Nightline's Daily Line

I think it would have been very tough. Both candidates had great support but I believe that McCain would have squeaked by. He had the experience as a Senator and Obama was a newcomer.

Absoultely wityhout a doubt. This was meant to happen.
The Bush dynasty is OVER!!!

Yes, he would have definately won only, it would have been a close call.Americans wanted a leader who would address the issues of the day and Obama stuck to these through most of his campaign. Obama was and is a refreshing change from the old politics...

oops i mis-spelled without, go ahead and edit that

It was the response to the economy that doomed McCain, not the economy itself. The response was similar to the Palin pick: not very well thought out.

If McCain had campaigned as graciously and competently as he gave his concession speech, it would have been much closer.

I think the economic situation is what won it for Obama. He had stressed to everyone how bad Bush was and the situation with the economy came at exactly the right time for him.

1percenter Keep the shiny side up!!

I believe Mr. Obama would have won without the financial crisis. Our country has several major issues to be concerned about and this is just one of them. The young voters embraced Mr. Obama and gave him, the United States and the world a new beginning for changes to make life better.

THE TRUTH IS THAT THE U.S.A. AND THE WORLD FOR THAT MATTER IS CURRENTLY SUFFERING ECONOMICALLY. I WOULD PRAY THAT THIS WAS NOT THE ONLY FACTOR IN OUR VOTE, BUT WITH THAT SAID MAYBE OUR COUNTRY NEEDS TO TAKE A HARD LOOK AT ITS SELF, BECAUSE ITS CLEAR TO ME THAT FROM HERE ON OUT THE WORLD WILL BE!

I don't think the financial issues were as important a factor as the fact that reverse racism was. Would as many have voted for Obama if he were white?

Oh, it was definitely mostly the economy. I've got a small business and my customers have been steadily going out of business since 2000 -- over 60% of them are gone at last count, and it's getting harder and harder to pick up new accounts to replace them.

That said, I don't believe that Obama's going to do much to fix the economy, either. We need high-paying factory jobs again, but they've been exported wholesale and neither candidate seemed to have any plan for bringing them back.

However, people are desperate for some kind of economic hope, so they voted for the Democrats.

Without the financial crisis, McCain would have won because the war would have been it, and we have to defend this country no matter what.
Ehemm ... has anyone noticed how race wasn't supposed to be a factor in this election but ... Shamica/Darnell/Jada/Jamal/Kiara/Malik/Chaunte/Lashawn/Tayshaun/Sheena/Raynell/Jesse Jackson/Al Sharpton ... and even the other idiot Farrakhan are pinching 24 karat gold turds between the buttcheeks while celebrating melanin in the whitey house.
57MM votes rejected Hussein, The only thing proven was that the ghetto in the USA is so big nowadays that it can elect a president. The lardass food stamp raised hoes with their multi-litter criminals-to-be children, along with their just released from jail on-probation deadbeat babydaddy who has to recycle aluminum cans because he doesn't have any skills other than smoke crack, all these losers think life will be a lot easier because there is a monkey in the whitey house. In 4 years time we'll throw out the windows all the muslim ephigie crap and fumigate repeatedly so the the next republican president is able to repair the country again.

President elect Obama definitely would have won, with or without our financial woes. With the largest voter turnout in history behind him, he would have gotten it no matter what! I am very excited and proud to be an American, something I have not felt in years. Thank you Obama, thank you voters!

Absolutely! Obama won because of his amazing character, integrity and intelligent leadership that inspired millions of Americans to volunteer, canvass, phone bank and support his candidacy with small donations. His choice of running mate, Senator Joe Biden was huge! And your feature about Oprah being responsible for his nomination was disgusting! It is obvious that ABC just has no grasp of the power of millions of people standing up for change. Stop with the bull#@*$ please!

The big economic issues came at a bad time for McCain. He tried not to play the blame game but this only gave Obama time to blame him and the Republicans.
McCain finally got around to pointing out how much money Obama has received from Fannie and Freddie, and his own early warning. But... Too late.

Absolutely! 8 years of George W. made it a tough battle for McCain & Palin pick was deadly mistake for his campaign. McCain/Palin desperate angry demeanor coming in home stretch nudged away anyone on the fence.

i think the economy and palin leveled the playing field for mr. obama and gave him the openning needed to win!

The American people rejected the politics of fear and embraced the politics of hope. The economy did not cause Obama to win. He won because he offers hope instead of fear.

