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Obama Wins Historic Election
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Barack Obama has been elected 44th president of the United States, becoming the
first African-American elected to the office
Barack Obama has been elected 44th president of the United States, becoming the
first African-American elected to the office. Mike O'Sullivan reports, the
Democratic senator from Illinois promised to unify the country when he takes
office, January 20, 2009.President-elect Barack Obama looks out into the crowd
after his acceptance speech at Grant Park in Chicago, 04 Nov 2008In Grant Park
in Chicago, hundreds of thousands of supporters reacted with screams of joy as
American television networks projected Barack Obama as the next U.S.
president.In Phoenix, Arizona, losing Republican candidate Senator John McCain
conceded the race, telling his somber supporters they had reached the end of a
long journey."The American people have spoken and they have spoken clearly,"
said McCain. "A little while ago, I had the honor of calling Senator Barack
Obama to congratulate him on being elected the next president of the country
that we both love."A short time later, Senator Obama mounted the stage in
Chicago with his wife and two daughters, then spoke to his supporters in a
televised address that was seen around the world."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," he said.The election is
historic. When Mr. Obama takes office in January, he will become first the
African-American president in the nation's 232-year history. His election ends
eight years of Republican control of the White House under President George W.
Bush.As the vote count progressed, the Democrat far outpaced his rival in the
state-by-state tally of electoral votes. The winning candidate needs 270
electoral votes. Senator McCain fell far short, as Mr. Obama won such
contested states as Ohio and Pennsylvania, which many saw as crucial for a
McCain victory. In his victory speech in Chicago, Mr. Obama spoke of the
challenges facing the nation, which include the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan,
what he called a planet in peril and the worst financial crisis in a
century."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," said Mr. Obama. "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."As Senator Obama called for unity in the face
of the country's problems, Senator McCain pledged his support, despite the
differences the two men expressed in the campaign."No doubt, many of those
differences remain," McCain said. "These are difficult times for our country
and I pledge to him tonight to do all in my power to help him lead us through
the many challenges we face." In cities around the United States, there were
gatherings to celebrate the historic election. VOA's Kane Farabaugh was in the
crowd in Chicago."There's a few tears, but many more smiles," said Farabaugh.
"I would say the atmosphere here is jubilant."In Washington, D.C., Edward Badu,
who was born in the African nation of Ghana, was thrilled. Senator Obama has
African links himself. His father was born in Kenya. Badu said he can
scarcely believe what has happened."It looks like it's a dream, you know.
Yeah, it is like a dream," he said. "I still can't believe it."Angela Young,
from Atlanta, was in Washington on business, and says she felt the same
excitement."I think it's wonderful. I mean, just the sense of pride for
America, period. And, a lot of hope," she said. "Real hope."This presidential
race aroused intense interest around the world. Senator Obama had a message
for those who are viewing events in America from a distance."And, all those
watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces, those
who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of the world, our
stories are singular, but our destiny is shared," said Mr. Obama. "The new
dawn of American leadership is at hand."President-elect Obama will enter office
with a sympathetic Congress. Democrats strengthened their grip on both the
House of Representatives and Senate in Tuesday's election, winning
Republican-held Senate seats in Virginia, New Mexico, New Hampshire and North
Carolina. They fell short of the 60 Senate seats they had hoped for, which
would have allowed them to avoid procedural blocks known as filibusters. This
will be the first time since 1995 that the Democrats have held the presidency
and a majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
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After Obama Victory, Work Begins on Presidential Transition
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US president-elect says Americans face great challenges, including two wars,
financial crisis
Americans are marking the election of Barack Obama as the country's 44th
president, and the first African-American to reach the summit of U.S.
