Comments on: Squawkback: Anything surprise you about the U.S. Election?

By: Mylo

Mylo — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 09:38:56 +0000

No real surprises there.

By: Bonnie

Bonnie — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 19:19:21 +0000

I second Consciously Frugal’s points. I live in Missouri, which, not counting provisional ballots that are still being counted, went for McCain by only 5000 votes. So, we we were almost a blue state…my co-worker is calling us a ‘purple state’. So, I’m proud of my state for *almost* transforming itself. I was surprised by the huge crowds waiting to hear for election results all over the world…it just showed how much was really at stake this time around. I surprised by how hopeful I am that Obama will really make good on his promises–if we don’t expect unrealistic overnight changes.

By: ConsciouslyFrugal

ConsciouslyFrugal — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 23:51:11 +0000

1. I wish I could say I was surprised that Prop 8 passed (Californian here), but the No on Prop 8 campaign was unbelievably HORRID. And the Pro on Prop Hate campaign was so deceptive, it was bound to pass.

2. I’m also surprised by the lack of awareness of candidate’s platforms. People seem to vote based on rhetoric, which is kinda scary.

3. That we did it and it was so emotional. Barack Hussein Obama. A majority in the Senate. It feels good to be an American again. Now we’ll have to see if he and the legislature can take this crap sandwhich they’ve been left and do something worthwhile with it.

In the end, I’m mostly just excited that the corrupt adminstration that stole two elections (we never voted for him people!) is finally on his way out. It’s been nearly a decade with that…anyway, thank God, it’s a new day.

By: Treva

Treva — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 12:34:43 +0000

I’m glad someone else posted my thoughts (too sick this week to be on top of things), so thank you Marci. I live in VA which went blue this year, in part b/c of my vote!! Yay! However, I was solely disappointed standing in the lines listening to people mumble under their breath. Both men, one white muttering about not voting for any black man and one black muttering about praising the Lord that a brother was finally going to see the office. My opinion — both were extremely ignorant to say such things! Obama’s color does not matter and as Marci reminded us, he’s got quite a mix in him. I feel for those who think that because he’s black and they’re black that he will relate to them. Here’s some news: he doesn’t see color. Like he said in one of speeches, we are not just red states and blue states, we are the United States. I believe it is his geneological mix that will be to our benefit; he is someone who can unite us on a clear purpose — something the US hasn’t seen since WWII.

When I see Obama speak, I’m reminded of some other great speakers. Namely, John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. I am moved, inspired, awe-struck when he speaks. I am proud that the man voted into office is a man who expects Americans to sacrifice for their country, to have a part in the education of their children, to ultimately do what is right for the country as a whole and not for themselves as individuals. (Very JFK)

Finally, while the popular vote was closer than expected, it’s good to know that the man taking office won in both the popular vote and the electoral college. I’m proud that so many people came out to vote. My voting center doesn’t usually have lines, but it had a short one this year. I listened to the radio of people spending hours waiting. My immediate supervisor spent 90 minutes just getting inside the building to vote; then it was another hour to 90 minutes before actually casting a ballot. The CEO of my company told staff not to worry about being on time, just to show up when they were done voting. Not being penalized for participating in one of the most amazing rights that we have makes a difference in our ability to do so.

By: Jerry

Jerry — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 19:46:57 +0000

1) The amount of interest this election leads to among non-Americans here in SE Europe.

2) McCain’s surprisingly inspiring concession speech. I was wondering what had happened to the guy I actually used to like a lot.

3) The amount of positive emotion that I felt as the result became apparent… early in the morning on Wednesday, over here.

The change is no insurance that things will improve immediately, but I suddenly feel hopeful, and that is a welcome feeling indeed!
Jerry

By: Jude

Jude — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 06:13:55 +0000

I’m surprised that I’m – gasp – glued to CNN. I’m getting old.

By: mtnight

mtnight — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 05:25:54 +0000

Surprised that many view the outcome of the election as a rout. It was not.

Surprised that so many bought the idea that Obama is “experienced.” He’s definitely bright, a thinker and strategist, but has less than four years experience on the national/international scene.

Surprised that Obama has already named a “foul-mouthed, combative, fiery, tough guy” (all words used in news stories today) as his Chief of Staff. What happened to the conciliatory, cooperative, calm tone of 24 hours ago?

Having said all that, I did vote for Obama and honor the significant milestone his election is in the history of our nation. I certainly wish him well, but we need to be patient because change will come slowly, especially in Washington.

By: Vered - MomGrind

Vered - MomGrind — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:51:49 +0000

I have to agree with Jessica about Prop 8. That one really surprised me.

By: Johanna B

Johanna B — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 23:31:10 +0000

I was surprised that so many of my fellow Americans stood in lines in bad weather to cast their vote.

I was surprised that the popular vote was so close. I can’t wait til all the absentee ballots are counted.

I was pleased at all the folks who registered to vote for the first time.

Yes – we did it!

By: Frank Costello

Frank Costello — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 23:24:41 +0000

Yes, I was surprised at how emotional it was when Obama was declared the winner.

Now comes the hard work, Governing this crazy Country