Ann Nixon Cooper, the Atlanta based woman who gained national attention after President Obama mentioned her in his election speech, has died.

The 107-year-old garnered praise from The President as he noted that the same woman who was born when Black people and women didn’t have the right to vote, bore witness to the country electing its first Black president.

Cooper passed just weeks before her birthday on January 8 when she would have turned 108.

This is the portion of President Obama’s speech dedicated to Ann Nixon Cooper.

“This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that’s on my mind tonight’s about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She’s 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 couldn’t vote for two reasons – because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin. And tonight, I think about all that she’s seen throughout her century in America – the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can’t, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.”

Ingeniously (not only from a rhetorical point of view) Barack Obama in his victory speech at Grant Park mentioned Ann Nixon Cooper in order to illustrate the long way the black struggle had come in the last 106 years.

Seldom an ordinary citizen is mentioned explicitly in a political speech of that importance and even more unique are the the experiences Ann Nixon Cooper made in her lifetime. 106 years after being born to a former slave in the state of Tennessee she contributed to the election of the first Black President of the United States.

The dear old lady lives in Atlanta, Georgia, ever since the twenties of the last century, when she moved there with her husband. Usually, she goes to bed quite early, but Tuesday night she just didn’t make it. She knew change was coming and she was not going to miss it (also because she had somehow come to know that the president-elect would have talked about her). Beyond midnight, when Obama had concluded his speech countless phone calls do not let her get rest. Neighbors, friends, her numerous family, everybody wants to congratulate her for having been chosen as the symbol for America’s ability to resist and progress. Around 3 a.m the phone calls diminish, emotionally excited Ann decides to allow her body some rest. She is overjoyed when she walks up the stairs to her bedroom. Her only regret is that her deceased husband isn’t there to share this moment.

It is significant that Barack Obama, President-Elect of the United States, is a good writer. He pays attention to metaphor, to character, to cadence and symbol – and this was no more evident than in his victory speech last night.

Somehow, Ann Nixon Cooper became more than just “Ann the Voter.” Somehow, the worst of the political clichés became concrete: calloused hands and front porches and “while we breathe, we hope.” (Although that bit about Main Street did make me cringe.) Somehow, Barack cobbled together assonance and imagery and repetition, and hammered away at the rhythm, and crafted something enduring.

“When there was despair in the Dust Bowl and depression across the land,” he said, “she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes, we can.” It’s lines like these that make a poet proud.

I don’t know whether Obama will make a good president. His health care plan is at best a compromise; his stance on gay marriage is opposite to mine; and his plan for Iraq? Not sure about that one. He will certainly never live up to the hope of last night, the hope that caused Brooklyn hipsters to run through the avenues of Park Slope, shrieking and high-fiving like they’d just won a Little League tournament.

But I do know that he understands the symbolic power of America. Obama knows that America was always more about rhetoric than reality – and that when the two match up, the nation is, I admit, an inspiration.

There are millions of non-Americans out there – “watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world,” as Obama put it – who could not vote last night. And, arguably, they will be affected more tangibly by this Presidency than I will. To those people, it is the promise of America – not the Washington politicking or policy battles – that matters. It is, in short, the symbolism.

Last night, Obama said, “we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from 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.”

He’s got it: this is what America is all about. What makes America great is its ideals – not its “people,” or “history,” or any of those other words politicians use to motivate the crowds.

What makes America great? Its poetry.

Ik zat weggedoken in mijn sofa, onder een warm dekentje en met veel te kleine oogjes. Het was bijna 6u ’s morgens. Op dat tijdstip zit ik doorgaans niet voor het televisiescherm, maar voor een historische gebeurtenis als de voorbije presidentsverkiezingen in de VS maakte ik graag een uitzondering. Iemand had me een paar minuten eerder wakkergebeld met de blijde boodschap. “Hij heeft gewonnen!”

Dus zat ik samen met ongetwijfeld miljoenen anderen te wachten tot Barack Obama op het podium stapte voor zijn overwinningsspeech. Ik geeuwde langgerekt. Iets na zessen was het zover. Mijn ogen traanden en kippenvel liep over mijn armen en rug. Van moeheid. Of waren het toch de hoopvolle woorden van die toekomstige president die mij iets deden?

