2008 Historical Presidential Election
Nearly every American would argue that the 2008 Presidential Election is an historic event in American history. I personally never thought that Obama, a Black man would actually become the 44th president of the United States. Race has always been one of the biggest issues in American history and it is quite hopeful to see the possibility that racial tensions can ease up. Nonetheless, just because Obama was elected as president does not mean that America no longer has racial issues. America still has a long way to go before it can really deal with the race issue it has helped perpetuate throughout its history. In addition, Obama’s victory story of a man who suffered and overcame racial and economic hardships and now becomes president does mean that there is equal opportunity for all to succeed in this country. The race issue on an individual level and on the institutional level still exists in American society. It will take time and change on both the individual and institutional level in order to strive toward equal opportunity. The 2008 presidential election is one step toward change in America. Whether or not Americans voted for Obama because they were ready and willing to entrust him with power or Americans were simply desperate for change because of our economic crisis or just for the fact that he was a Black man, America made history on Tuesday November 4, 2008.
Now what? Obama actually stated in his speech that hard times will come for America in the near future and that the change Americans are looking for may not happen in a year or even in his presidential term. Still Obama promised that change would happen for America. My biggest concern is that Obama will not be able to create change as soon as Americans are hoping. America’s current economic crisis, war and international crisis will make it quite difficult for Obama to quickly enact positive change. Even if McCain had won the presidency, he would be faced with the same issues. I’m concerned that if Obama does not quickly come through with his word for change, then Americans will not only be angry with him, they will blame his incompetency on the race factor: he’s Black. If this occurs, then there will be dire consequences in regards to racial issues in America and there may never be future opportunities for minorities to become president or hold high office positions. I’m sure Obama knows what is at stake while he is in office and he is going to carefully make his decisions. Nevertheless, no one knows exactly what is going to happen during his presidency and Americans can only hope for the best. I just hope that Obama uses knowledge and wisdom in his decisions and that Americans are patient with him. Yes, Americans want change, but they must realize that change does not come easily or quickly. Whether Americans voted for him or not, Obama is the new president and he is going to need America’s patience, time, support and even prayer.