President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Jill Biden
Courtesy: Chris Carlson / AP Photo
Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/11/07/3085514/text-of-barack-obamas-speech-after.html#storylink=cpy
Democratic US President Barack Obama handily beat Republican candidate Williard "Mitt" Romney in the contentious 2012 presidential election. Based on current logistics, President Obama received 52% vs Romney's 48% of the popular vote and Obama won 303 electoral college votes vs Romney's 206. Only 270 electoral college votes are needed to declare victory.
Florida's final results are not confirmed yet, but so far has Obama in the lead. Even if Obama was to lose Florida, it won't effect his victory, due to his successful, mass collection of electoral college votes.
President Obama accepted his re-election and delivered his victory speech in his hometown of Chicago, Illinois.
Read the full transcript of President Barack Obama's victory speech or courtesy of website Mediaite, Watch Obama's 2012 Presidential victory speech :
President Obama's 2012 Victory Speech transcribed by Roll Call:
Thank you so much. Tonight, more than 200 years after a former colony won the right to determine its own destiny, the task of perfecting our union moves forward. It moves forward because of you. It moves forward because you reaffirmed the spirit that has triumphed over war and depression, the spirit that has lifted this country from the depths of despair to the great heights of hope, the belief that while each of us will pursue our own individual dreams, we are an American family and we rise or fall together as one nation and as one people. Tonight, in this election, you, the American people, reminded us that while our road has been hard, while our journey has been long, we have picked ourselves up, we have fought our way back, and we know in our hearts that for the United States of America the best is yet to come. I want to thank every American who participated in this election, whether you voted for the very first time or waited in line for a very long time. By the way, we have to fix that. Whether you pounded the pavement or picked up the phone, whether you held an Obama sign or a Romney sign, you made your voice heard and you made a difference.
The Sudanese government is accusing Israeli jets of bombing a weapons factory located in Khartoum that killed two people. The Israeli government hasn't confirmed or denied their involvement, but ironically they soon thereafter declared Sudan to be a terrorist state.
Sudanese government is threatening retaliation and has asked the UN to intervene and condemn Israel.
Victoire Ingabire, a Hutu Rwandan who fled to the Netherlands during the Rwandan Genocide, was jailed shortly after returning from exile in April 2010 and barred from a presidential election. Ingabire was found guilty of two of her six charges: treason for conspiring war against the country by sending money to Hutu extremists, as well as Rwandan genocide belittling. She was sentenced to eight years in jail, but may only serve six years due to time served. Prosecution initially asked for a life sentence.
Her lawyers contest that no true evidence was ever presented to justify charges against Ingabire.
Terrorism charges were dropped against Ingabire during the two-year trial and her genocide denial charges are a result of her questioning why Rwanda's official memorial to the 1994 genocide does not include any moderate Hutus, who were slaughtered by Hutu extremists.
Ms. Ingabire thinks the true reason for her arrest is that she dared to run in the presidential election as a candidate for the United Democratic Forces party, challenging the sitting president Paul Kagame. Mr. Kagame is the leader of the Rwandan Patriotic Front, whose military victory ended the genocide in Rwanda. He has been the president of Rwanda since 1994. His final presidential term ends in 2017.
Ingabire doesn't consider the current Rwandan government under Kagame to be a democracy, but more-so authoritarian. Kagame has received mixed reviews from observers. Some praising him for his role in Rwanda's recovery after the genocide, but others feel he's sending a grim message to other Rwandan political parties that they could become political prisoners too.
Phil Clark, a lecturer at the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies, is quoted in the New York Times saying “I think this verdict will certainly cause concerns that if they contest they may find very serious charges brought against them as well,” he said. “It sends a warning to other parties who may want to run in future elections.”
Ms. Ingabire has 30 days to appeal against the verdict.
Transcript of President Obama and Mitt Romney’s
remarks at the second presidential debate in Hempstead, N.Y. on Oct. 16,
2012. Transcript courtesy of Federal News Service.
CANDY CROWLEY: Good evening from Hofstra University in
Hempstead, New York. I’m Candy Crowley from CNN’s State of the Union. We
are here for the second presidential debate, a town hall sponsored by
the Commission on Presidential Debates.
