Click Here if You Are Looking for President Obama’s Inaugural Address.
Otherwise … enjoy the victory speech:
(Source: Fox News)
PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK OBAMA: 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.
Its the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference.
Its the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled – Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America.
Its the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.
Its 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.
I just received a very gracious call from Senator McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and hes fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him and Governor Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nations promise in the months ahead.
I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware, the Vice President-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.
I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last sixteen years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nations next First Lady, Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy thats coming with us to the White House. And while shes no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure.
To my campaign manager David Plouffe, my chief strategist David Axelrod, and the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics – you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what youve sacrificed to get it done.
But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to – it belongs to you.
I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didnt start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington – it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston.
It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give five dollars and ten dollars and twenty dollars to this cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generations apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth. This is your victory.
I know you didnt do this just to win an election and I know you didnt do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime – two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us. There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how theyll make the mortgage, or pay their doctors bills, or save enough for college. There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair.
The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America – I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you – we as a people will get there.
There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who wont agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government cant solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way its been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years – block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.
What began twenty-one months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek – it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you.
So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, its that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers – in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people.
Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House – a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, We are not enemies, but friends…though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn – I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too.
And 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 our world – our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down – we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security – we support you. And to all those who have wondered if Americas beacon still burns as bright – tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.
For that is the true genius of America – that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.
This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one thats on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. Shes a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing – Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.
She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldnt vote for two reasons – because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.
And tonight, I think about all that shes seen throughout her century in America – the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we cant, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.
At a time when womens voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.
When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.
When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.
She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that We Shall Overcome. Yes we can.
A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can.
America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves – if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?
This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time – to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth – that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we cant, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:
Yes We Can. Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.
It was one of the best speech that I have not heard for ages.
President-Elect Barack Obama did wonderful job with his victory speech to make sure that he was count to all the people who vote yesterday or past several weeks when the advantage vote was present.
It was wonderful story that he talk about 106 years old lady standing in line to cast her vote. It inspired to all of us to think about what it was most moveable speech in my time.
THERE WAS NOTHING IN THIS SPEECH, ABOUT RESTORING THE CONSTITUTION, THE BILL OF RIGHTS, ITS THE SAME THING HE HAS BEEN SAYING ALL ALONG NOTHING. HE WANTS THE POOR PEOPLE OF AMERICA TO ROLL UP THEIR SELVES AND WORK HARDER SO THE GOVERNMENT CAN HAVE MORE MONEY TO WAST,THE ONLY CHANGE YOU ARE GOING TO GET IS THE PENNIES THAT FALL OUT OF RICH’S POCKETS.—- THIS WHAT OBAMA SAID”I WILL ASK YOU JOIN IN THE WORK OF (REMAKING) THIS NATION”—– THIS NATION IS A (CONSTITUTIONAL REPUBLIC)AND DOSE NOT NEED REMAKING IT NEEDS TO BE (“RESTORED”) BACK TO WHAT MADE IT THE ENDIVE OF THE WORLD.
RICHARD… learn how to spell.
I thought the Speech was AMAZING; there was not a dry eye in the house where I had seen it. We Did It America, we made history! Now it is time for everyone to roll up their sleeves, especially our new president. I think he is going to wow the nation, and the whole world.
Note: “To those who would tear this world down – we will defeat you.”
Not Us, but the world… It’s been along time coming for America to have a president with this outlook. He is going to unite this country, and the whole world!
Yes We Can, Yes We Did!
It was a good speech, hopefully a preview of an even greater one on January 20, 2009.
This country needs a good speech. We need inspiration, which generally precedes the perspiration that must follow if we are to get this nation’s economy back on track.
I like the sound of “the United States of America.” I hope we can hear it used more frequently by our political leadership both Left and Right.
Liberals must never again let Conservatives define who they are; and Conservatives must reexamine their role as Liberal dragon slayer. Conservatives need to find a message that inspires all of us if they ever want to be successful again. I suggest they work
hard on this. As a first step, they could do well to re-read President Reagan’s script, obviously one that was studied assiduously by President-elect Obama and his strategic team.
I am from Holland but i was very moved by his speech. I envy the obama-believers who live in the USA.
I wish i could have a chance in my lifetime to follow a great man like him from closeby.
Fantastic speech,
Mr.Presdent,Change has really came to this planet not only to the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Wow! I AM KENYAN, and I have not heard of such an awesome speech in recent times.Hope his leadership will be as awesome .
A speech might not be powerful then an act,but Mr.President of the United States really made a speech that make me believe…believe there will be a brighter future,an united and peaceful world.
His speech not only shake the land of Chicago,but deep down in my heart even i live in Malaysia.
Can war be ended?
Can terrorism be stopped?