Without a doubt. Sen. Obama would have won handily anyway because he is Barack Obama --- gracious, brilliant, and dignified. His brain power alone is no match for his opponent.

I belive so, Barack Obama's is a great person and i believe that he knows what he's talking about. When Change is coming, it won't happen as fast as people may expect it would happen but as long we know without doubt it's going to happen is all we need. Also he can give perfect speeches and also his wife has a good spirit with the right mind setting to help him on this long journey to a better world.

look we are making much more out of this than it merits. it was an election-2 party's run against each other sometimes one party wins sometimes the other wins.

that does not mean that i diminish the historic aspect of obamas election and i wish him the best.

now the losing party starts to prepare for the next election in 4 years. no great mystery.

pullmyfinger, you are so hateful! We are past that now and you are less than the minority. That said, I do believe the economy had an effect because people have been so conditioned to blame everything that happens in the entire world on Bush and the republicans and, irrational or not,any hint at a connection pushed everyone to the democrats. I don't believe Obama really has a doable plan. But he has been able to excite people into thinking he has, and that's something. I hope he can deliver because so many hopes have been pinned on him.

The key to Obama's success was the financial crisis and America's willingness (especially swing voters) to vote for the "perceived benefit" Obama offered for their pocket book. This combined with the Obama camp's effective assocation of McCain with Bush created the perfect storm that would have defeated any Republican running against Obama. The liberal press and voters gave Obama a pass on questionable past associations, liberal voting record, going back on his promise to accept limited public campaign funds, and fact he was part of the Democratic majority in Congress / Senate (that had all time low approval ratings) who didn't put oversight into play years ago that would have eliminated the need for the $700 billion bailout and perfect storm that put us in our current financial crisis.

Obama's election success was not due to one issue. It was a collective groundswell of awakening on many fronts. He did not succumb to rhetorical tactics, but was straightforward and showed he has the potential to govern wisely and with heart. People finally realized they've been hoodwinked in the past, and they stood up and said, "No more."You can't pin it on a single issue.

It would not have made a difference it
was his time. Many have tried before, but god has the assignment to him. He has been nurtured for such a time as this. we saw the slings and arrows being thrown at him,he never even ducked.

Without a doupt we would have had a woman as vice-president. The economy played a huge role in Obamas's victory. I don't think he'll deliver ... He did a great job of getting the naive to believe all that hog wash. In additon I think alot of people just wanted to make history and voted for him because he's black.

TO 'Pull my finger' 12:43:48AM post...
Your post evidence racism & bigotry will never die. Many well-educated, hard-working, professional caucasions chose to vote for Obama. Such a hateful post! And shame on ABC for even the suggestion that Oprah is responsible for Obama win--Wondered what you would fill air time with after election--Try harder.

"Those who do not study History are doomed to repeat it." Has anyone read the story of the Pied Piper? Senator Obama could not possibly stand up on the very high pedistle that you have put him on. You will all be so disappointed when he cannot live up to much of what he promised. He bought this election just like in the "olden days" when people were promised "A chicken in every pot." You people voted about what you think will end up in your pockets, not about ethics. The economy had everything to do with his winning. Has everyone forgotten that the congress for the last two years has been run by the Democrats? You give too much power (in your minds) to the president. That's why it is called the balance of power. The congress is where the power resides. May God have mercy on America, because we have moved so far from him that radicals want to distroy us.

its not like a president is a life long appointment.

it is the other party's turn, lets see how they do, and if they do well we may re elect them in 4 years-if not, we show them the door.

at least for the next 4 years we won't have gwb and republicans to blame.

Obama's campaign was a message of 'Change'. Change is what Americans wanted and as a result that is what Americans voted. If in doubt, just look at the reaction of people across the world, not just the U.S.
Truly a 'Change Has Come'.

You asked 2 questions:
Would Obama have been elected without the endorsement of Oprah winfrey? Emphatically, YES!
Would Obama have been elected without the economic crisis? Emphatically, YES!

Your attempt to denigrate by innuendo this man and his accomplishment is beneath you. Shame
on you, Terry Moran; I expect better of you.