Naast de God bless America’s en de Yes we can’s bleef me vooral 1 verhaal bij: dat van Ann Nixon Cooper. Een kranige Amerikaanse dame van 106 jaar. Ondanks die gezegende leeftijd bracht ze toch haar stem uit.

Ik probeer me voor te stellen hoe blij mevrouw Cooper is dat ze dit moment nog mag meemaken. Het moment dat een zwarte man tot president verkozen wordt. Want zij groeide op in een tijd dat de slavernij nog maar net was afgeschaft. Zij mocht een héél lange tijd niet stemmen. Eerst omdat ze niet de juiste huidskleur had, later omdat ze een vrouw was. Zij moest op een andere bus, naar een ander openbaar toilet en naar andere restaurants en cafés dan haar blanke medeburgers. Zij zag hoe een zwarte predikant die droomde van gelijkheid koelbloedig werd neergeschoten.

En ondertussen veranderde de wereld razendsnel. Van paardenkar via auto naar jumbojet. Van klerken en brieven via opgetutte typistes naar mailberichten, met één klik de wereld rond. Twee wereldoorlogen, beurscrash en oliecrisis, een seksuele revolutie: mevrouw Cooper zag het allemaal passeren. Wat een hemelsbreed verschil moet dat zijn, tussen de wereld van haar jeugd en de wereld van vandaag.

De ellende is de wereld nog lang niet uit. Ik zie nog elke dag trieste voorbeelden van racisme, van uitbuiting en armoede, van profitariaat en onverschilligheid. Maar als we de komende 100 jaar even hard ons best doen om onrecht de wereld uit te helpen als de voorbije eeuw… Wie weet in wat voor -hopelijk betere- wereld we dan binnen 106 jaar leven?

Levantaba el nuevo presidente de los Estados Unidos los brazos agradeciendo su formidable victoria y sobre la tumba de su abuela, muerta unos días antes, se posaba un pajarillo.  ¿Dónde estaba Norman Rokwell para pintarlo?

Se escuchaba en el país el emocionante discurso de Obama y al reverendo Jesse Jackson, que fue el primer candidato negro en intentar su hazaña, se le corrían las lágrimas por las mejillas. Mientras tanto, otro Jesse apellidado Owens, que desbarató  ante Hitler la patraña aria deslumbrando  al mundo con su poderosa zancada, se colgaba otra medalla en el más allá. ¿Dónde estaba Frank Capra para filmarlo?

Salía por la tele esa anciana de 106 años llamada Ann Nixon Cooper, que no pudo votar durante años por ser mujer y además negra, y confirmaba que lo de ese cuatro de noviembre de 2008 había sido un milagro. ¿Dónde estaba William Saroyan para escribirlo?

Homper, el Hombre Perplejo, es de esa generación ingenua educada en el bonito engaño de que los Estados Unidos eran siempre los buenos de la película de la vida. Sus soldados salvaban a Europa de la bota de la Alemania nazi, Gary Cooper y James Stewart eran los delegados de Dios en la tierra. Ël particularmente había canonizado al tío Tom en su cabaña. Pensaba que no había melena rubia más seductora que la de Marilyn Monroe. Y sostenía, convencido, que el browni era el mejor pastel de chocolate inventado. Muy superior, por cierto, a la muy empalagosa tarta Sacher, a la que siempre le sobró la capa de mermelada de frambuesa. En ese país de película, Juan Nadie podía ser presidente. Y ahora un negro, que hasta hace apenas tres generaciones era menos que nadie, es elegido democráticamente  para sentarse en el despacho oval de la Casa Blanca y enderezar los muchos entuertos que afligen al tío Sam y, con él, al mundo entero.