The Gallup Organization chose 82 uncommitted voters from the New York
area. Their questions will drive the night. My goal is to give the
conversation direction and to ensure questions get answered.
The questions are known to me and my team only. Neither the commission
nor the candidates have seen them. I hope to get to as many questions as
possible. And because I am the optimistic sort, I’m sure the candidates
will oblige by keeping their answers concise and on point. Each
candidate has as much as two minutes to respond to a common question,
and there will be a two-minute follow-up.
The audience here in the hall has agreed to be polite and attentive; no
cheering or booing or outbursts of any sort. We will set aside that
agreement just this once to welcome President Barack Obama and Governor
Mitt Romney. (Cheers, sustained applause.)
Gentlemen, thank you both for joining us here tonight. We have a lot of
folks who’ve been waiting all day to talk to you, so I want to get right
to it. Governor Romney, as you know, you won the coin toss, so the
first question will go to you. And I want to turn to a first- time
voter, Jeremy Epstein, who has a question for you.
Q: Mr. President, Governor Romney, as a 20-year-old
college student, all I hear from professors, neighbors and others is
that when I graduate, I will have little chance to get employment. Can —
what can you say to reassure me, but more importantly my parents, that I
will be able to sufficiently support myself after I graduate?
MITT ROMNEY: Thank you, Jeremy. I appreciate your —
your question, and — and thank you for being here this evening. And to
all of those from Nassau County here that have come, thank you for your
time. Thank you to Hofstra University and to Candy Crowley for
organizing and leading this — this event. Thank you, Mr. President, also
for being part of this — this debate.
Yours question — your question is one that’s being asked by college kids all over this country.
I was in Pennsylvania with someone who’d just graduated. This was in
Philadelphia, and she said, I — I — I got my degree. I can’t find a job.
I’ve got three part-time jobs. They’re just barely enough to pay for my
food and pay for an apartment. I can’t begin to pay back my student
loans.
So what we have to do is two things: we have to make sure that we make
it easier for kids to afford college and also make sure that when they
get out of college, there’s a job. When I was governor of Massachusetts,
to get a high school degree, you had to pass an exam. If you graduated
in the top quarter of your class, we gave you a John and Abigail Adams
Scholarship, four years tuition-free to the college of your choice in
Massachusetts. It’s a public institution. I want to make sure we keep
our Pell — Pell Grant program growing. We’re also going to have our loan
program so that people are able to afford school.
But the key thing is to make sure you can get a job when you get out of
school. And what’s happened over the last four years has been very, very
hard for America’s young people. I want you to be able to get a job. I
know what it takes to get this economy going. With half of college kids
graduating this year without a college — or excuse me, without a job and
without a college-level job, that’s just unacceptable. And likewise,
you got more and more debt on your back. So more debt and less jobs.
I’m going to change that. I know what it takes to create good jobs
again. I know what it takes to make sure that you have the kind of
opportunity you deserve. And kids across this country are going to
recognize we’re bringing back an economy. It’s not going to be like the
last four years. The middle class has been crushed over the last four
years, and jobs have been too scarce. I know what it takes to bring them
back, and I’m going to do that and make sure when you graduate — when
do you graduate?
Q: (Off mic.)
MR. ROMNEY: 2014. When you come out in 2014 — I presume
I’m going to be president — I’m going to make sure you get a job.
(Chuckles.) Thanks, Jeremy. Yeah, you bet.
MS. CROWLEY: Mr. President.
PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA: Jeremy, first of all, your
future is bright, and the fact that you’re making investment in higher
education is critical, not just to you but to the entire nation.
Now, the most important thing we can do is to make sure that we are
creating jobs in this country, but not just jobs, good-paying jobs, ones
that can support a family. And what I want to do is build on the 5
million jobs that we’ve created over the last 30 months in the private
sector alone. And there are a bunch of things that we can do to make
sure your future is bright.