For the first time in many years, we can comfortably use the word "integrity" in the same
sentence as the phrase "President of the United States." This has been called the best
organized presidential campaign in history. A man who can conduct such a campaign, raise
the amount of money needed, maintain calm in the face of the nasty campaign run by
his opponents, is certainly qualified to face the tremendous challenge he inherits. The
election is over, it is a time now for unity, for support of the winner, no matter your
political leanings. Obama knows this and has challenged all of us to share the
responsibility for making the changes this country so desperately needs.
That includes responsible journalism.

some of you sound like we installed a king for life.

what we did is, we elected a politician. his time runs out in 4 years, 8 IF he does well and then we show him the exit sign and his picture goes on the wall.

in the mean time the opposition begins to prepare for the next cycle...

It wasn't until I watched your show tonight that I realized, THIS PRESIDENCY IS ABOUT RACE or reverse racism an Barbara above says.

Before this show aired, I thought he won on merit...

Rob

No, Obama would have won anyway because it is time for a leader like him.

I love his politics,and his vision for this country, the united states of america, and for the world at large. President Obama,who is a person of great integrity and wisdom,will prove himself a great president for america, and a great leader for the rest of the world.America holds the cup of light to the world, and if this is the case, we needed to select the right individual into this very top position, where important decisions are made.

Pull-My-Finger...
I was not going to comment, but my conscience would not let me rest.

Obama being elected as President is a message of Hope. Hope that our children and their children will not have the hateful spirit you have displayed in your blog. A message of peace. A message of all/for all (Red, Yellow, Black, or White) being UNITED to serve our great Country.

It was a stepped towards Dr. Martin Luther King Dream being fulfilled.
---The dream of My Heavenly Father!!!
If you are a man of Faith. I would encourage you to pray for our newly elected leader. As my pastor teaches his congregration. This means pray for our president, our school principals, our Nation, our military leaders, etc.
Heck...Just Pray.

Just a word from a middle class African-American who has always been middle-of-the-road when it comes to politics.
---Educated enough to know that change does not come over night; possibly not in four years.

Highly Educated from the best Universities is Texas...Ph.D.
Trina

I believe he would have. The Bush factor was as strong as the economic problems. Any Republican was going to have a hard time this election when the party's president has a favorability rating of in the 20-30% range.

Obama is a hope for something different...and he's just so damned intelligent (and since when is that a bad thing in a president?).

Overall it was Obama's ability to grow on the American electorate as each day of the almost 2 years campaign brought various challenges which called for decisive measures. When the US was in talks with Iraq about a timeline withdrawal, he gave a timeline. Mac was missing in action. Before Bush agreed to send additional troops to Afghanistan, Obama made it an urgent issue. Time and time again depending upon the global,or political landscape he showed leadership qualities superior to his opponents. When Palin's pregnant daughter appeared on the campaign trail, he told us all, to not mess with families. It was a cumulative effect of smart sincere thoughts that set him up as the unfaltering image he has become before the walls of our financial streets came tumbling down. The economic\financial crisis was the icing on the cake that took almost 2 years to bake.

Yes, the economy helped Obama, but it was McCain's own responses, seeming out of touch, that gave Obama that edge. Obviously, the issue of race did not stop Obama, but age worked against McCain -- and the reason was McCain's choice of running mate and possible successor. I believe that most people did what I did and researched the facts. My research lead me to trust what Obama said more than McCain. But also, Obama's conduct in the election lead me to feel more than belief in what he said, I came to believe in him as the only candidate with the finesse, honor and fortitude to see this country through difficult times. The approach of the current administration has not worked and our standing in the world has continued to worsen. It was only Obama who expressed a willingness to present a new way of interacting with the world, even when the sound bites of his opponent criticized him, he remained true to his ideals, indicating there was more behind his thinking than the sound bites we repeatedly heard from the other side. Obama won because he offered what the country wanted. The country has spoken.

Yes, the economy was a critical factor with the following qualifications:
1) John McCain and Barack Obama conducted themselves, each in a manor (erratic vs. calmly) that enhanced the effect of the crisis on the electorate, thus generating bigger differences in the polls.
2) before the critical economic crisis dominated the news, Barack Obama was rated by the by registered voters as more capable of handling the economy.
3) Unrelated to the economy, but contributing to lower McCain ratings, was the continuing decline in registered voters' opinions of Sarah Palin.

Yes, I believe America wanted AND needed a change. In my opinion, President-elect Obama has already shown us that he has the ability to organize. Barack Obama's campaign brought out the youth of this nation, in numbers not seen for many years. I feel this is only the beginning....it doesn't take a department head to be a CEO, it takes someone who knows how to listen, to relate to issues, to organize, and to delegate....let us hope for blue and red peace!