Homper había anotado cuidadosamente lo que un día proclamó Martin Luther King: anoche tuve un sueño…El soñador pagó con la vida su empeño en luchar por lo soñado. Pero ya lo recordaba José Luis Garci en su  pésimo acento inglés, como corresponde a un chico de la calle de Narváez. Lo dijo cuando recogía el primer Oscar de Hollywood que ha ganado un cineasta español: sometimos dreams come trooth. O sea, que a veces los sueños se convierten en realidad.

Y a Homper le sorprende, sí,  pero también le alivia, y hasta casi le emociona que el pueblo estadounidense de vez  en cuando tenga el valor de creer que hay purga de Benito para curar las heridas del sueño americano. Entre otras cosas, porque, querámoslo o no, participamos del mismo.  Todo occidente fue moldeado a esa imagen y semejanza y Homper, aún en pañales, no fue excepción. Quizás ya es demasiado tarde para defenestrar los credos y los iconos de nuestra civilización.

Por eso, al menos mientras no aparezca ese feroz capitalista, ese memo iluminado, ese villano sin escrúpulos, ese Leonel Barrymoore que en las películas de Capra siempre jodía el viejo tinglado de la bella farsa, hay que mantener viva la llama de la esperanza. Pidamos paciencia a Wallace, el Pepito Grillo más contumaz entre los comentaristas de este blog. Don´t worry, be happy. Como insistía el nuevo presidente de los Estados unidos, podemos cambiarlo todo. Bueno, quiere decir Homper que quizás podamos…

During President Elect Obama’s acceptance speech, he mentioned a 106 year old Black Superwoman named Ann Nixon Cooper of Atlanta:

“This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations, but one that’s on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She’s 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 couldn’t vote for two reasons…because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.  And tonight, I think about all that she’s seen throughout her century in America…the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can’t, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.”

In the interview on CNN about Ms. Cooper voting early in Atlanta, she said that she didn’t have time to die because she needed to see a Black President.  This victory is for Ms. Cooper and for everyone else that struggled and sacrificed so that Black people and Women could vote and have a voice. [CNN]

106 years old. Danced the electric slide up until age 103.

And then there’s this.

And there it is, folks.

Here are the pics, one by one–it’s easier to appreciate them this way:

I don’t know who took these pictures, or who these children are, or who their daddies are, but for everyone involved in this, thank you for making me tear up at my desk.

“Ele era meu oponente. Agora, é meu presidente”.

John McCain, o candidato derrotado.

“Isto significa que o trabalho pelo qual meu pai e minha mãe se sacrificaram não foi em vão”.

Bernice King, filha do líder da luta pelos direitos civis nos Estados Unidos Martin Luther King Jr.

“Se torci para Obama? Veja a cor da minha pele”.

Magno Malta, senador pelo Partido da República (PR-ES), mostrando, com orgulho, o braço para um repórter.

“Depois da vitória de Barack Obama, acho que pode ter chegado o momento para um agente 007 negro”.

Daniel Craig, ator britânico e atual intérprete do famoso personagem cinematográfico James Bond.

“Foi o presidente Obama que me fez perceber como é notável a trajetória de vida dela”.

Ernest Cooper, neto da americana Ann Nixon Cooper. A senhora negra de 106 ficou famosa quando citada no discurso de vitória do novo presidente. Obama relacionou a história de Cooper ao progresso americano no decorrer do século 20, dizendo que “após 106 anos na América, nas melhores épocas e horas mais escuras, ela sabe como os Estados Unidos podem mudar”.

“Se a eleição de Obama nos chocou? Nem um pouco! Nós vínhamos avisando ao nosso povo que, a menos que os brancos se juntassem, seria exatamente isso que aconteceria”.

Thomas Robb, pastor protestante e diretor da associação racista Ku Klux Klan. Em nota sobre a vitória de Obama, Robb fala que o novo governante é “só metade negro” e que, mais que uma disputa entre liberais e conservadores, esta votação foi “uma guerra racial e cultural, travada contra o povo branco”.

“Vossa Excelência soube transmitir visão de futuro, capacidade de liderança e a certeza de que a esperança é mais forte do que o medo”.

Lula, presidente do Brasil, em fax que felicita a vitória de Obama.