Number one, I want to build manufacturing jobs in this country again.
You know, when Governor Romney said we should let Detroit go bankrupt, I
said, we’re going to bet on American workers and the American auto
industry, and it’s come surging back. I want to do that in industries,
not just in Detroit but all across the country. And that means we change
our tax code so we’re giving incentives to companies that are investing
here in the United States and creating jobs here. It also means we’re
helping them and small businesses to export all around the world in new
markets.
Number two, we’ve got to make sure that we have the best education
system in the world. And the fact that you’re going to college is great,
but I want everybody to get a great education. And we worked hard to
make sure that student loans are available for folks like you, but I
also want to make sure that community colleges are offering slots for
workers to get retrained for the jobs that are out there right now and
the jobs of the future.
Number three, we’ve got to control our own energy, you know, not only
oil and natural gas, which we’ve been investing in, but also we’ve got
to make sure we’re building the energy sources of the future, not just
thinking about next year, but 10 years from now, 20 years from now.
That’s why we’ve invested in solar and wind and biofuels,
energy-efficient cars.
We’ve got to reduce our deficit, but we’ve got to do it in a balanced
way — asking the wealthy to pay a little bit more, along with cuts, so
that we can invest in education like yours. And let’s take the money
that we’ve been spending on war over the last decade to rebuild America —
roads, bridges, schools. If we do those things, not only is your future
going to be bright, but America’s future’s going to be bright as well.
In what is turning out to be an landmark year for politics in the Midwest, Grammy-award winning rapper Che "Rhymefest" Smith is running for a seat on Chicago's City Council as Alderman of the 20th Ward.
Smith has pledged to give up a portion of his aldermanic salary for loans to bring business to the poverty-stricken area, as well as cleaning up the empty lots and neighborhood. Smith says "Let's start a 20th Ward renaissance," and that he's going to enlist the help of fellow Chicagoans Kanye West and Common to open businesses.
The homegrown Chicagoan who already has the gained ear of Chicago's youth via his music, has also garnered the support of the powerful Chicago Teachers' Union and even the brilliant Dr. Cornel West.
Year 2011 seems to be starting off as a "year of change" for Africans.The war-torn and oil dependent country of Sudan will undergo significant changes this year amid the results of a landslide vote from South Sudan to secede from the north. Southern Sudan is jubilant over the outcome of gaining its independence after enduring genocide, oppression and slavery under the regime of wanted war-crimes criminal President Omar Al-Bashir and the Khartoum government. Salva Kiir the President of Government of Southern Sudan urged the Sudanese people to be patient until their independence becomes official on July 9th.
"This is our day for freedom. We are ready to celebrate all night long," Santino Machar, a student, was quoted by the AFP news agency as saying.
Hello Everyone!! Society Noir is happy to say that it become active again. It has been two years since our last post, which was about President Barack Obama's Inauguration.
For a while, I had been going back and forth on whether I should continue publishing Society Noir, as well as the purpose it can & should serve. Not to be a "Debbie Downer,"but as I observed the African diaspora these past two years (especially here in America) it has become painfully clear that mainstream media just refuses to proportionately and objectively cover Black America, the black diaspora and Africa.
So, we're back in action. Look forward to Society Noir still covering charitable causes, the upscale lifestyle, events, black socialites,and business profiles. But also look forward to more serious discussions about our global society, politics and resolutions to the ills in our diaspora.
The sweetest day in history is upon us people. Barack Obama is the first African-American to become President of the United States of America. President Obama, his beautiful wife, First Lady Michele and children Malia and Sasha will hold a special place in the hearts of blacks around the world, I believe, until the day we die. What this means to us is indescribable. Many of our relatives and friends within the last century have endured unspeakable acts and dedicated as well as, sacrificed their lives to bring about this moment in time. Children from around the world, whether their American, Iraqi, Rwandan, Haitian or Tibetan realize that they are worthy of happiness and respect, that they are capable of greatness. Self-esteem and morale is bubbling over.
