Obama+and+Minorities

It quickly became evident that Barack Obama's election was in part due to large amounts of support from generally under-represented groups, such as young voters, African Americans, and other minorities. Exit polls revealed that, of voters under 30, almost 70 percent voted for Obama. McCain only managed to win in the 65 and over age group. General dissatisfaction with George W. Bush gave many young voters a greater desire to change the course of the country, and record numbers of young and first-time voters were registered. This election was remembered for its huge turnout of 61% of the eligible population, a percentage not seen since 1960 (John F. Kennedy). Many waited in long lines, even in rough weather, to vote. Of newly registered voters, exit polls suggest that 72 percent voted for Obama. Similar patterns followed with ethnic groups: 96 percent of blacks, 67 percent of Latinos, and 63 percent of Asians voted for Obama. Although some of this may be attributed to Obama's more liberal stance on immigration, it is most often thought that these groups voted for Obama because he is the youngest and first African American president. Let it not be thought, however, that race and age offset the role of political issues in the election, because it was found that there were large divisions between voters concerned with the Iraq war or health care (tending to vote for Obama), and terrorism (tending to vote for McCain). Given a relatively even split between voters who said that race was a major factor for them, it seems that race was by far not the primary issue. Nonetheless, voting bodies such as the young or African Americans are considered responsible for winning several "red states" for Obama, such as Virginia, which had not been won by a Democratic President for 44 years.

One very large, often under-represented group that Obama did not directly win support from was women. This group largely supported Hilary Clinton before the primary elections, who was Obama's opponent. Winning women voters was a major focus for both parties throughout the election, because many Hillary Clinton supporters gravitated towards John McCain and his maverick of a running mate Sarah Palin. The lack of any women on Obama's ticket drove away many voters concerned with such an issue. Although Clinton's endorsement of Obama during the general elections helped him gain female voters, gaining female voters was a major focal point of campaigning, especially as the election drew nearer. (Obama later appointed Hillary Clinton to Secretary of State, a decision saitisfying to many displeased Clinton supporters..)

Obama's election to President led to somewhat of a social revolution. In America, African Americans and other minorities were inspired by the idea that an African American man could find the support to become president, and that America was ready to elect him as such. Comparisons were drawn to Nelson Mandela's election to president of South Africa, and people noted that in general, the world has not had very many good black leaders. It was hailed as a landmark in racial relations, providing a message many received as confirmation that blacks or other minorities are capable of achieving leadership positions or other weighty jobs, that "you can do it too". It seemed that Obama's famous campaign slogans, such "Yes we can" and "Hope," were now validated. The phrase "My President is Black" became a popular slogan as well as a hip-hop single. media type="youtube" key="Ffh9xDf2S9c" height="312" width="384" align="right"

The impact of the election, however, was not limited to America. Many African republics were inspired by the acceptance found in America, especially in countries such as South Africa, where a brutal apartheid held Africans at inferior positions for decades. The election results were met with celebration all over the world, from Tokyo classrooms, to Brazilian households, to German senates, to the small town in rural Kenya where Barack Obama's father grew up. Many were instilled with hope for the improvement of racial relations, a decrease in hatred, and restoration of positive relations between America and other countries, especially France. In fact, the expectations of change brought about simply by Barack Obama's election grew to be almost ridiculous at points. For example, six candidates of local elections in Brazil all had their names legally changed to Barack Obama (they all lost).

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Works Consulted:

Allimadi, Milton. “Obama: Anti-typical African President.” Editorial. Black Star News 23 Nov. 2008: n. pag. Black Star News. Web. 21 Feb. 2011. . “At black colleges, students rejoice.” The Charlotte Observer 6 Nov. 2008: n. pag. Charlotte Observer.com. Web. 21 Feb. 2011. . Cox, Derby. “Obama’s Win Due In Part To Youth.” CBS News: Politics. CBS, 6 Nov. 2008. Web. 17 Feb. 2011. . Goodman, Ellen. “Women Voters Not Moved By Palin Choice For Ticket.” The Houston Chronicle 15 Nov. 2008: n. pag. Chron.com. Web. 24 Feb. 2011. . Neuger, James G. “Obama’s Win Raises Expectations of Poor, Minorities .” Bloomberg. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Feb. 2011. . Przybyla, Heidi. “Obama Won Without Voter-Turnout Surge Experts Had Predicted.” Bloomberg. N.p., 2 Dec. 2008. Web. 24 Feb. 2011. . Strange, Hannah. “First time voters break for Obama as polls close.” The Times [London] 4 Nov. 2008: n. pag. The Times Online. Web. 21 Feb. 2011. . Von Kanel, Joe, and Hal Quinley. “ Exit polls: Obama wins big among young, minority voters.” CNN Politics.com. CNN, 4 Nov. 2008. Web. 17 Feb. 2011. .