“Eu não sei o que está acontecendo no mundo. Na Bolívia, um índio presidente. Nos Estados Unidos, um negro presidente. O mundo está dando uma volta”.

Evo Morales, presidente da Bolívia.

“A vitória sozinha não é a mudança que queremos. A mudança só acontecerá com um novo espírito de servir, um novo espírito de sacrifício”.

Barack Obama, o próprio.

On Tuesday, the election of Barack Obama to the presidency marked an historic night that won’t easily be forgotten.  But, democracy also pointed us in a different direction on Tuesday.  Arizona, Florida, and California all voted to ban same-sex marriage. 

In California, the passage of Prop 8 (a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage) was especially significant, given that it had been the first state to issue marriage licenses to gay couples in 2005.  Throughout the past few months, over $70 million was spent in California on Prop 8 alone.  Supporters of Prop 8 argued that endorsing gay marriage would lead to a breakdown of the traditional family.  More importantly, most “Yes on 8″ ads focused on the impact in classrooms, claiming that children would be taught about same-sex marriage.  As an example, these ads often cited a class trip, where first-graders attended a gay wedding in San Francisco.

Education officials and those against Prop 8 tried to combat these misstatements.  California public schools superintendent Jack O’Connell appeared in a “No on 8″ ad to dispute the claims that children would be taught about gay marriage.  The “class trip” turned out to be organized by parents as a surprise for the teacher, who was marrying her longtime partner.  But, even while celebrities such as Ellen DeGeneres, Itzhak Perlman, and Samuel L. Jackson made their voices heard against Prop 8, it still wasn’t enough.  A 52% majority of California voters passed the amendment on Tuesday.

Thus, it was a bittersweet day for progressives… we got Barack Obama, but we weren’t able to get equal rights for all.

The popular case against gay marriage/civil unions focuses on the traditional family.  The “Yes on 8″ ads running through California were just a small microcosm of a widespread fear that, if we allow gay people to marry, we might just end up with more gay people.  If we tolerate homosexual culture, then we might have more homosexuals one day.  In fact, these arguments sound very much like why we ban prostitution, or why we crack down on drug lords.  By portraying homosexuality as akin to committing a crime, we immediately have a gut reaction against it.  If those first graders were brought to a heterosexual wedding, it’s doubtful that anyone would object.  But because they were brought to a lesbian wedding, they became front-page news and campaign fodder.  Is this necessarily right?  No.  But it’s the culture we live in–a culture that still can’t shake that gut aversion.

Some people might argue, “Well, as long as gay couples still get the same treatment as straight couples, then it’s just an issue of calling it a marriage vs. calling it a civil union.  It’s just semantics.”  Indeed, Barack Obama himself does not support gay marriage, as he favors civil unions. However, according to the New York Times, only “a handful” of states allow civil unions or domestic partnerships that afford gay couples the same rights as heterosexual couples.  On the other hand, more than 40 states now have laws that ban gay marriage (versus two that allow it: Massachusetts and Connecticut).  And on Tuesday, Arkansas passed a law banning same-sex couples from adopting children.  Thus, whether it is semantics or not, there is an inherent injustice when anyone is denied civil rights granted to all. 

Interestingly, while the Western world cheered the United States for becoming the first to elect a black president, we can look to their example when it comes to gay rights.  The following countries guarantee civil rights for gay couples: Canada, Britain, Spain, Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium, Iceland, Sweden, Norway, Finland, New Zealand, Luxembourg and South Africa (even given its apartheid past).  France, Germany, and Argentina recognize civil unions but do not include full rights as heterosexual couples.  The United States?  We’ve left it up to the states, and apparently, our states just aren’t ready for it yet.

So, with this in mind, I just want to end with an excerpt from Obama’s speech.  Hopefully a hundred years from now, we can look back and be proud that we corrected the injustice of this generation’s civil rights issue.  One day, I hope we can see the progress we have made: a more open society, a more tolerant culture, and a country that truly treats us all as equals.  

“This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that’s on my mind tonight’s about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She’s 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 couldn’t vote for two reasons — because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.