politics. VOA's Dan Robinson reports. President-elect Barack Obama stands on
stage along with his wife Michelle and daughters during election night
gathering in Grant Park, Chicago, 04 Nov 2008No longer just a first-term
senator from Illinois, now President-elect Obama appeared with his wife
Michelle and their two daughters, along with family members and Vice
President-elect Joseph Biden before tens of thousands of people in Chicago's
Grant Park.Amid thunderous cheers, Senator Obama said the outcome shows that
change has come to America and should prove to any who doubt that all things
are possible in America's Democratic system."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," he said.Saying he was
never the likeliest candidate to seek the presidency, he said Americans of
every background showed they can unite and reject cynicism to bring about
change. President-elect Obama called his former opponent John McCain a brave
and selfless leader. In his concession speech, McCain called Senator Obama's
victory a historic moment for Americans and African-Americans in particular,
one that moves the country farther from a past marked by intolerance. Sen.
John McCain with wife Cindy, delivers remarks during an election night rally in
Phoenix 4 Nov. 2008 McCain pledged his support to the president-elect."I urge
all Americans who supported me to join me in not just congratulating him, but
offering our next president our goodwill and earnest effort to find ways to
come together, to find the necessary compromises to bridge our differences and
help restore our prosperity, defend our security in a dangerous world, and
leave our children and grandchildren a stronger better country than we
inherited," said McCain. President-elect Obama's victory was built on an
aggressive campaign challenging McCain in states that for decades voted
Republican in presidential elections, such as Virginia. He won in Republican
stronghold Indiana, and in Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada, states President
Bush won in 2004.New York City newspapers are displayed in New York, 05 Nov
2008Mr. Obama drew significant support from newly-registered young voters, and
from Hispanic-Americans, especially in the west, and from women, in addition to
African-Americans. Voters ranked the poor state of the U.S. economy highest
among their concerns, that include the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.The son of
a Kenyan father and a white mother from Kansas, President-elect Obama said
Americans face great challenges, including two wars and a financial crisis.
Americans will succeed, he said, as long as they commit to healing divisions
and to a new spirit of patriotism, service and sacrifice.He also sent this
message to those watching and listening around the world.People sit near a
painting featuring U.S. Presidential candidate Barack Obama, during a gathering
of people in Kogelo village, Kenya, 04 Nov 2008"[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 are destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand,"
he said.President George W. Bush, who leaves the White House in January when
Obama is inaugurated, congratulated the president-elect in a telephone
call.Work is underway in the Bush White House and among Senator Obama's staff,
on the presidential transition, with some media reports saying Mr. Obama may
act quickly on naming a chief of staff. Democrats who won control of Congress
in the 2006 mid-term election have expanded their hold on power, although not
as much as they had hoped in the U.S. Senate. Some vote counting continued
through the early hours Wednesday.
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President Bush Congratulates Obama, Promises Smooth Transition
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US leader predicts stirring sight when Obama family enters White House
President Bush has paid tribute to the historic nature of President-elect
Barack Obama's victory at the polls, and promised to stay in close contact with
him in the final months of his administration to ensure a smooth transition of
power. From the White House, VOA's Michael Bowman reports.President Bush said
he had telephone conversations late Tuesday with the president-elect as well as
his Republican rival, Senator John McCain.President Bush congratulates
President-elect Barack Obama in the Rose Garden of the White House, 5 Nov.
2008Speaking from the Rose Garden less than 24 hours after Mr. Obama's
overwhelming victory, Mr. Bush, who is no stranger to partisan battles, struck
a distinctly non-partisan tone."No matter how they cast their ballots, all
Americans can be proud of the history that was made yesterday," he said.
