Video: Obama wins

7 November 2012 04:29 am - 97 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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US President Barack Obama swept to re-election Tuesday, creating history again by defying the undertow of a slow economic recovery and high unemployment to beat Republican foe Mitt Romney.

Obama became only the second Democrat to win a second four-year White House term since World War II, when television networks projected he would win the bellwether state of Ohio where he had staged a pitched battle with Romney.

"This happened because of you. Thank you," Obama tweeted to his 22 million followers on Twitter as a flurry of states, including Iowa, which nurtured his unlikely White House dreams suddenly tipped into his column.

With a clutch of swing states, including Florida and Virginia still to be declared, Obama already had 275 electoral votes, more than the 270 needed for the White House and looked set for a comfortable victory.

There was a sudden explosion of jubilation at Obama's Chicago victory party as the first African American president, who was elected on a wave of hope and euphoria four years ago, booked another four years in the White House.

Romney's aides had predicted that a late Romney wave would sweep Obama from office after a single term haunted by a sluggish recovery from the worst economic crisis since the 1930s Great Depression and high unemployment.

But a huge cheer rang out at Obama headquarters when television networks projected Obama would retain Pennsylvania and its 20 electoral votes, and the party grew wilder as they called Wisconsin and Michigan.

The mood at Romney headquarters in Boston however had grown subdued throughout the evening as partisans stared at their smart phones.

Disappointed Republicans were seen leaving what had been billed as a celebration of Romney's expected triumph in central Washington.

Defeats in New Hampshire, where Romney has a summer home and Wisconsin, the home of Republican vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan were especially sickening for Republicans.

Early signs were that the election, while a building triumph for Obama would do little to ease the deep polarisation afflicting US politics, as Republicans racked up huge margins in safe states, though struggled in battlegrounds.

Exit polls appeared to vindicate the vision of the race offered by Obama's campaign, when top aides predicted that Obama's armies of African American, Latinos and young voters would come out in droves.

Polls also showed that though only 39 percent of people believed that the economy was improving, around half of Americans blamed President George W. Bush for the tenuous situation, and not Obama.

The president, who made history by becoming America's first black president after a euphoric victory, carved a new precedent on Tuesday by defying the portents of a hurting economy to win a second term.

He awaited his fate in his hometown of Chicago, while Romney, a multi-millionaire former investment manager and Massachusetts governor was laying low in a hotel in Boston awaiting results.

As expected, television networks projected that Republicans would win the House of Representatives.

Democrats clung onto the Senate, and retained a seat in Missouri, where Senator Claire McCaskill fended off a challenge by Representative Todd Akin, whose remarks about rape and abortion sparked national outrage.

Both presidential candidates had earlier marked time while voters dictated their fates.

Romney appeared caught up in the emotion of seeing his name on the ballot for President of the United States and also saw an omen in a huge crowd that showed up at a multi-story parking lot to see his plane land at Pittsburgh airport.

"Intellectually I felt that we're going to win this and I've felt that for some time," Romney told reporters on his plane.

"But emotionally, just getting off the plane and seeing those people standing there...I not only think we're going to win intellectually but I feel it as well."

While Romney penned his victory speech, Obama took part in his election day tradition of playing a game of pick-up basketball with friends, including Chicago Bulls legend Scottie Pippen, after visiting a campaign office near his Chicago home.

The president, who like a third of Americans voted before election day, congratulated Romney on "a spirited campaign" despite their frequently hot tempered exchanges.

"I know that his supporters are just as engaged and just as enthusiastic and working just as hard today. We feel confident we've got the votes to win, that it's going to depend ultimately on whether those votes turn out," he said.

"I think anybody who's running for office would be lying if they say that there's not some butterflies before the polls come in because anything can happen," the president added later in a radio interview.

CBS News, quoting early exit polls, said 39 percent of people approached after they had voted said the economy, the key issue, was improving, while 31 percent said it was worse and 28 saw it as staying the same.

Voters were also choosing a third of the Democratic-led Senate and the entire Republican-run House of Representatives. But, with neither chamber expected to change hands, the current political gridlock will likely continue.

The US presidential election is not directly decided by the popular vote, but requires candidates to pile up a majority - 270 of 538 electoral votes awarded state-by-state on the basis of population.

A candidate can therefore win the nationwide popular vote and still be deprived of the presidency by falling short in the Electoral College.

