It's Obama

Democratic Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois became the first African-American to win a United States presidential election Tuesday night in a dramatic victory over Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona, capping off a 21-month campaign that included defeating former first lady Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primary.

Obama, 47, joined Vice President-elect Joe Biden of Delaware in celebrating the victory at an election-night party at Grant Park in Chicago, Ill., with 100,000 ticket holders in attendance. As many as 1 million other constituents filled the streets to mark the occasion.

With late poll numbers forecasting a five- to 10-point victory, Obama lived up to the predictions, soundly defeating McCain and his running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, in several key battleground states, including Ohio and New Mexico, which tipped early Tuesday night toward the Democratic ticket.

In Winsted, Obama beat McCain by more than five percentage points, 50.9 percent to 45.3 percent, or 2,620 to 2,340. Laurel City native and repeat independent candidate Ralph Nader fared better here than across the nation, earning 3.5 percent of the hometown vote with 185 votes.

Following an intense primary season, Obama and McCain reviewed their differences in three debates leading up to the election, with Obama saying he intends to increase taxes for Americans making more than $250,000 per year, while providing rebates and income tax reductions for those making less than $200,000. The candidates differed on strategies for health-care reform in the country and on whether United States military action in Iraq was the prudent action following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

McCain traveled to seven states Monday, giving a scripted stump speech at each location and declaring he would win the presidency.

"The pundits have written us off, as they’ve done before, and my opponent is measuring the drapes in the White House," he said. "They may not know it, but the Mac is back!"

Meanwhile, Republicans launched a last-minute barrage of attack advertisements on cable news networks, branding Obama as an agent of hatred because of his association with the Rev. Jeremiah Wright.

Obama’s final campaign speech in Manassas, Va., struck a more optimistic tone.

"I just want to say that whatever happens tomorrow, I have been deeply humbled by this journey," the senator said. "You have welcomed Michelle and me into your homes. You have shared your stories of struggle. And you’ve spoken of your dreams. Along the way, in talking with all of you about your own lives, you have enriched mine. You have moved me. You have inspired me. And you have filled me with new hope for our future.

"In the places I’ve gone and the people I’ve met, I have been struck again and again by the fundamental decency, and generosity, and dignity of men and women who work hard without complaint to meet their responsibilities every day."

Throughout the evening Tuesday, television news networks became increasingly willing to hint at a victory for Obama, without officially projecting it. Between 9 and 10 p.m., the McCain campaign’s chances were described as "an uphill battle," but as states came in for Obama, CNN quoted McCain campaign aides as saying there was "no path to victory," given the circumstances.

A bit of comic relief came from Comedy Central’s Stephen Colbert shortly after 10 p.m. on Tuesday, when Colbert and fellow comedy news host Jon Stewart announced Connecticut was showing a victory for Obama by a two to one margin.

"This is a betrayal of Joseph Lieberman," Colbert cracked. "I don’t know where people from Connecticut could have learned such disloyal behavior."

The television news networks and blogs erupted shortly after 11 p.m., when CNN officially projected Obama would be the next president of the United States. Twenty minutes later, McCain delivered his concession speech in Phoenix, Ariz.

"A lost election will never mean more to me than the privilege of your faith and friendship," McCain told disappointed supporters. "I don’t know what more we could have done to try to win this election. I’ll leave that to others to determine. Every candidate makes mistakes and I’m sure I made my share of them. But I won’t spend a moment of the future regretting what might have been. This campaign was and will remain the great honor of my life."

In Washington, D.C., hundreds gathered outside the White House to celebrate the Obama victory, waving American flags and carrying red, white and blue balloons.

Wire services reported that President George W. Bush called Obama late Tuesday to congratulate him.

"Mr. President-elect, congratulations to you. What an awesome night for you, your family and your supporters. Laura and I called to congratulate you and your good bride," White House spokeswoman Dana Perino quoted Bush as telling Obama. "I promise to make this a smooth transition. You are about to go on one of the great journeys of life. Congratulations and go enjoy yourself."

At midnight, President-elect Obama took to the stage with his family at Barack Obama headquarters in Chicago’s Grant Park, with more than 100,000 people cheering him on.

"If there’s 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," Obama said.

"There is new energy to harvest, new jobs to be created, new schools to build, threats to meet and alliances to repair," the president-elect continued. "The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year, or even in one term, but America, I have never been more hopeful that we will get there."

Obama’s speech was delivered not just to Americans but to people around the world.

"The new dawn of American leadership is at hand," he said. "To those who would tear the world down, we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security, we support you."

The most recent national vote totals at press time were 63,042,806 for Obama and 55,821,650 for McCain.