"Across the country, citizens voted in large numbers. They showed a watching
world the vitality of America's democracy and the strides we have made towards
a more perfect union. They chose a president whose journey represents a
triumph of the American story, a testament to hard work, optimism, and faith in
the enduring promise of our nation," said President Bush.Mr. Bush said the
moment is particularly uplifting for those who lived through America's
turbulent civil rights era in the 1950s and 60s, when the vestiges of
government-sponsored racial discrimination were overcome.Now, the president
said, it is time for Americans to move forward as one nation. "We are embarking
on a period of change in Washington, yet there are some things that will not
change," Mr. Bush said. "The United States government will stay vigilant in
meeting its most important responsibility: protecting the American people. And
the world can be certain this commitment will remain steadfast under our next
commander-in-chief," he said.President-elect Barack Obama on stage with his
wife Michelle and daughters during election night gathering in Grant Park,
Chicago, 04 Nov 2008Mr. Bush said he will inform his successor of all important
decisions made in the waning months of his administration, and that he has
invited Mr. Obama and the president-elect's wife, Michelle, to the White House
at their earliest convenience.He predicted it will be a stirring sight to watch
the Obama family enter the White House, and that he and First Lady Laura Bush
will return to Texas with many treasured memories of their time in
Washington.During the just-completed campaign, Mr. Obama often criticized
President Bush's policies, and sought to link Senator McCain to them. Mr. Bush
also paid tribute to Senator McCain, saying the American people will always be
grateful for his lifetime of service to the nation.
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Europe Welcomes Obama Victory
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US president-elect receives congratulations, expressions of hope for
cooperation from British, German leaders, but no warm words from Russian
president
There has been a warm welcome from around the globe for the election victory of
Barack Obama - words of congratulations from European leaders and expressions
of hope for a new era of cooperation. VOA's Sonja Pace reports from London.
Barack Obama's historic election victory made every major headline around the
globe and topped every newscast.British Prime Minister Gordon BrownBritish
Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he looks forward to working with Mr. Obama.
"I know that he is a true friend of Britain and I know that the values we share
in common and the policies on which we can work together will enable us as two
countries to come through these difficult economic times," Brown said.French
President Nicolas Sarkozy said Mr. Obama's election raises hopes in France, in
Europe and the rest of the world.German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she
anticipates closer cooperation between the US and Europe under an Obama
administration. The European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana also
welcomed the news and Mr. Obama's emphasis on change."Change is what we need in
the world today," she said. "Many problems we have on the table and I very
much hope that we will be able to do it together, to find a solution to them
together."There were warm words too on the streets of London. One person said,
"I am excited, I think it is a good thing. I think the last eight years have
been pretty difficult for the West and I am really excited that Obama might
bring some new changes.""I think it is great," said another. "I think it is a
real historical thing to happen and I think it is good because I think he is
going to be different." And a third said, "Very happy about Barrack Obama. I
think he is a vote for humanity and for the world and I think he brings John F.
Kennedy type hope to the world."The warm reception comes as no surprise in
Europe where Mr. Obama is immensely popular.International affairs specialist
Charlie Beckett of the London School of Economics said Europeans know that any
American president will make decisions based on American interests, but he said
they are hoping a president Obama will listen to others around the world."I
think Obama has already signaled with that very risky trip to Europe and Berlin
in the middle of the campaign that he at least wants to make gestures about
including the rest of the world in what America is thinking and doing and I
think [that] in itself is very important. That is what politics is about. It
is about building relationships," Beckett said.But after all the euphoria of a
stunning election victory, a host of problems still faces the incoming Obama
administration - the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the world financial crisis,
global warming, the threat of terrorism, Iran's nuclear ambitions and a
resurgent Russia that views the United States as a potential threat.There was
no immediate warm welcome from Moscow. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev
Delivering his state of the nation speech in the Kremlin, President Dmitri
Medvedev instead blamed U.S. policy for Russia's brief conflict with
neighboring Georgia in August. And, he threatened to station new missiles near
the border with Poland - in response to Washington's plans to deploy an
anti-missile defense system in parts of Eastern Europe.Mr. Medvedev made only
an indirect reference to the US election. He said Russia is not inherently
anti-American and he said he hopes the new U.S. administration will choose,
what he called, a full-fledged relationship between the two countries.