I feel like the angels are singing today. My ancestors, our African ancestors are smiling.
His positive energy is so contagious and morale in the black community is at an all time high...All I can say is WOW! This is one for the history books...
Future First Lady, Michelle Obama, gave a speech on behalf of her husband, Barack, last night in Denver at the Democratic National Convention. I'll sum Michelle, the cute little girls and her speech up in one word...AUTHENTIC!
Presidential hopeful Barack Obama gave an enlightening, personal and remarkably honest speech about race in America and concerns about Rev. Wright. His speech has been deemed by many pundits and observers as "historic." I agree. Obama set the record straight like no other politician I have heard in my lifetime thus far. I could get deep in thought right now, but I'll let you judge for yourself. If you haven't watched this special moment in time, please do!
Lt. Governor David A. Paterson, who is New York’s first African-American lieutenant governor, will now become New York's first Black governor. The seasoned politician's status upgraded when his colleague, Governor Eliot Spitzer resigned this morning.
Mr. Paterson was elected New York’s lieutenant governor on November 7, 2006, but the legally blind politician has been getting his feet wet in the world of civil service for more than 20 years. In 1985, he was elected to represent Harlem in the New York State Senate and became the youngest senator in Albany when he was elected at age 35. In 2002, Paterson became the first non-white legislative leader in New York’s history to be elected as minority leader of the New York State Senate. Consistently making history, David Paterson became the became the first visually impaired person to address a Democratic National Convention. In fact, Paterson's father, Basil Paterson, is a historical black politician, being the first non-white secretary of state of New York and the first African-American vice-chair of the national Democratic Party.
Some of the issues David Paterson has addressed are: stronger action to fight against domestic violence, minority and female owned New York businesses, alternative energy strategies and proposing legislation for a $1 billion voter-approved stem cell research initiative. The Columbia University and Hofstra Law School graduate is also nationally recognized as a leading advocate for the visually and physically impaired. He's a member of the American Foundation for the Blind and serves on the board of directors of the the Achilles Track Club, an organization that sponsors disabled athletes and disabled veterans competing in marathons.
David Paterson resides in Harlem with his wife, Michelle Paige, and their two children, Ashley and Alex. He will be in office until he has to campaign for re-election in 2010. Congratulation and Good Luck Governor Paterson!!
As everyone has probably heard by now, the 800 superdelegates play a major role in who will be the Democratic Presidential nominee. Well, we have the Congressional Black Caucus who's throwing a major monkey wrench into this situation because many of them plan to vote against who their districts voted for, which is Barack Obama.
ColorofChange.org which was very instrumental in bringing Jena 6 to national attention, has sent out the email I copied and pasted below. Please have a look:
Dear Friend,
Voters in places like Atlanta, Brooklyn, St. Louis, and Inglewood have made clear their choice for president: Barack Obama. So why are some members of the Congressional Black Caucus threatening to use their power as "superdelegates" to undermine those votes and nominate Hillary Clinton?
Voters should decide elections--not politicians. And members of the Congressional Black Caucus should amplify the political voice of their constituents, not silence it. I've joined ColorOfChange.org in demanding that the CBC to listen to the voters; let's tell them to vote with the people, not against us:
Voters in almost all the districts represented by the CBC have chosen Obama, helping him win more delegates than Clinton. But only some delegates vote based on the results of primaries. A fifth of the delegates that will vote at the convention -- and decide the nomination -- are "superdelegates" that can technically vote however they like, regardless of what the voters say. These super-delegates are members of Congress, senators, governors and Democratic party insiders. In a contest this close, they have the power to overturn the will of voters, and decide the outcome.
In 2000 and 2004, CBC members stood up to defend the rights of Black voters that had been disenfranchised. It would be a disgrace for its members to now undermine the votes of Black people in their districts. Rarely have Black voters across the country been so unified behind a particular candidate; if CBC members vote against their constituents, it will diminish the power of Black voters in a historic election that could result in our country's first Black president.