Obama would not have won if there was not an economic crisis. In fact, the news hasn't even been telling us what is going on throughout the world. What about Syria? Syria has been blacklisted by Washington as a sponsor of terrorism and under continuous U.S. isolation. The biased media isn't covering that because McCain would have won if the public knew what's going on in our world.

Barack Obama would have won the election even if the economy hadn't tanked and certainly Oprah Winfrey's support had absolutely nothing to do with it. The country was ready for change, but not by just any change agent. His intelligence, his calm, even demeanor, his ability to inspire and the strategically brillian and organized campaign that he ran are the factors that drove people to vote for him. He owes a debt of gratitude to Hillary Clinton, too. The great primaries campaign she ran against him not only got Sen. Obama's dirty laundry (the Reverend Wright, Tony Rezko) out in the open and thoroughly dealt with before the election campaign, but it also helped him to set up his organization on the ground. His ability to raise enormous amounts of money was also an important factor and underlines again how much people wanted change. Finally, let's not forget Howard Dean's 50-state campaign which delivered at least 6 new Senate seats and 20 new House seats which will enable President-elect Obama to get his programs passed at a time when this country desparately needs for there not to be gridlock in Congress.

Senator Obama won because of Economy situation and the fact that he was the first African-American candidate. The more I watch TV the more I believe that this Presidential race was about RACISM. If he wasn't an African-American, he wouldn't win the election. So the Economy and the fact that he was the first African-American candidate helped him to win the election. I believe that last night there were two winners, one won the Presidential race the other one(senator McCain) won America’s heart and respect.

The economy was an issue well before the Wall Street meltdown. It was one of the silent underpinnings that has been creeping up the ladder for some time. It simply did not make a "news worthy” story until Wall Street because it did not affect enough people or the correct people. But do I think Obama won because of it in the eleventh hour? NO. Do I think many have been praying for a change ever since 2000? YES. And that prayer just got stronger and louder as the years went on. The wealth of a country does not trickle down. Much like the food chain something where small gets eaten by something bigger and something bigger on up the chain until you come to the apex predator in the ecosystem. The apex predatory then gains the benefit of everything that has been eaten down the chain, from the tiniest little critter in the chain up to the one he just ate. The economy starts with the minimum wage earner who’s work and productivity is used to funnel money up the chain through middle management and on to the top. People don’t like to think about in those terms but capitalism is a predatory system. Why else is it that companies seek places where they can get the same work for a cheaper price? They are looking to increase their margins. To take advantage of the fact that in a country that is euphemistically called developing they can pay a person less than what an American needs to survive in a week, for an entire month.

The economy was playing a role for a very long time, and it played a role in the election.
Just not in the way that was posed by the question. And it was not the only thing that caused people to in their gut crave a new approach.

I believe Barack Obama would have still won even if the financial crisis had not come to a head at the time that it did during the campaign. I believe people wanted a change and Obama, out of the two candidates, gave us the best chance for change and that's why the ordinary American voted for him. Also, when McCain chose Sarah Palin, he lost a lot of support not only from Independents but from his own party. I believe that was the reason for the low Republican voter turn out. Many Republicans did not like the choice their Party gave them and simply chose not to vote at all.

I never imagined their would be such an outpouring of emotion at Mr Obama's election. But then being white I don't think myself or any white person can truly understand what it means to a black person to have a black be elected the President of the US of A. I fervently hope all this exuberance will last and see us through the tough times ahead.

Shohreh, Senator McCain did not win my heart and respect last night. While it's true that he gave a very gracious concession speech last night, the way he spoke and acted during the entire campaign with now President-elect Obama was one of sleaze and the low road. And he insulted all of us when he selected Sarah Palin as his running mate. A person so eminently unqualified to be Vice-President with his being a 72-year old man who has had malignant melanoma 4 times! He may have said he put the country first, but if you look at what he did rather than what he said, it's obvious that he didn't and that he put his desire to win in front of everything else. As my father taught me early on, "Talk is cheap. Look at what people do, not what they say."

I see the Republican slime-machine follows Nightline, too. Haters, paranoid delusionals, bear-baiting racists no better than those who once beat, shot, tortured, and hanged black men (and boys like Emmet Till) to maintain their sense of power in a world they could not cope with without having someone (in their own twisted minds) to look down upon.
These people make themselves feel good by making other people feel bad. It's how they get through the day.
"Pull", the racist redneck who spews hate with every vile breath and "old lady", who must listen to right-wing talkers every waking hour to be that fearful are merely pathetic figures at this great moment in our history.