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Much Of Arab World Rejoices Over Obama Election
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People on streets in Cairo, across much of Arab world, appear elated by
election of Democrat Barak Obama, despite some apprehension in Gulf and in
Lebanon
Much of the Arab press, as well as ordinary people in the street, are rejoicing
over the election of Democrat Barak Obama as the next president of the United
States. Nevertheless, as Edward Yeranian reports from Cairo, there are
misgivings in certain quarters.A man reads al-Akhbar newspaper covering Barack
Obama's victory in the U.S. Presidential election in Beirut, Lebanon, 05 Nov
2008People on the streets here in Cairo, and across much of the Arab world,
appear elated by the election of Democrat Barak Obama as the next president of
the United States, despite some apprehension in the Gulf and in
Lebanon.Commentators on Al-Jazeera TV, which has consistently criticized the
outgoing Bush administration for its policies towards the Arab world, appeared
almost jubilant over Mr. Obama's election, with many hailing the results of the
election as a "positive for the Arab world."The Syrian daily Techrine writes in
Wednesday's editorial that "any president will be better than George W. Bush,
and any administration will be better than his administration." Damascus is the
subject of U.S. sanctions for its behavior towards both Lebanon and
Iraq.Egyptian Ahmed Fathi, from the city of Dakalia, writes on Al-Arabiya TV's
Web site "God bless Obama. He's good for the world and will solve its problems,
Inshallah."Leyla, a Lebanese Christian, however, says that she and those around
her are "not very enthusiastic about Mr. Obama's victory," but that she hopes
"he'll turn out OK, just the same."Mustapha Ghalayini, a Lebanese man who works
in Kuwait, thinks that many Kuwait's are pleased by Mr. Obama's election, even
if they don't think he'll be especially good for the interests of the Arab
world."The Kuwaiti people don't believe that Obama will be a real help to the
Arabs, but they believe he will be a new experience for the Arabs and the
world, and they are happy at his winning the elections of the United States,"
he said.Uraib Rantawi, director of the Al-Quds Center for Political Studies in
Amman, Jordan, says that many Arabs and many Arab governments are pleased by
the Obama victory, but not all."It was a great win for Mr. Obama in yesterday's
elections, for some Arab countries and people, especially the Palestinians, the
Syrians, even the Jordanians," he said. "I think they have welcomed this great
victory from the democrats and Obama." "But, for some Arab Gulf states,
especially Saudi Arabia and those who deal really with the Bush family and with
the Republicans in particular, I think it is not a good moment for them; they
prefer to deal with the Republicans and not with the democrats, since the
democrats emphasize democracy and human rights and those issues are not
welcomed in such countries as Egypt, and Saudi Arabia," he added.Essam El
Aryan, who is a leader of Egypt's banned Muslim Brotherhood was mostly
optimistic about Mr. Obama's election and thought it was good for both the Arab
and Islamic worlds."I've listened to the address made by Obama this morning and
I was highly impressed by his charisma and his ideas," he said. "I compliment
Mr. Obama and this was a very big victory for himself and also for the
American people and I think it will be a great victory for the whole world if
he can change America and go to change the world." "I think after the massacres
done by the previous administration of Mr. Bush Jr., I think this will be a new
era for the Arabs and the Muslim world for their relations with the USA. We
hope that Mr. Obama can change the strategy of America towards the Arabs and
the Islamic world, and mainly to be committed to his promise to withdraw from
Iraq and to look to the Palestinian issue by another view … thirdly to stop the
support for the previous administration, since more than 60 years, to the
tyrants of the Arab and Islamic world and to stop support to dictatorship," he
continued. Despite the general tone of optimism in the Arab press over
President-elect Barak Obama's victory, the Arab daily Al-Hayat ran a caricature
showing an Israeli wielding a gun at an Arab man, joking "heads, Obama, and we
win; tails McCain, and you lose," suggesting that the paper thinks neither
candidate will really be beneficial to the Arab world.