It will take courage and conviction for CBC members to break with back-room politics and stand up for democracy. But we must demand it. Please join us:
Sharon from Wisconsin sent me these pics of presidential hopeful,Barack Obama. Obama was in Racine, Wisconsin this week inspiring residents and evoking change. All races and creeds were on hand to see the potential 1st Black President. Spectators said his energy was strong and powerful. The momentum is just getting started people. History is being made. People don't forget to vote on Super Tuesday next week! If you don't vote, you can't complain!
Wow! I'm really excited about the high possibility of Barack Obama becoming President. I was thrilled last night to see that marquee scrolling across tv declaring Obama a victor in the Potomac region of the USA. Obama literally dominated! The Illinois senator won DC, Maryland and Virginia. Obama leads the delegate race with 1,224 to Clinton's 1,198. I'm clearly supporting Obama for the presidency. Don't get me wrong , Hillary Clinton has potential, but Obama is the best choice. Why?? Because Barack Obama makes the right decisions at the right time, Hillary doesn't! Obama made decisions including, voting against the Iraq war, when his decision was very unpopular. That's what America needs right now a President smart enough to make the right decision at the right time and on the first time! I could go on all day long about why he's the best candidate, that's just a taste. Anyhow, enjoy the YouTube video of his victory speech in Madison, Wisconsin.
Actress, Kerry Washington and pop star Usher were in South Carolina rallying for Democratic presidential hopeful, Barack Obama at South Carolina State University. Both celebs took time to speak with guests, raising awareness about voting rights.
I'm glad these younger black celebs are stepping up to the plate and speaking up.
Congrats to Barack Obama who had a sweeping victory for the Democratic party in Iowa, humbling the over-confident Hillary Clinton. This was the first vote and considered very important because it sets the tone for who America wants on the ballot for the upcoming presidential election. If Obama wins he'll be the first black person to become president of America.
The Iowa caucus is an electoral event in which residents of the U.S. state of Iowa elect delegates to the county convention to which their precinct belongs in a caucus. There are 99 counties in Iowa and thus 99 conventions. These county conventions then select delegates for both Iowa's Congressional District Convention and the State Convention, which eventually choose the delegates for the presidential nominating conventions (the national conventions).
Last night, Prime Minister Bruce Golding announced a $500 million assistance package for the poor and those deemed to be otherwise vulnerable. The initiative is a response to the spiralling food and petrol prices, blamed mostly on the rising prices for corn, wheat and fuel in the global market. Resulting in sharp price increases in Jamaica including basic food, gasoline and electricity rates. The Opposition had called on the Golding Administration to take steps to cushion the effects of the increases on those most vulnerable.
Mr. Golding, who was making his contribution to the debate on the First Supplementary Estimates, in the House of Representatives, said the process for distributing the funds hadn't been worked out yet.
He indicated the possibility of funds being channelled through the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH), or another institutionalized framework.
Barrington Irving, a pilot in Miami, finally received the national recognition he deserves from the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress unanimously passed a resolution honoring the 23-year-old Miami Gardens resident as the youngest person and first black -- ever recorded to fly around the world solo. Museums around the U.S. are being urged to commemorate this achievement.
Irving's historical 26,000-mile journey began in March, after convincing friends, politicians and corporate sponsors to believe in his aviation dream. Flying a plane named Inspiration, Irving accumulated thousands of fans who followed him on his blog and flight tracker. Teachers across the nation even taught geography lessons based on his travels. Irving has already received recognition from Miami and his early childhood home Jamaica.
''It's just so humbling to know that something that started so small is now being recognized across the nation,'' Irving said. `But, no matter, what the greatest award will always be the impact that I've made on youth and teaching them they can do or be anything.''
Oprah Winfrey campaigned for potential Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama this weekend. They toured mainly the early voting states. She gave this speech during their rally in Iowa. Billionaire Oprah is no joke. In speeches 1 and 2, she BREAKS IT DOWN. Wouldn't it be amazing if Obama wins the Democratic ticket and Oprah joins him as Vice President on the ballot?!?! Enjoy!