And tonight, I think about all that she’s seen throughout her century in America — the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can’t, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.

At a time when women’s 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, 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 doubts and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.”

- From Barack Obama’s speech at Grant Park in Chicago, 11/4/08 

I’m not a very political person, and I’m not going to pretend otherwise. I don’t read the newspaper, I don’t watch the news. I stay reasonably updated but don’t follow campaigns. So I’ll just keep this short and sweet:

Barack Obama’s win makes me happy. I have to admit, we can’t really be sure how well he’s going to lead his country until changes actually start happening. To be honest, I wanted him to win not because of his promises or experience. I wanted him to win because I wanted him to become the first African-American US President. But I read the transcript of his speech (I’m yet to look for the actual video) and I have to admit, it was a beautiful, powerful and moving speech. I got goosebumps, especially when he started talking about Ann Nixon Cooper and all the changes she’s seen throughout her long life. And what changes our children will see if they live that long as well. It makes me really happy for the US that they now have a smart president, after the shenanigan that was George W. Bush.

Anyway, that’s all for now. Back to our regularly scheduled bullcrap.

I woke up to snow this morning. Though I had seen it on the foothills and mountains surrounding us and had heard it was coming, it was still a pleasant surprise (the first snow of the winter always is for me). As I was walking, I realized that I would have to not just rely on my “winter” suit coat (my suit I don’t mind so much if it gets wet), but I would also need to include my winter coat and its associated gear.

I missed my pedestrian crossing light on my way to work, so I took a second to snap a picture of Utah’s Republican Party headquarters, as a memento to the events of last night. (Some friends in our building where planning on eating Barackoli, Obomlets, Johnny Cake, and McCain’ Cheese—we had waffles)

Last night held its own highs and lows for this group. Their candidate didn’t win the presidency, but their governor did get convincingly reelected. They lost more control in the Congress (though it could have been worse—it doesn’t look like it will be a 60+ Senate for the Democrats) and they lost their current House Speaker, but they managed to keep their control over the majority of state offices.

Outside of the mudslinging and name calling, it is great to this electoral process in action. And, as we all saw on a national level, the quickness in which opponents and replaced leaders move in to ask for unity and offer congratulations is astonishing. In their quickness to move together, I was reminded of the old Ralph and Sam cartoons:

But what was really transcendent to me on this day was last night, we made history. Barack Obama was elected president. This simply wouldn’t have happened a few decades ago. Of all people, George Wallace’s daughter gave us insight into what this “full circle” event means to her family (and to us). President-elect Obama himself summarized his journey with the story of Ann Nixon Cooper:

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.

And, as one that has perhaps a more acute sensitivity to international opinion, I am pleased with how the world has received this information. A London resident left us with a simple congratulations:

Well done America, you’ve restored my faith in you.

Whether or not you voted for or agree politically with him, his election is a truly remarkable event—one that I am glad to be a part. The last video is some thoughts about this election and its outcome from Colin Powell. (Taken from CNN)

Update: from Patrick Moberg

Here is the acceptance speech by Obama after being elected president, just in case anyone missed it like I did. It is an amazing expression of his hopes and plans for America, and I can say that my faith in America has been renewed. So thank you everyone who voted; we can now look forward to what everyone wants – CHANGE!

Here are some other links about Obama’s victory – I found them really interesting, so even though it is 5 am I am going to share them with you anyways!  Sorry there are so many links and photos, I got really overexcited and I can’t sleep – I feel really hyperactive right now…

-> I had an amazing night of celebration and solidarity with people who were elated with Obama’s victory, and this was only in my isolated locale.  Check out the experience of Americans all over celebrating this historical moment.

-> Obama mentioned her in his speech tonight, and she is a new and improved version of “Joe the Plumber.”  Read the amazing story of 106-year-old Ann Nixon Cooper, who talks about the contrast between voting in this election and the dramatic changes she has seen in America over the course of the 20th century.

-> What does the international world and foreign leaders think of the election results?  Well, as one Russian newspaper puts it, “Eight years of hell are over.”  And if the celebrations across the United States are any indication of the spirit of America, then the celebrations around the world are an even better sign of a bright future.