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South Asia Leaders Congratulate Obama, Point to Challenges
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Leaders praise Barack Obama's presidential election win, calling it an
inspiration to people within US, around world
Leaders from India, Pakistan and Afghanistan praised Barack Obama's
presidential election win, calling it an inspiration to people within the
United States and around the world. VOA's Barry Newhouse reports from Kabul on
the reaction in a region that holds critical challenges for the future U.S.
president. Afghan President Hamid Karzai speaks during press conference at
presidential palace in Kabul, 05 Nov 2008Afghan President Hamid Karzai said he
hoped Barack Obama's election will take the United States and the world into a
new era where race and ethnicity will disappear as a factor in politics. He
said he has high hopes for what Mr. Obama's leadership will mean to the U.S.
mission in Afghanistan. "I hope that this election and President Obama's coming
into office will bring peace to Afghanistan, life to Afghanistan and prosperity
to the Afghan people and the rest of the world," he said. Indian Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh said India and the United States are bound by shared commitments
to common ideals. In a statement that was read by spokesman Shahbaz Hasibi, the
prime minister said he looked forward to boosting cooperation. "Our two
countries working together to address global issues and challenges will be an
important factor for world peace, stability and progress," he
said.President-elect Barack Obama smiles during his acceptance speech at Grant
Park in Chicago, 4 Nov. 2008Debates over U.S. strategy in the war in
Afghanistan and the struggle against terrorist networks in Pakistan dominated
the presidential campaign. Last week, Mr. Obama suggested that helping to
resolve the dispute between Pakistan and India over Kashmir would allow
Pakistan to better focus on threats from al-Qaida and Taliban
militants.Pakistan's former foreign minister Humayun Khan said the striking
image of Mr. Obama's election could help alleviate some of the anti-American
sentiment among Pakistanis who feel the U.S. war against terrorism has been
misguided. "Obama seems to be the sort of person who will try to examine all
aspects of our problem and will understand all the complexities of our problems
which will mean he will not approach it with a one track mind. So the chances
of him listening to Pakistan I think are probably going to be better," said
Humayun Khan.Seven years after the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan, there are
growing signs of tension between Washington and the U.S. friendly governments
in Kabul and Islamabad. U.S. Gen. David Petraeus, left, talks with Pakistan's
Defense Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar during a meeting in Rawalpindi,
Pakistan, 03 Nov 2008This week, Pakistani leaders urged visiting U.S. commander
General David Petraeus to stop missile strikes against militant targets in
Pakistan's tribal regions.In Kabul, while Mr. Karzai praised Mr. Obama's
election in English, he was more critical when he addressed Afghans while
speaking in Dari.He said the first demand from the president elect, when he
gets into office, will be to stop the civilian casualties in Afghanistan and to
bring the war to those areas where the terrorists have hideouts, which are not
in Afghanistan.Mr. Karzai said mounting civilian casualties are tarnishing the
image of the foreign troops in Afghanistan.