The election went ahead in New Jersey with thousands of people without power, and large areas devastated by superstorm Sandy which roared ashore last week killing more than 100 people.

Adora Agim, an immigrant from Nigeria, said the chaos shouldn't stop voting. "I have lived in a Third World country where your vote does not matter. It's nice to be somewhere where it matters," she said, in Hoboken, New Jersey.

The central message of Obama's campaign has been that he saved America from a second Great Depression after the economy was on the brink of collapse when he took over from Republican president George W. Bush in 2009.

He claims credit for ending the war in Iraq, saving the US auto industry, killing Osama bin Laden, offering almost every American health insurance, and passing the most sweeping Wall Street reform in decades.

Romney sought to mine frustration with the slow pace of the economic recovery and argued that the president was out of ideas and has no clue how to create jobs, with unemployment at 7.9 percent and millions out of work. – AFP

Merchandise showing US President Barack Obama are displayed for sale during a US presidential election party at a bar in Sydney on November 7, 2012. Barack Obama and Mitt Romney steeled themselves for nervous hours as polls closed in the first of the key swing states that will decide their tight and bitter White House duel. AFP

Supporters of US President Barack Obama cheer results on election night November 6, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. AFP

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Comments - 97

unchikun Wednesday, 07 November 2012 07:56 AM

Do not worry. He is working on it.

billy Wednesday, 07 November 2012 09:38 AM

thats because us minorities work for common national interests unlike sri lankan minorities who are hell bend on communal tribal politics.

Rubert Vanderkoon Wednesday, 07 November 2012 09:36 AM

On the contrary, 93% black people and 72% Asians voted for Obama. More than his policies (that are very similar to George W Bush's policies), its colour and race that won!

billy Wednesday, 07 November 2012 09:34 AM

who r this us?

billy Wednesday, 07 November 2012 09:32 AM

but definitely they see the religion , try electing a non christan in america, as Romney found out..

Bagalawathie Wednesday, 07 November 2012 09:32 AM

Go Obama Go. God bless you. There were lot of people waiting to laugh at you, but now you can laugh at them.

Paddy Suman Wednesday, 07 November 2012 09:31 AM

Obamata dan Barak nahalu......

Gorakana Wednesday, 07 November 2012 09:30 AM

It was a fight between donkey and a fox.

Sue Wednesday, 07 November 2012 09:20 AM

Congratulations President Obama. Being President of the USA is like being The President of the World. Best of Luck.

LOl Wednesday, 07 November 2012 08:48 AM

seems even majority people won't get a chance in their life time.. then how come minority? LOL

Trehan Munasinghe Wednesday, 07 November 2012 08:36 AM

Like fake copies of Windows now not available...in SL ... No Computer "Jillmart" software available in America..

Calistus Jayatilleke Wednesday, 07 November 2012 08:31 AM

A well deserved second term for Obama. The great thing is that American Presidents, in the euphoria of their victory, are not so mean as to amend their Constitutions to allow them to contest for ever and even if anyone thinks of doing so, elected members of the House of Representatives will never allow it unlike in Sri Lanka where the MPs are behaving just like lamp posts.

Upul Wednesday, 07 November 2012 08:04 AM

Thank you for the American Election System.

bandara Wednesday, 07 November 2012 07:51 AM

congrats to the USA president. agreed with all above. No computer jilmart, so a minority has won the highest seat in the world. ah ha... do we see asian conspiracy ha ha ha ha

meenavan Wednesday, 07 November 2012 07:42 AM

Ameicans constitution allow two terms of to be a president but in our Banana island.....? frequent changes in constitution will allows to hold the power.....

Uncle Sam Wednesday, 07 November 2012 07:38 AM

Breaking News ; Computer error made Obama to win , Oh sorry this is American edition , change the heading !!

UP Wednesday, 07 November 2012 07:36 AM

Any election violence ? Curfew imposed ? Where about Rommneys supporters ? Anything to learn from US elections for us ?

Kolitha Wednesday, 07 November 2012 07:28 AM

Congrats.. American people have showed the world that they can't be fooled by misleading advertising and they are truly liberal thinkers.
Can we elect a Tamil or even a Catholic as our president? Are we ready to accept these alternative as a society.

surasena Wednesday, 07 November 2012 07:25 AM

"Western Conspiracy??????????"

