Comments on: Election may shatter voter turnout records

By: independent now

independent now — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:40:31 +0000

I just wanted to take a moment and Congradulate all the AMERICANS out there who for the VERY FIRST TIME IN THEIR LIVES !!!! THEY ARE HAPPY OR PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN. Makes me sick... And they wonder why this country is so self absorbed? LOOK in the mirror.

By: DANYC

DANYC — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:39:58 +0000

I woke up this morning from a really strange dream. I dreamed that an intelligent, well educated guy (who just happened to be bi-racial) had won the US Presidency after 8 years of carnage that was the Bush years. Maybe, just maybe, if we can dream it we CAN DO IT? Oh my god.. we just DID!!!!!!!!!!! Way to go AMERICA!

By: KLEE

KLEE — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:39:41 +0000

Perfect! I'm Loving It. Congradulations OBAMA/BIDEN

I have a neighbor that wants to move to Brazil now – because he can't stand the idea.

But thats they way its going – the old ways are going "south"

CHANGE – YES WE CAN.....

By: Lynne M

Lynne M — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:38:43 +0000

It's interesting, but in my town in New Hampshire, turnout was a few points lower this year (84% vs. 86%) compared with 2004 when New Hampshire, revolted by the profligate and reckless President, Congress, and State Government did the only thing a responsible population should -- we did our best to vote them ALL out of office. That's when we got a Democrat-controlled state legislature (first time since something like 1910), Democratic Executive Committee, a Democrat as governor, and were the only state to turn from Red to Blue because we were mad at Congress and mad at the President for messing up. New Hampshire is not really a state of yellow dog Democrats or yellow dog Republicans, we're a state that doesn't believe in putting up with irresponsible shenanigans. Yesterday I voted against every incumbent but one -- not because all of the folks were doing a bad job, but because I believe that more people should get a chance to serve, a chance to take up the responsibility of government, and to work for the change that we need. Congratulations, President Obama -- I have such high hopes for you and am ready to support you and help you achieve the sensible, responsible, thoughtful, and intelligent policies at all levels of government.

By: Nancy in MN

Nancy in MN — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:38:29 +0000

YES!!!!

By: Cheryl in Florida

Cheryl in Florida — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:38:25 +0000

The dark years are about to end because of this. A special thank you to all the swing states that came the way of Obama leading this nation to a bright future with new hope. Thanks to all voters that came out. We can be very proud of our country for this great victory!!!!!!

By: Thomas

Thomas — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:35:27 +0000

No matter what our political side is
No matter who we wanted to be President

We had a fair and complete election and Obama was elected.

He will be OUR president. This is the way Democracies work. When your candidate does not win, you still support fully the winner of the election.

This accepting of the winner of a democratic election is what makes democracies strong.

Let's not hear any of this anti-American bilge about "he is not my President".. Yes he is, and every real American will work to support the duly elected President. If you are a Repulican, start planning your come back in 2012. But until then, come next January 20th, we have a President of the United States. One President for all the nation.

By: Kevin

Kevin — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:35:00 +0000

This is what it took for people to finally get up and take action.

By: richard ayibiowu

richard ayibiowu — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:33:29 +0000

God continue to bless america for giving democracy to the world. Congrats to all americans.
Richard, Lagos, Nigeria

By: MBuvia Greenwood,IN

MBuvia Greenwood,IN — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:33:23 +0000

The Republicans made fun of being a community organizer-WELL-the country was organized to vote for Obama-that bit the Republicans in the butt! YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHH!!!!!

By: Congratulations

Congratulations — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:32:41 +0000

All congratuLations to president eLect obama this will be a HAllmark of racIL conflict being overcome. Please REview all that iS beIng DEbated iN The BrIef Days and wEeks to come though. not all of the country is uNIted behind this Great Guy. EveR must we be watchful of potential enemies.

By: Dan Smith

Dan Smith — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:31:11 +0000

oh yah,, a financial tip. Invest in "Don't Blame me, I voted for McCain" bumper stickers,, I am guessing within the year they will be a hot commodity.

By: MD for Obama

MD for Obama — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:29:30 +0000

TO Nate W:

I am sick and tired of all this talk about experience. Bush was elected twice, was governor before that, and he SCREWED UP BIG TIME.

To you and everyone else who is upset by the fact that Obama is our new president remember it is a big world out there – lots of places to live- PLEASE GO.