Yes, I believe the fincial crisis and failing economy did help Obama to get elected, along with huge help from liberal media and people like Oprah. It was easy to blame everything on Pres. Bush and all republicans... forgetting to realize other areas of govt. also make big decisions. And things like "de-regulation" started with the Clinton admin.
He (Obama) is quite charismatic and along with his perceived "blackness", which is weird, as he is hardly a typical black, many seem to look to him as almost a God figure or a person who will save them from their miserable life's state. Unfortunately he will be limited in what he can do for a time.
I believe that if circumstances were different,or if Obama were white, he would not have been able to pull it off. I believe his speaking ability gives him an edge, but that alone is not enough.
Time will tell if he really has enough experience and character to lead in this difficult time.
Timing, and celebrity backing have put him in this position and he'll need many prayers to succeed.
I'm glad that Sen. McCain has offered to help in any way and hope that Obama will accept his gracious offer. McCain has great wisdom and fortitude and could be invaluable in some areas.
I wish Obama and his family well and hope he looks to The Lord for guidance...he'll need it.
At least now for a while Republicans won't be blamed for everything...

Just a quip…I find it funny that so many people decry a chicken in every pot and similar things but I don’t know anyone who sends their social security checks back or who says..."Aahh heck I’ve got enough money I don’t need Medicare or Medicaid." Not even people whom financially do not need the safety net.

Ok I gotta say this…Obama was not elected solely by the “black” vote. Numerically is simply is not possible. And lets not forget Iowa. Even if every black person in the U.S. that was eligible to vote, voted they simply are not a large enough segment of the population to elect anyone on their own. If they were Jessie Jackson would have won years ago.

If there were no economic meltdown, if Palin had captured Bin Laden while helicopter hunting, if McCain had a invented an alternative energy source, if the Pope had declared Obama a secret Muslim and if Iraq had paid off our national debt - Obama would have won.

It's the difference between adequate and excellent. No brain-er.

The statement written above by Jana could as easily have been written by myself. She is "spot on" correct. I honestly believe that the downward spiraling economy caused middle-class Americans who are frightened out of their wits over the market's crash, to shift to a liberal Obama. Now that it's all over, Congress must work with Obama if he is to acheive any success. I hope the American electorate holds their Senator's and Congressmen/women's
collective feet to the fire. So often, Americans seem to forget that it's the Congress that passes laws and appropriates funds...not the President.

To state that President Elect Barack Obama would not have won without the economic crisis isn't accounting for the failure of the Republican party to acknowledge/respect the middle class. I believe the economic crisis was an eye opener to those who believed that they mattered.

Move on. There was a financial meltdown and Obama did win.

End of story.

We have enough ahead of us that deserves all of our attention.

Yes.
The economy or not McCain's ineptness would have come through in the end. How do you hide or ignore Palin? How do you hide or ignore the lurching, bipolar McCain Campaign?

It wasn't the economy it was McCain's move to solidify, and appease the right that was his doom. Simply put, McCain campaigned as someone he had campaigned against most of his career.

We can only guess whether or not Obama would have won if there had been no economic meltdown, but I know I would still have voted for Obama.

I honestly don't believe that there was/is anything that would have caused me to vote for the republicans.

With or without the economic crisis, Obama won fair & square.

Ok American Idol candidate ... let's see whatcha got now! The fluff is over so let's get down to substance. Hey ESPN - I watch your channel to hear about sports .. NOT presidential candidates so let's get over it and move on. Time to face the music - like I said "let's see whatcha got"!

This question is now useless, except to keep the hate going around the loss and the election of one candidate over another.

Sadly, there could be much more informative use of your views time, and all we Americans get are these tabloid questions.

Too bad nightline has devolved into "Anna Nicole" journalism.

The corporations that own this station appear to have little regard for their viewers or their nation with these kinds of questions, which are designed to keep us divided. Yawn.