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Kenya Celebrates President-elect Obama as Native Son
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In Obama's grandmother's home town, crowds danced in celebration as news of his
election victory was announced shortly after dawn
Barack Obama's election victory was greeted with particular enthusiasm in
Kenya, where he is viewed by many as a native son. Crowds celebrated in the
western village where his grandmother and other relatives live, and the
president even announced a national holiday to celebrate the event. For VOA,
Derek Kilner has more from Nairobi.Barack Obama's election victory has been
celebrated around the world, but perhaps nowhere as much as in Kenya, where
President Mwai Kibaki announced that Thursday will be a national
holiday."Because of his roots here in Kenya, as a country we are full of pride
for his success. I therefore wish to announce that tomorrow, Thursday the sixth
of November the year 2008 be observed as a public holiday to enable all Kenyans
to celebrate this historic achievement for President-elect Obama," said
President Kibaki.The half-brother of US President-elect Barack Obama, Said
Obama (L), his grandmother Sarah Obama (C) and his half sister Auma Obama, get
ready for a press conference in the village of Kogelo, 05 Nov 2008In the
village of Kogelo in western Kenya, where Mr. Obama's grandmother and other
relatives live, crowds danced in celebration as the news of the Obama victory
was announced shortly after dawn. Mr. Obama's uncle, Sa'id Obama, spoke to VOA
from the village."People are so happy, so excited. People are dancing. People
are in a festive mood," he said. "And we are also slaughtering cows, goats,
sheep, I mean people are going to feast literally to celebrate Barack's win."In
the nearby city of Kisumu that is dominated by the Luo group, to which Obama's
family and Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga belong, Obama mania is at its
most intense. The celebrations spilled out into the streets.There is also a
large Luo community in Nairobi's biggest slum, Kibera, and there too, raucous
festivities greeted the news of Obama's win. But in Nairobi, Kenyans from
different backgrounds packed into the city's bars and restaurants to watch
Obama's speech. Stephen Dunga, whose family is from the country's Eastern
Province, watched the speech in the downtown restaurant where he works."I have
been watching CNN since morning. Each community supports Obama, they are
praying for him to win," said Dunga. "I think the celebration is country
wide. Not from one province or the other."At the American ambassador's
residence, students, officials and members of civil society, both Kenyan and
American, cheered the results. "This is a big lesson," said Njeri Kabeberi,
director of Kenya's Center for Multi-party Politics. "We had our own problems
in January, February after we messed up with our own electoral process and
messed up with our own tallying and counting process of the elections. So this
is a big lesson that you do not have to steal votes, you do not have to
discriminate against other communities, because we did discriminate against
other communities. So what is most important is for the leadership that is
going to provide that particular country what that country needs. And in this
case, it is change they can believe in, and for Kenya we better actually start
believing in some change in our leadership style."Back on the streets of
Nairobi, music shops throughout the city are playing Jamaican reggae star Cocoa
Tea's hit song celebrating Mr. Obama. A shopkeeper says it is the hottest
selling CD in town. Bernard has just walked in to purchase the disk after
hearing it playing in the street."I think Kenyan people have got a lot to learn
from the American election. It has shown true democracy, it does not matter
how you look like, it does not matter where you come from," he said. "It is
about what policies you have for the people, so I think in Kenya next time we
make a decision about our leaders we will know what to look for."The election
results arrived early Wednesday, catching many people as they headed to work.
But with a holiday declared for Thursday, the celebrations could be even
stronger.
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Democrats Expand Congressional Majorities
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More Democrats in Senate, House of Representatives could help President-elect
Barack Obama implement ambitious agenda once he takes office in January
Democrats expanded their majority in the U.S. Congress as a result of Tuesday's
election. More Democrats in the Senate and House of Representatives could help
President-elect Barack Obama implement his ambitious agenda once he takes
office in January. VOA's Deborah Tate reports from Washington.Among the
Republican-held seats picked up by Democrats is the U.S. Senate seat in North
Carolina.Kay Hagan celebrates at her election party in Greensboro, North
Carolina, 04 Nov 2008Democratic state legislator Kay Hagan unseated incumbent
Republican Senator Elizabeth Dole, a key name in the Republican Party. Dole,
who is also a former Cabinet secretary and who is married to former
presidential candidate and Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, offered a gracious
concession speech."It has been an honor and a joy to represent the people of