By: MOB - From S. Africa

MOB - From S. Africa — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:29:25 +0000

America gives hope to the whole world. You are a good role model. I wish and hope leaders from most African countries will learn from your example. I was impressed by the time it took to release the results immediately after closing. I hope Mugabe is learning.
Once more, viva USA! World peace is on the way.

By: Here's hoping!

Here's hoping! — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:29:03 +0000

I voted in spite of my fear that none of the candidates would do what is best for our country. I still believe that by the end of the primaries we had only mediocre choices left.
Now I, like so many others, will look forward with hope that President-Elect Obama will do enough good to move us forward rather than backward. I hope that he will be able to satisfy the expectations of his supporters without realizing the fears of his opponents; that he will be able to fulfill the best of his promises without compromising the principles upon which our country was founded. That hope will continue to sustain me.
God bless us, every one.

By: Steve A. , New Braunfels , Texas

Steve A. , New Braunfels , Texas — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:27:35 +0000

Yes, Yes indeed this is a great day and to mr. Obama ; I wish you well, exscuse me I mean President Obama.

By: Goddess

Goddess — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:27:19 +0000

Some people are still in denial. Obama did not get elected because he is a Black Man. He was elected because he understands what the US needs and wants. Enough FEAR. It is time for the US to be the greatest nation again. We lead by example.

By: RJ

RJ — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:26:29 +0000

What a "win" - 90% of the country voted against Bush - not for Obama - some "win" !!!!!!!!!!

Four more years of watching an arrogant, self-serving individual spouting off in the Oval Office.

By: Rew

Rew — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:24:48 +0000

Time to move to Canada!!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:24:40 +0000

This is a great time for all america we should all be proud. For the first time in a long time as an african americal I truely feel free. I have prayed for this day for so long and the fact the we as people finally came together as a people is beyound wonderful. I am so excited to be a part of this history making event, an that my children my children were able to vote is this history making event. Now it is time for america to stand by and support this president he is going to be here for us and we need to be here for him. Education is important at a time like this, family is important, and most of all togetherness is number one together we will not fail.

By: Grace Roberts

Grace Roberts — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:21:47 +0000

Goodby to the thugs in the White House!

By: Tesserian

Tesserian — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:21:27 +0000

I really admire John McCain- and I often vote Republican- but one thing that was telling in the immediate run up to victory was this:

When President-Elect Obama mentioned McCain's bravery, patriotism and service, people cheered and clapped. Whenever McCain mentioned Obama's name, people booed, jeered and heckled.
That and the last days of the Republican campaign really serve to illlustrate what mean spirited people inhabit the rank and file of the Republican party. It is time for Republicans to do some soul searching- we are going to continue to need a two-party system, and it won't happen with one party badly broken.

By: Dan Smith

Dan Smith — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:21:22 +0000

Why do I keep hearing from everywhere "First Black President"??? The last time I looked he was only half black,, is this not kinda of discriminating againest one of his parents,, uh,, the white one?

By: ross berg- Buffalo, NY

ross berg- Buffalo, NY — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:20:11 +0000

The nation has spoken.

Now let's all do our individual best to help the nation move forward.

By: D. Carpenter

D. Carpenter — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:20:07 +0000

This is a very dark day in American history. Things are going to go from bad to worse.

By: Maggie from Virginia

Maggie from Virginia — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:18:04 +0000

We the people have spoken. We can't stop there. We must remain involved.

By: WELCOME TO THE OBAMA SHOW

WELCOME TO THE OBAMA SHOW — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:14:36 +0000

AMERICA AS WE KNOW IT CHANGED LAST NIGHT,

AMERICANS WILL PAY THE PRICE FOR NOT BEING EDUCATED BY VOTING FOR OBAMA.

BUSINESSES WILL BE GOING UP ON THERE PRODUCT AND CORRUPTION IN THIS COUNTRY WILL GO WAY UP IN ORDER TO SURVIVE.

NOW THAT WE PUT A CROOKED MAN TO RUN THIS COUNTRY AMERICANS MUST LEARN FROM HIM AND BE LIKE HIM WHICH MEANS CORRUPTION WILL BE THE WAY OF LIFE FROM NOW ON

By: Jess M

Jess M — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:14:26 +0000

I am a white, highly educated female, who was born and raised in a part of this country that tends to think in very narrow terms. I not only voted for Barack Obama, but volunteered for his campaign from the start, NOT because he "says the right things or because he's a black man", but because he is about INclusion not EXclusion; because he willingly listens to all sides; because he understands that everyone in this country deserves the same rights; because even though there are still people out there that think this election was all about race, he is already reaching out to you to say 'I hear even your concerns, and I will prove to you that this election was about so much more.' THESE are the reasons I voted for him, and THESE are the reasons it's an excellent day, indeed!!