Can economic crisis be resolved?
I hope Barack Obama or the Mr.President can fulfill the promise that he made.
President Obama, I am ready to serve a United States of America. Tell us what to do to be a great nation once again. We are ready and waiting for your direction and leadership. Don’t let us down.
The BEST SPEECH EVER!!!! Obama Made HISTORY!!
Bien Obama…grandioso discurso !!
we are all together !!
RICHARD, YOU ARE A BIGOT AND A DORK.
maria on November 5th victory sppech of President elect Barack Obama
He (Barack Obama) give hope to all the people not only americans but all races, I believe that great CHANGE will come to America. This is the moment we have been waiting for…yes we can!
Obama is the man the world needs right now What he represents is beyond race, religion, social and economic class, ideologies and concepts. We are all ONE BIG HUMAN RACE AND WE HAVE ONLY ONE EARTH. It is a speech filled with the hopes and graciousness of the human race.
That is the ugliest dress I have ever seen.
Obama’s speech has given HOPE not only to the US nation but for all mankind as well! It’s an eye opener that a country will not attain its goals by one man: but by the joined minds and hands of the whole country!
CONGRATULATIONS to the American people for doing a great job on your election!
YES WE ALL CAN!
DEAR MR OBAMA,
WE ALL LOVE YOU!
FIRST YOU ARE STILL YOUNG, AND THEN YOU ARE ENERGETIC.
WE ALL HOPE YOU CAN CHANGE THE UNITED STATES, CHANGE THE WORLD.
TO STOP THE UNLAWFUL WAR, TO STOP THE UNFAIR TRADING BETWEEN NATIONS, TO STOP THE ECONOMY INVASION.
MAKE THIS WORLD PEACEFUL AND FAIR.
The audacity of hope personified!!!! What an inspiring, moving and sober speech spoken with passion and conviction.
Many of us thank God that all this happened in our lifetime. I’m a mother of a son whose birth-right is American. I’m Zimbabwean but lived in the USA for over 28 years before moving back home. The decision to move back to my country of birth was so that I could give my son a firm footing. So that he could grow up with people of color in high positions (the Mandela’s of the motherland) and aspire to be like them and know that he wouldn’t be limited because of the color of his skin. That was the choice I made over 12 years ago. My son is now 15 and has witnessed history being made. No longer are the American role models limited to the atheletes, movie stars and God forbid, street dealers….but the highest public office is now well within reach for many of our sons and daughters.
My prayer is that God use Barack Obama, in this very visible post, to His glory. Well done Mr President Elect – Well done United States of America…You can, and You did!
trapper, you are such a douchebag.
who gives a crap about her dress?
she’s a beautiful black woman, with a beautiful black husband and two beautiful black daughters.
if martin luther king were alive today, he would weep tears of joy to see what has happened.
a black family is the first family. it’s unbelievable.
it’s literally the most beautiful thing i’ve ever seen in my life.
never mind that he’s president (although it’s a very good thing, i like his policies and ideas) but strictly from a racial point of view, this is the victory that should make even the reddest of rednecks ashamed.
they did it. and because they did it, black persons anywhere and everywhere know for sure that they can do it.
I have a dream, said Mr King.
i’d like to think that dream has kind of come true now.
God bless humanity, regardless of our race.
he made us all perfect in body if not in soul.
rednecks, remember this. a black person will find love in God’s arms just as much as a white or an asian or an hispanic person would.
God bless the Obamas.
I’m so very very proud to be part-American.
PEACE & LOVE FOR OBAMA xxxxx
i love u obama
LOVE TO LUCILE
oh yeah obama!!!!
ouech jenna
ENORME
Congratulations…,The task is a difficult one but i know you will be up it.Beautiful speech, ‘And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn – I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too’. This is what America needs now, a president who is ready to listen to the voices of all.
Richard….you’re such an idiot!
President Barack Obama is the GREATEST inspiration of this Generation. He has thought me to believe in my self and see no IMPOSSIBILITY at all…
We Nigerians love and adore you Barack
This is your destiny and life. Live it to the fullest. The Whole World is waiting for that CHANGE you Preach.
This is the greatest Speech of all times
it’s simply icredible…..!! we african particulary ivoirian are proud of barack just because he proved to the world that we african can also take the lead,and we are not only born just to be slave or back…thanks lord and once again save obama………….
YES WE CAN,,,
Yes you made it happin Mr. Obama, you have made history that will remain for ever and now its the time to work hard and make the changes that you could… we will support you because we belive in you.