North Carolina in the United States Senate," she said. "I have done my level
best to make you proud." In New Hampshire, former Democratic governor Jeanne
Shaheen unseated incumbent Republican Senator John Sununu.In Virginia, another
one-time Democratic governor Mark Warner won the seat held by retiring
Republican Senator John Warner. Mark Warner waves to the crowd as he delivers
a victory speech in McLean,Virginia, 04 Nov 2008"The challenges we face are
much more about the future past and as long as we face that future and avoid
the political divisions of the past, there is nothing we can't accomplish as
Americans first and foremost," Warner said.In two races in the western United
States, Democratic Congressmen Tom and Mark Udall won Senate seats held by
retiring Republicans. Tom Udall was elected to the seat in New Mexico held by
Pete Domenici and his cousin Mark won the seat in Colorado held by Wayne
Allard. Despite their gains in the Senate, Democrats are not expected to reach
a 60-vote majority that would allow them to overcome Republican efforts to
block legislation. Still, Democrats believe they can persuade enough moderate
Republicans to back key measures so that they can come up with the 60 votes
needed to move the legislation through the Senate.In one key Republican
victory, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky won re-election in
a close race against Democrat Bruce Lunsford.Another Republican returning to
the Senate is Senator John McCain, following his loss to President-elect Barack
Obama in the presidential race.Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Nevada
Democrat, says he will welcome him back."I congratulate him on a hard-fought
campaign," Reid said. "I look forward to him coming back to the Senate. I look
forward to working with him."Democrats also made gains in the House of
Representatives. Among Republicans losing to Democrats was Congressman
Christopher Shays of Connecticut, who has spent 22 years in the position.More
Democrats in Congress will help President-elect Barack Obama swiftly implement
his agenda, according to Nathan Gonzales of the Rothenberg Political
Report."The honeymoon for President Obama could even extend beyond 100 days
because, frankly, Republicans, can't do anything to stop them after 100 days,"
Gonzales said. "We are going to be a Democratic town starting in
January."Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi outlined her priorities for next
year, including measures to improve the economy, and bringing U.S. combat
troops home from Iraq."We will responsibly, and honorably and soon, bring an
end to the war in Iraq," Pelosi said.She said other priorities include
education and making efforts toward energy independence.
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New Reports Spur Fears of US Recession
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US, European stock markets down sharply despite early gains in Asia following
news of Barack Obama's win in US presidential election
Traders work on floor of New York Stock Exchange, 05 Nov 2008A series of
reports out one day after the United States elected a new president is
spreading fears that the world's preeminent economy is in a recession.A private
research group, the Institute of Supply Management, says Wednesday the U.S.
service industry - which includes businesses like banks, airlines and
restaurants - shrank in October to levels that indicate the economy is
contracting. The service sector represents more than 80 percent of the U.S.
economy.Two other reports Wednesday by the private employment company ADP
Employer Services and from human resources firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas
show the U.S. economy is continuing to lose thousands of jobs. One report says
the number of workers fired in October is up 79 percent compared to the same
time last year - near a five-year high.Meanwhile, Europe's biggest economy has
moved to lessen the impact of the financial crisis. Germany Wednesday approved
an almost $30 billion package of tax cuts and loans. And top are urging banks
to pass on interest rate cuts to consumers to help spur growth. Man looks at
electronic stock board showing US President-elect Barack Obama, in front of
securities firm in Tokyo, 05 Nov 2008U.S. and European stock markets are down
sharply in trading Wednesday despite early gains in Asia following news of
Barack Obama's win in the U.S. presidential election.Asia's key markets all
closed higher Wednesday. Tokyo's key Nikkei index closed nearly 4.5 percent
higher, while the Hang Seng in Hong Kong ended the day's trading three percent
higher.There are also indications efforts to loosen the tight credit markets
may not be working well enough. A report Wednesday by an industry trade group,
the Mortgage Bankers Association, says the number of Americans applying for
home loans fell last week to the lowest level in almost eight years because
borrowing costs remain too high.Investors are also looking ahead to Thursday,
when the European Central Bank and the Bank of England are widely expected to
slash interest rates. Also, a new United Nations report that says the
financial crisis has spread to international trade, hitting developing nations
that export commodities particularly hard. The U.N. report says a key measure
of demand for trade, which tracks shipping costs, has fallen dramatically over
the past few months.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.