By: J. Bowen

J. Bowen — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:09:31 +0000

Congratulations to Celebrity-elect - oops, I mean President-elect - Barack Obama and to his Minister of Communications, Oprah Winfrey.

By: Cobra

Cobra — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:09:10 +0000

Bye Sara Palin. Please go back to Alaska and take care of Stevens.
Gop please do not field any more candidates like her.

By: R Frazier

R Frazier — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:07:53 +0000

Regarding the content of the Article... I'm not seeing the total participartion really rising. Maybe there was a West Coast collapse. Presidential electios always have heavier turnout. In the last 20 years, Pres. years have 58-66% of citizens voting. In 2004 125.7 Million(63.8%) voted. That was the biggest number due to ever increasing population numbers, but not as high a percentage turnout as 1992 when 113.8Mil(66%) showed up. The popular vote with those two candidates is 117Mil with 96% precincts in. The record would be north of 125 which seems very possible. But they were wondering if we'd see 130M, which would reflect a large turnout of new voters. Of course, some could have sat this out. It will be interesting if this race actually succeeded in bringing a body of new voters permanently to the table. It could be the usual... one group gets turned off and stays at home while another comes out in support.

By: W Spivey Merritt Island, FL

W Spivey Merritt Island, FL — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:04:26 +0000

Yes we can.

By: Nick T.

Nick T. — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:02:10 +0000

Congratulations if your candidates won. My condolences if your candidates did not. However, the best thing that you can do for yourself now is to get fully behind your newly elected leaders. If they should fail, you shall fail also. It is in your best interest, then, to do what you can to make sure that this doesn't happen. Stay engaged; not just on election day, but everyday inbetween.

By: Glen

Glen — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:01:51 +0000

I have been a registered voter for 13 years and this was the first time I exercised my civic duty to vote. As a Virginia resident, I was concerned at how Virginia would play out and I must say that I am quite proud of my state and the several other battleground states that decided to bring change to Washingtonand indeed to our country. In spite of his negative campaign, I am honestly proud of John McCain, not only by his service to our country, but in the kind words in his concession speech. As a previously Republican-minded American, I was ashamed at the number of people who booed Obama's name at McCain's concession speech. I am proud of myself, proud of Virginia, proud of my country and proud of my new President.

Congratulations President-Elect Obama. May God grant you the wisdom, strength, courage, and conviction necessary to bring our country back to the position of utmost respect it deserves amongst the world.

By: rm

rm — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:01:51 +0000

@Nate W:

If you did not listen to Barack Obama last night, he said that he is the President of all people, even the people who did not vote for him, and than includes you. We need to come together as a nation. Listen to him and you may just understand why so many Americans voted for him, he is change. Try to erase the divisive, negative rhetoric you absorbed from McCain/Palin. I bet you will be refreshed and inspired.

By: Georgia voter

Georgia voter — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:00:35 +0000

Mr. Obama, I am one of the votes you did not earn, but you have my full support, blessings, and encouragment to prove to ALL citizens of the United States, and all contries of the world, that you will do the right things for ALL the people of this great USA. We are blessed to live in a Democracy, and the decision has been made for Barrack Obama to be our President. Those who voted Republican must encourage ALL Americans to support OUR elected President. It is the responsibility of EVERY American, of any and every ethnic background, to support the man that was voted into office. He is OUR President, and he deserves the full support of the ENTIRE United States of America. God is good, and He will be with us always, and we should all pray that He blesses and supports Barrack Obama in what are sure to be the most difficult, yet rewarding, days of his life as President of the great United States of America.

By: sad

sad — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:59:03 +0000

How sad it will be when the people he is going to tax more for people who sit on there butt stop working my husband and I are some of those people he plans on taxing to help people doing nothing its gonna stink when people like us just stop working cause we arn't gonna bust our butts for other people my husband works seven days a week twelve hour days for what we have any of you lazy bums can do the same he didn't go to school to make that much ..

By: Angela S.