We all know what happends when you pull a finger... Smelly hot air is released. But no harm can come from it.
The economy was/is the deal. But what next?
The response to "what next" is the more frightning. Obamas' response to wall streets "crisis" was seen as steadfast.
McCain had to check in first with Dubbya and then was nervously scurring back to the S.O.S.
It wasn't the "crisis" but the reaction to it.
That said...
I do think had Obama run on his "white half"... he'd have lost.
That's the sad thing. IF "American-Africans" were really voting for the most qualified half-white guy, the count would have been different. I think racism played out, But it was Barrack who played them against themselves. Amazingly, no one took notice of it. Proving... There IS hope.
We're just too stupid to get past the brainwashing. Hey PMF, Is everyone named George a King, or Chris a conquerer? Maybe we should ban the name Adolph. Your comments are the hogwash, that is... The dirty, smelly, disgusting muddy water that does nothing for the pig but make HIM happy. Enjoy yourself.

Two things helped him win - 1) Sarah Palin's newness wore off and people saw her for what she really was 2) the negative campaign techniques of the Republicans. People were never more tired of the negative campaigning than in this election and most all of that information came from the McCain side.

This is a waste of time question. Because we'll never know. Let's ask a better one... Would Bush have won a second term if not for 9/11?

Let's use our energy's to work now to solve the complex and long list of problems left by the Bush & the Republicans.

First-time 60 year old voters.

Ignorant voters - see Howard Stern video

Obama was elected for one reason: He is black and a black President would be a first and make history. Naturally, every breathing black in the country voted for him as did the 18-29 year-old airheads who follow anything remotely resembling a rebel from the mainstream.
Fools fool themselves all the time. He had no experience, nothing remarkable aside from the fraud, corruption and lying he did, so what other reason could there be?

Now watch. He won't be able to deliver on any of those unrealistic campaign promises and he'll blame everything on the administrations before him. Typical.

P.S. Obama, can you share some of the illegal campaign funds with Michelle so she can buy a decent dress? She looked like a giant black widow spider on election night.

LOL, Jivan.

I couldn't figure out WHAT she had on? It looked like a Halloween costume. Man, she is going to need some major make-over. She's ugly, terrible bottom-heavy figure, thick legs and horrible taste. Dressing a little girl in black??????

Jivan:

Your right. I'll bet Michelle's bite can KILL, too. Hope she bites Barack.

I think he would have won regardless, that McCain finished as close as he did was a miracle. Elitist on both sides did a marverlous job at trying to destroy Palin but it was Palin who got McCain many of the votes that made it as close as it was. Both candidates should crawl in a hole for the way they punched a sitting President and let no one forget that now that the time to put up or shut up has come we now see the President elect back peddling on some of the promises he made when campaigning. Obama made a point to go after wall street but never mentioned that many of his Democratic leaders were up to their eyeballs in Freddie and Fannie cash while he himself was a big receiver of tax payer money via these two firms for his campaign.

I hope and pray that President our Legislatures will work together for common cause and I certainly hope that in difficult times that they will not sabatoge others, speak ill of our country all for the sake of winning elections.

Absolutely, President-Elect Obama would have won the election despite the economy.

Why? because Barack Obama and his campaign
won the Presidency with character, intelligence, integrity, honesty, discipline and hard working supporters.

Americans want Change in all aspects of our government and how it affects their lives, healthcare, equality, fairness, jobs, education, and international respect and communication for peace.

McCain could not have won tied as he was to Bush and Cheney. And then McCain made his bed when he chose Palin.
for failure

Obama won for his ability to seduce the people. With The power of suggestion, his smooth motivational speeches, code words and intense advertisments and propaganda and constant repitition.

He took the people down, then brought them up, then pumped them up. he told them what their problems were, told them what they needed, he told them what they wanted. Until they beleive that was their feelings and Ideas. Using their personal lives and problems of the times to play their minds.

He gave them a common enemy, Blaming everything wrong in their lives on bush the government, McCain and the republican party.

He made up stories to fit into their lives like he was one of them and knew how they felt and what they needed. No cared about them besides him. no one could help them but him. He was their arc and the only one who could help them and change government.

He used fear to guide them, Threatening if they did not choose him their lives would get worse. With him only change will come and they would have a better life.

Progressively and in a timely manner working their minds, pumping them up to beleive he was the one. He was what they needed to make their lives great.

Now he will use the same to take you down, lower your expectations, of the things he promised you.

Then resort to the same efforts to talk you into something new.

The power of playing minds.

Ultimately I believe Barrack Obama ~Mr. President~ would have won! Because of his fine composure and eloquence, combined with his thirst for knowledge. He appears to be One not easily ruffled, which shows great self control. His ability to listen and seek council from many perspectives combined with, a longing in his heart for the betterment of human kind and a love for his country of plenty, of which he acknowledges the world depends, so he must assure our Greatness! Also this country is in desperate need of healing from it's past, and seeks a promise of a future! We needed a person that could represent our country with dignity to reestablish trust and respect from All. Obama can create a new confidence to make up for our Leaders' ignorant mistakes! The real test shall come, whether or not America and her people can handle It's growing pains! OBAMA for America!