------------------------------------------------------
Bhutan Transitions to New King, Heralding New Democratic Era
http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=1F2625A:2DA063D257D43931CD590303B127A0E7A13B8D4F2090AB2B&;
Coronation of Jigme Khesar as Bhutan's first constitutional monarch, culminates
two-year transfer of royal power from his father, who abdicated in late 2006
A nation is hailing the ascension of a young and charismatic leader. It is not
the United States, but rather the small Himalayan country of Bhutan. From the
capital, Thimpu, VOA correspondent Steve Herman reports on the sweeping changes
culminating with the crowning of the Fifth Druk Gyalpo, otherwise known as King
Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. While the rest of world focuses on the election
of a young senator as president of the United States, here in the Himalayas all
eyes are on a 28-year-old Western-educated hereditary monarch as he receives
the Raven Crown. The coronation of Jigme Khesar as Bhutan's first
constitutional monarch, culminates a two-year transfer of royal power from his
father, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who abdicated in late 2006. Bhutan Foreign
Secretary Yeshey Dorji Bhutan Foreign Secretary Yeshey Dorji says the formal
crowning in the Land of the Thunder Dragon had to wait for an auspicious date
set by astrologers. In the meantime, the new king assumed the duties of his
father. "You need to get some expertise and experience in
functioning as a king. So, before the formal coronation, His Majesty already
took over the role of the king and he has been functioning since then," said
Dorji. A business entrepreneur in the capital, Sonam Tobgay, gives
Jigme Khesar preliminary high marks, explaining that Bhutanese will not praise
a monarch merely because he was born to rule. Thimpu business
entrepreneur Sonam Tobgay"You're not born with leadership qualities. It's
something that you mature and you build over a period of time," said Tobgay.
"He's been matured, he's been cultured, groomed to take over this task. As far
as we can see he's done a very good job over the last one year." Not only did
the Fourth King of the century-long Wangchuck Dynasty voluntarily step aside,
but in a move perhaps unprecedented in history - coming as it did without
internal or external pressure - the monarch commanded that a constitution be
drafted and the country shift to a parliament-based democracy. Bhutanese were
initially shocked and then confused by the moves of their revered king, who had
ruled peacefully for 34 years. King Jigme Singye had broken with convention,
previously. He developed the concept of Gross National Happiness, stressing
emotional well-being over the traditional economic indicator of Gross National
Product. Banner celebrating coronation showing photos of Bhutan's five
kingsCommunications Minister Nandalal Rai tells VOA News the Fourth King, over
the past quarter century, wanted his traditionally isolated kingdom to become
more integrated in the international community. "Our Fourth King
has been trying to train us and make us aware of the situation that has been
happening in the world - that the government must be of the people and for the
people. That is the democratic process. He did, in his wisdom, felt the
people must be able to take care of themselves, not a particular person ruling
like in the medieval ages," said Rai. The transition has been stable, so far.
Parliament elections were held, this year, with the winning party sweeping
nearly every constituency, defying pollsters who predicted a close race in the
contentious campaign.The changes for the Buddhist nation of 635,000 people,
wedged between giant neighbors China and India, have brought other outside
influences, as well, not all of them positive. Jigme Khesar on his way to the
royal palace in Thimpu, Bhutan, 02 Nov 2008 Modern communications has been good
for education and the fledgling business community, but it puts pressure on
traditional culture. Thimpu businessman Tobgay says Bhutanese understand there
may be a price to pay for modernity. "That is a risk that we have
to take. All these things, the Western culture creeping in and the
contamination of our indigenous culture, tradition, it's a possibility. With
the introduction of TV, with the Internet and the cellular phone, these are
things that we cannot avoid. If we avoid this we will become like the dinosaur.
If you fail to evolve, you become extinct," said Tobgay.With the coronation,
Bhutan, the world's newest democracy, also becomes the nation with the youngest
reigning monarch. But the Fifth King of the modern dynasty will not stay on
the throne beyond early in the year 2045. That is not a prognostication of the
astrologers but rather the mandate of the new constitution, under which the
sovereign, at age 65, must retire.
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