Angela S. — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:58:35 +0000

What a great day for the USA!!! As an American living in Europe I am seeing this election from a little different perspective. As an American I am very proud to have voted for Obama. I see Obama's victory as an indication that we as a nation have matured enough to look beyond our racial differences and move toward working together to solve the problems that plague all of us. I believe that President Obama will do a lot to change the rest of the world's opinion about the USA, which by the way has become very negative over the last eight years.

By: CHIVA2K

CHIVA2K — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:58:10 +0000

It's funny how republican fanatics are crying that Americans turned out not to elect a man with experience, sure mccain has experience 8 years of failure with bush thats experience!

By: Lisa Ciardulli

Lisa Ciardulli — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:56:13 +0000

To Nate W...Did you ever think that many people didn't come out to elect a man at all, but a party. A party with basic principles that remain steady regardless of the person who is leading the charge. I'm a value voter, as I am sure many people are. And I value a woman's right to choose, the environment, anti-gun laws, regulating big business, and low national debt (which, by the way, is what we had the last time a democrat was in office).

By: Fuller

Fuller — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:56:09 +0000

Hey, my name is Jason Fuller and Im 18. I voted for the first time this year and Im happy to see how many others my age vote in this election. These people felt like they were making a difference in the world. I have never been happier to be an American than I am now. At the brink of collapse we all need to hold true to each other... not to a man, the senate, or any other political groups... but to our neighbors, friends, strangers. Here's to the future of AMERICA!!!

By: Diamond Evans

Diamond Evans — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:55:19 +0000

As a young American college student i never thought i would see this day. This is truly a beautiful thing. Thank you so much America!!! You have given hope to so many of us students by showing us that we can be anything we dream!!! Because we are this country's future and we dont have to limit ourselves to what career paths we will take. I am also proud of my fellow students for getting out there and letting our voices be heard. Now the world will know that the youth of American does have a VOICE!!!!

By: W Spivey Merritt Island, FL

W Spivey Merritt Island, FL — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:55:01 +0000

That's because we had a great pair to vote for in President Obama and Vice President Biden.

By: Amy

Amy — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:54:25 +0000

This is NOT a sad day. We did not vote for Obama because he is BLACK. We voted for him simply because he is the one who will provide a future for our children. Obama has the correct attitude, patience and clarity. John McCain has an awful attitude, bitter, cold and quite simply old school. We cannot afford old school beliefs.

By: Mack W

Mack W — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:53:56 +0000

We are all Americans, aren't we. In other words, stop hating and work with what we've got.

By: Dan in New England

Dan in New England — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:53:52 +0000

To those who say this is the end of capitalism and personal freedom, I say we have had, and can have again, capitalism with effective regulation. And to personal freedom – this country was founded on the ideal of personal freedom and personal responsibility. I head a lot from Obama on the campaign about personal responsibility. And again last nite about making this our government again. Personal freedom need not perish. But personal responsibility must again raise up in importance. We must lead by example – in the environment, in the use of force, in our dignified treatment of humanity. To, appropriately I think, steal a republican line, its morning in America, again.

By: Carol

Carol — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:53:51 +0000

Nate, you have a right to your opinion. I have a different one.

Barack was elected because he was the right man to elect.

By: SBowens

SBowens — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:53:40 +0000

Thank you CNN for allowing us to share our joy on your network, I watched CNNl most of the night and will probably the rest of the year. I too cried with joy to see our young people of all races together in TimesSquare and Grant Park, and in snapshots all across the country to see all races come together for one cause, my heart is over joyed with love and admiration for our Country. To me this is another chapter in the Bible to show this Nation, created under God, Indivisible with Liberty and Justice for All, that "God is God" and what He ordains He will maintain. President Elect OBama and his family had to sacrifice a lot to get him to this point, God does not make life easy for us when we have a mission directive from him; to see the love of Kenya and America come together after so much past opression is so "awesome". This truly is "our" miracle U>S>, accept it, receive it, and continue to work for the common goal of moving our nation forward. SBowens/ATL-GA

By: Gary, Detroit

Gary, Detroit — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:53:16 +0000

Everyone say goodbye to Betty Boop !

By: RIchard Kevn Cross

RIchard Kevn Cross — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:52:29 +0000

Welcome to the new Babylon, Please don't Thank God for the liberal, moral lacking, non-ethical decline that has befallen our country. I pray for our nation as a whole and the poor direction it has taken. God help us ...