-> We can’t forget about Senator McCain, who made his concession speech early on tonight in Phoenix.  I have to say, I think he came off much better than he ever did in any other speeches or debates – I might even say I was impressed with his graciousness.

-> Why did McCain lose? Okay, this might seem like a question with a glaringly obvious answer, but it doesn’t hurt to have your theories confirmed!  Plus, in a streak of irony, reporters are talking about the “Palin effect” in the video below.

-> Even better, why did Obama win? I know, I know, because he is awesome!!!  But, to my surprise, it is even deeper than that!

-> And, of course, Joe Biden…I won’t even start, I love the man too much to stop…him and Obama and those smiling charismatic faces make my heart melt.

-> Check out this election map to see where each state went…

-> Major change is going on in the Senate and House as well, as Democratic majorities are pulling a huge lead over Republicans in Congress.  Looks like we will have a Democratic White House after all…

-> In another example of a historical election, the first woman was elected governor of North Carolina – much better than Sarah Palin!

Again, thank you America for voting.  No matter who you voted for, this has been an impressive and historically consequential moment for all of us.  And it is because of everyone who went out and voted – in spite of the long lines and other hassles – to make this an election with a record turnout.

Photo Credits Found Over Here.

Huffington Post offers this breakdown of voters by age:

It’s interesting to note how every category sans the 65+ group went to Obama in Ohio. Once this state was called, it was over.

Here is a screenshot from the winning page BarackObama.com:

Here is McCain’s page with VERY LITTLE change (the developers just included a video of his remarks.) Obama’s website now gives visitors the chance to contribute to the RNC, but McCain’s website has yet to make these additions. I’m guessing the developers are worn out after a long day.

///UP NEXT IN OBAMALAND///

So now we have our next president, and the tech community needs to be optimistic about an Obama administration. For one, he has always been a fighter for net neutrality. His call for net neutrality is even in his book The Audacity of Hope.

We must also expect his administration to hold its promise to give government back to the people through technology. The huge coalition from this election should expect to see his text messaging and social network presence used to tackle his agenda.

///TRENDS///

Google Trends, as of 3:31 AM, shows us that McCain’s concession speech became the volcanic topic of the day. It also appears that David Plouffe has gained some attention. People across the country are up late waiting for the results of Prop 8, which was leaning YES an hour ago. Obama mentioned Ann Nixon Cooper in his speech, and this has inspired some googling. Overall, Obama’s speech got the least attention and third place behind Obama’s campaign director Plouffe and McCain’s concession speech.

Some of you might have noticed that “Uncle Tom” is a search term. And it might be related to two different types of stories: 1) The People of Natchitoches, Louisiana, where Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin is set, awaited the results of whether we had elected the first African American president. Or 2) it could’ve been Ralph Nader’s remarks this evening. Both were stories on major news outlets, but I’m going to vote for the latter as the cause.

///Digg.com///

Diggs about Barack’s presidency have brought in the hugest numbers on the social bookmarking site. 31K plus diggs from Barack voters + two other posts honored with K beside the number of diggs:

It’s been an interesting day, and I thank everyone that voted in his historic hard fought election. We should be thankful for 4 great candidates with 4 families that embody our hopes and dreams.

I guess they did choose the right guy. And the highlight of Obama’s speech for me was this super lola, who Obama uses to maximum effectivity as a history marker. She was old enough to be NOT ALLOWED to vote because she was a woman and she was black. It’s an amazing time for Americans. Watching it from miles and miles away, it feels like West Wing all over again (my only source of White House dynamics–so I hope Sorkin et al did their job). Pundits (or as Palin says it, pundints) say this is truly America changing right before your very eyes.

I was watching the speech and that bullet proof glass gave me the creeps. I just realised how many people could see him as a threat. Let him live, please.

If his speech is any indication of his person…then he’s definitely a Jed Bartlett in the making.

She lived long enough to see a black president in the very white house!

Thanks Mr. Bush, for doing such a bad job.