It was a great speech from a great man, that you have moved emotions of millions of people around the earth
God Bless you
“Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen” this is what prayer can do. The world has waited patiently for this day and God had to choose a humble, gracious man to lead US to the promise land. Oh, it’s a mighty good thing to be chosen by God. God Bless you President Obama and God Bles America.
we have strong hope and confidence in u Obama, and we pray that God will change the World through u. we LOVE u Obama
HALLELUJAH – WE OVERCAME. This is a REVELATION from GOD AND OUR FOREFATHERS/MOTHERS NOT MAN NOR THE POLITICIANS. 40 YEARS IS SIGNIFICANT – MOSES WENT INTO WILDERNESS – AND GOD REVEALED HIS MESSAGE TO HIM. WE TOO ARE IN THE WILDERNESS. PRAY, KEEP THE FAITH AND HOPE, NOT ONLY FOR TODAY FOR FOUR YEARS!
HISTORIC EVENT AND WITH ALL OF US WORKING TOGETHER WE WILL ACHIEVE! BELIEVE!! AMERICA DOES NOT BELONG TO PRESIDENT OBAMA – IT BELONG TO ALL OF US. HE CAN’T AND WILL NOT DO THIS ALONE. HE IS OUR LEADER – LET’S LIFT HIM UP POSITIVELY!
The Best speech of all times….even better than Winston Churchill’s
We are very happy for your new President. We are sure he can change America and still have good influence in our country. Italy needs a change like this of USA!
We are celebrating this great man and the beginning of a new era, so we share with you this incredible moment.
Wish the best to President Obama and USA!
Congrats to Obama!
This change has been coming for a long time. We, as a nation, can see a change. Trust me, anything is better that what George W. has put us through. Obama’s speech was beautiful and inspiring. He will not change the US in a few months. Hell, it will take at least 4 terms to undo this mess. I can tell my daughter that whe was born in the year that history was made. Even though Republican (whites) may not accept him, but we (Black, WHites, Hispanic, Latinos, …) have his back. I represent the middle class democrat and hopefully, we can get help also. And for Michelle’s outfit on election night, it was hideous. But she is just like us, representing the middle class. I think Michelle is going to be “THE BOMB” for the inauguration. Michelle is definitely a Black American. My family loves the OBAMAS. Matter of fact, I have on my husband’s Obama’s shirt at work today. I’m going to get my own with the Obama Family on it. Oh, Richard, you are a stupid idiot.
What a FANTASTIC day!
President Elect Obama is a man of such great inspiration!
We in Australia and I am sure the rest of the world alike are extremely happy that the US has elected Obama – a real opportunity for change has begun!
We love that the world is able to hope again!
Yes we can!
booooooooooo
richard you need to get a grip and sort yourself out (also sort out ur spelling)…
i love obama.
i live in london (england) and i love Obama and am behind everything he is wanting to do for america/the world.
he is an inspiration.
im so glad that finally some hope has been injected into the world.
God bless Obama!=)
Knowing well that he needs the Americans support, thats the most important things and admitting that he will listen to them especially when they disagree thats important and being open with them when they are facing difficulties let them give him the support he needs to try even though he admits that it might not take a year or even a term to achieve his goals with the support and prayers he can achieve alot after reading from his background he is a destined child.
THANK YOU!
YES WE CAN… ALSO IN ITALY!!!
Anyone who can comment on Dress at this significant time of hope and healing just ‘doesn’t get it’.
Barack Obama is more complex than any first impression could ever suggest. Listening to… Saying what he mean and meaning what he says is always worth time spending.Choosing Obama is embracing a new great LIFE.
Thank You, yes we can !! Philippines
Manolito Palustre Baciles
University Scholar
Democratic Family in the Philippines
I am truly overjoyed for at how history has been written. There was a shift that took place on November 4, 2008. Everyone from the United States to all cresents of the earth will always remember that moment in time at 11 pm EST. The task that is before Mr. Obama will be trying. There will be some great days and there will be some not so great days. We all have the responsibilty to help he with this country becoming the power house that it once was. We all have to unite and pray for him daily. Ask God to renew is mind, give him strength, and most allow him to STAND. Stand for what is right and just for the American people and people across this great nation. Mr. President the prayers of the righteous availeth much…and we were able to see that everyone was ready for CHANGE. Lets pray that the will of God will lead him, the blood of God will protect him, and that favor of God will add new blessings. YES WE CAN…and…YES WE DID!!!
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Watch your thoughts, for they become words…
Watch your words, for they become actions…
Watch your actions, for they become habits…
Watch your habits, for they become character…
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny…
-Ajaan Chah
hi,
I am very happy for his winning , but i want to tell him something alone, can somebody out there help me connect to him, am in Nigeria
As an American abroad, I am today, more than ever, proud to be AMERICAN!!!
Politicians from all the world have much to learn from Obama’s victory speech.
Let’s hope they follow his example and work for the good of their country.
GOD BLESS AMERICA; GOD BLESS OBAMA!!!