha   November 4th, 2008 11:47 pm ET

palin time to go back home and continue watching Russia from your house

Toni   November 4th, 2008 11:47 pm ET

I'd have to say I'm concerned on the future of our nation in hands of Obama! Thank God Texas can still sugessed from the nation!

Ray   November 4th, 2008 11:47 pm ET

Its about time there will be change in this world that is so despreatly needing change!! Congrats Obama! You deserve it!

JT from TN   November 4th, 2008 11:47 pm ET

woooohooooo, breaking down the walls once and for all……Congrates to O'bama….let's get to work.

Lisa F SWPA   November 4th, 2008 11:47 pm ET

Congratulations Barack !

NO MORE JOE the "plumber." or failin' Palin

whew

Jen   November 4th, 2008 11:47 pm ET

Congratulations to Obama from a McCain voter. It is my hope that since this election is over, we can stop insulting each other, calling each other names, and saying horrible things about the candidates. If this is the man that Americans want as President, then I'll support him.

claire   November 4th, 2008 11:47 pm ET

OBAMA/BIDEN 08! Yes We Can! America has spoken!

mone   November 4th, 2008 11:47 pm ET

McCain would too. lol

Tamara   November 4th, 2008 11:47 pm ET

wowwow..did you get your info from Sarah Palin?? This was an amazing victory. As McCain said, "The American people have spoken, and they have spoken clearly.” What a GREAT day in the U.S.A.!!

Obamasupporter   November 4th, 2008 11:47 pm ET

The first president since 1988 to recieve more than 51% of the General Vote. Awesome. Change for America. President-elect Barack Obama.

Phil   November 4th, 2008 11:47 pm ET

Well, that was fun :>)! No matter who you voted for, the people have spoken and we have a new President…time for us to give him the support and respect the office deserves.

Corey Wolak   November 4th, 2008 11:46 pm ET

His policies will further ruin the country. His ideas of raising gun and ammunition prices and taxes will have drastic effects on already struggling states. People do not realize what a positive impact hunting has on states economies.

john m   November 4th, 2008 11:46 pm ET

Where is discussion of the popular vote?
51-48 what a landslide (he said with a smirk)

David   November 4th, 2008 11:46 pm ET

Have at it Obama!!!

S. Boatman   November 4th, 2008 11:46 pm ET

Congrats On The LANDSLIDE VICTORY . . . PRESIDENT OBAMA!

Liz, FL   November 4th, 2008 11:45 pm ET

Over 3 million votes, you call that thin ice? That is rock solid for me!

vitus   November 4th, 2008 11:45 pm ET

obama we are very happy to have you as our next persident

Anonymous   November 4th, 2008 11:45 pm ET

america better get ready for a downfall

DanielleG   November 4th, 2008 11:45 pm ET

wowwwww…yeah…skating on your ice! He's your president now…if you don't like it MOVE!!!!

MC   November 4th, 2008 11:45 pm ET

An election about BIG things! None bigger than everyone now working together as 1 nation!!!

Barbara in NC   November 4th, 2008 11:45 pm ET

Thank God. The level-headed one won.

Nicki   November 4th, 2008 11:45 pm ET

Not as thin as Bush, at least he won it fair and square!

GA4Obama   November 4th, 2008 11:45 pm ET

Wooooooo!!!! Go Obama! I knew you could do it! Yes we can!

Obama/Biden 08′/12′

DanielleG   November 4th, 2008 11:44 pm ET

In one word….Amazing, simply amazing!
Everyone is represented!

America has spoken

Obama/Biden 08

No more nasty talk, no more evil blogs, lets get together and make it happen!!

Purple Alaska   November 4th, 2008 11:44 pm ET

Congratulations America….

YES WE DID!

Bernard   November 4th, 2008 11:44 pm ET

I want to congratrate Obama. He will be the president that the world need

Ken, Republican Voted for Obama   November 4th, 2008 11:44 pm ET

Im so happy

tedious898   November 4th, 2008 11:44 pm ET

Do me a favor CNN….

PLEASE GIVE TARA WALLS HER EXIT PAPERS. WE'VE HEARD ENOUGH FROM THIS LESS THAN INFORMED POLITICAL PUNDIT. SHE'S AS CLUELESS AS THE MOST UNINFORMED "TATER BRAIN"

Andrew   November 4th, 2008 11:44 pm ET

I hope that his election will serve as a turning point for elections to come; proving that ideas and hope will win over gutter politics that has plagued our past history.

Miguel Molina (Chicago)   November 4th, 2008 11:44 pm ET

IT'S OVER!
HA!
CHICAGO CELEBRATES TONIGHT!

Carrie Pa   November 4th, 2008 11:44 pm ET

President Barack Obama!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

G.R.   November 4th, 2008 11:44 pm ET

John McCain gave a great speech at a time when he lost an election. Bravo!

Turner, GA   November 4th, 2008 11:43 pm ET

Can we now finally come together as one America again?

VA Woman for Obama!!!   November 4th, 2008 11:43 pm ET

CONGRATULATIONS PRESIDENT OBAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a wonderful and historic night.

Adil K.   November 4th, 2008 11:43 pm ET

Obama 2008!!!!
I knew that!!!

From TX   November 4th, 2008 11:43 pm ET

We're Screwed.

David   November 4th, 2008 11:43 pm ET

I feel sick.

amanda   November 4th, 2008 11:42 pm ET

Obama used a lot of money for his campaign. I wonder where he got it. Oh yeah my tax money!!!!!

Obama4Prez   November 4th, 2008 11:40 pm ET

Congrats to the new president!

Obama/Biden 08

WOWWOW   November 4th, 2008 11:40 pm ET

52-48% popular vote, this guy is skating on thin , very thin, ice

Jennifer RN   November 4th, 2008 11:39 pm ET

I am ecstatic!!!! Yay Obama/Biden!

KJL   November 4th, 2008 11:39 pm ET

Congrats to Barack and Michelle Obama! I wish his beloved grandmother had lived to see this moment.

No Hillary = No Obama   November 4th, 2008 11:38 pm ET

Excited about what? Some smooth-talking wannabe who has done nothing to deserve the White House except play a game of strategy. It should have been Hillary and would have been if not for our sexist country.

don   November 4th, 2008 11:38 pm ET

God Bless America! God Bless Obama! God Bless Us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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