I collected endorsements at

http://obamaendorsements.blogspot.com

People and organizations endorsed Obama because of his temperment, his policies, and because of Sarah. These would have all remained the same without the economic meltdown.

That being said, this is a poor question intended to undermine the legitimacy of Obama's election. It is divisive, and as with the election, works to undermine the effectiveness of his administration during a time when we need to come together, Republicans and Democrats, to fix this country.

You are not serving your constituency well.

Obama won because of his temperament, background, calm deliberation in a crisis, and obvious capability. McCain, on the other hand appeared impulse/reaction-driven and possibly even bellicose, raising the question of whether his experience with war would be used to involve us in more wars and possibly even the use of the military draft. Obama appears focused on peace and on unifying the country, McCain on divisiveness and conflict. These opinions are strictly my own.

The economy has been spiraling downward for years...It was the war, the economy, McCain's erratic ideas, Palin's blatant inexperience...Obama has the steadiness and intelligence the country needs...

Yes of course it was the economy!! But it also was the fact that he was African American (a white man would not have gotten to first base!), the endorsement of Oprah, the negative effect of the Bush administration, and the sinfully large of amount of money he spent, etc., etc., etc. John McCain was and is far more qualified but did not have a prayer of winning.

I hope all the hero worshippers who voted for him will be just as excited in eight years (yes, he will be reelected!) as they are today. After he has taxed us to death, brought us a whole new set of enemies (the far more dangerous kind!), conspired with our current enemies, etc.

Good luck to us all. We'll need it!

Sen. Obama would have won anyway because of his brain power.

Without the economy being an issue, I think the election would have been a lot closer than it turned out and McCain would have had a better chance.
I question the timing of this economic meltdown. It happened at a perfect time to favor Obama. Is this coincidence or is there something (someone) behind the scenes, driving this to give Obama the edge?

President-elect Obama would have been elected even without the Wall Street financial crisis.

People across America are hurting financially as the cost of living rose due to increases in gasoline, groceries, etc.; were loosing their jobs being shipped overseas; were having their Constitutional rights trampled by the Bush Admin; were being spied on by their government; were either not covered by health ins. or were seeing their premiums and deductibles go up for medical and drug expenses; energy costs were going up steadily due to deregulation of that industry.

Not to mention, our federal deficit was growing exponentially due to the Iraq war where too many of our soldiers were being killed. We saw our government abandon the Geneva Conventions and torture prisoners. We saw prisoners lose any right to counsel and a fair trial. We saw our America falling to a dictatorship environment.

In addition, people are sick of the Bush Admin and the Republicans pushing their agendas down the publics's throats.

Yes, President-elect Obama WOULD have been elected regardless of the Wall Street financial crisis caused, yet again, by the Republicans and deregulation. Americans are not stupid and not blind...we can see our country going down the drain and want a REAL leader, President-elect Obama, to help us put our country back to peace, prosperity and respect internationally.

It’s been an epic struggle, through both the Republican and the Democratic primary to the national election; Democrat Barack Obama's was a hard fought victory. The protracted presidential race was also a huge distraction from the very real problems, which stem from a myriad of past political and economic blunders. Lets hope President Obama will be bigger on solutions, than he is on rhetoric.

The Alaska girl & the US Navy guy would have been by far and away the better choice. But, either way you’re being misled. Mr. Obama inherits markets that will not rebound; they know the bailout does not address the fundamental reasons: rampant corruption, illegal immigration, and a dependence on foreign oil, that there is a problem. Simply put, the bailout is good money after bad. Demand accountability? Not our politicians: http://theseedsof9-11.com

In the words of one prominent banker: We want to be free! We want to be free to do what we want to do. We want to be free to ride. We want to be free to ride our machines without being hassled by The Man! And we want to get loaded. And we want to have a good time. And that's what we’re going to do. We’re going to have a good time. We’re going to have a party. Actually, that’s from the 1966 movie The Wild Angels. It may as well be a current economic indicator though.

A very wise Christian Black lady told me years ago: "You don't have to be white to be a racist." Thank you for your service U.S. Veteran, but you should not drink the Kool-Aid!