DHA Wednesday, 07 November 2012 07:25 AM

His victory speech was one of the best.....congratz......

Kondebandapuchhena Wednesday, 07 November 2012 07:23 AM

You made several records with 7% unemployment still you won ,well done

Nishantha Wednesday, 07 November 2012 07:18 AM

CONGRATULATIONS...!

Farzan Wednesday, 07 November 2012 07:17 AM

Well Done America!!! Congratulations Brack Hussain Obama.

Appuhami Wednesday, 07 November 2012 07:16 AM

congratulation..

xlntgson Wednesday, 07 November 2012 03:44 PM

Sinhalese have two parties supported by many minority parties. Minorities never unite, and the main stream americans have no issues with immigrants, (who came first?) we have only one nation etc.

Kristopher Thursday, 08 November 2012 07:10 AM

Mitt Romney did not know how to pull a "Computer Gilmart" . He should have asked Sri Lanka for advice and experts on the subject

Karu Thursday, 08 November 2012 06:25 AM

Who ever comes as a US president, it's not a good news for Muslims........Under Obama administration there was so many crisis in Muslim region. First, Bin Laden killed by his guidance then Gadaffi now aiming on Syria and Iran. US always create fights between Muslim in Arab for their safety and benefits...it will go and on forever.

bakamoona Thursday, 08 November 2012 06:23 AM

Guys , pl. do not compare SL to US

Malkhan Wednesday, 07 November 2012 06:51 PM

SUPER Speech!
Thorough Gentleman.
Congrats! Mr Obama, your a Great President of USA.

Smart Wednesday, 07 November 2012 05:25 PM

Yes.... anti-google was waiting to...........

Smart Wednesday, 07 November 2012 05:24 PM

apiwa barak obamata !

Smart Wednesday, 07 November 2012 05:22 PM

Apo.....hela karumaya won't allow

Smart Wednesday, 07 November 2012 05:16 PM

huh.... no jilmarts in US. that's the difference.

dharma Wednesday, 07 November 2012 03:45 PM

one hundres persent deomcratic election. the world best country for deomceatic people.

Shiva Wednesday, 07 November 2012 07:17 AM

Obama.........From my heart, feeling that You are the greatest US president after Lincoln.....Congrats

xlntgson Wednesday, 07 November 2012 03:27 PM

What is that electoral vote? Is it equality? One state having more voting power than other. It is humbug democracy!

xlntgson Wednesday, 07 November 2012 03:23 PM

What non-sense electoral vote? Is it equality? One state having more voting power than the other is a humbug system!

Cha Wednesday, 07 November 2012 03:18 PM

Man you make no sense... try using English next time

Sammy Wednesday, 07 November 2012 03:00 PM

Congrats Barack! Yes, the best is yet to come.

Game Kolla Wednesday, 07 November 2012 02:34 PM

Obama must take lessons from Srilanka the most independent , democratic country in the world

shihan Wednesday, 07 November 2012 12:45 PM

Way To go OBAMA.

lk Wednesday, 07 November 2012 10:56 AM

@Kolitha - Our First Lady is Catholic

Bash Wednesday, 07 November 2012 10:54 AM

MR will be very happy

billy Wednesday, 07 November 2012 10:26 AM

r u saying sri lankan who should elect minority who hell bend communal tribal poltics and wants to create ghettos in sri lanka unlike us minorities who work for common national interests..hah ..difference is in the minorities not the country

Rubert Vanderkoon Wednesday, 07 November 2012 09:45 AM

Nor our Generals and the opposition to denounce Obama's victory and to cook-up a jilmart story.

DXB Wednesday, 07 November 2012 05:15 AM

I am watching it on Romney's web , look the disciipline the country is having , will it happen in Sri Lanka ??

Rani Wednesday, 07 November 2012 05:52 AM

Lucky guy women love him he's easy going lovable character. Hope he will take more women for the cabinet..womens vote raised his come back

Smurf Wednesday, 07 November 2012 05:51 AM

290 votes at the last count is a safe victory

dass Wednesday, 07 November 2012 05:50 AM

they do not project in vain. it happens every presidential election in US. no computer jilmarts like elsewhere.

Nihal Amarasekera Wednesday, 07 November 2012 05:38 AM

Yes, we can do! BUT did not do. This time No we Cannot do! But do or die.

rodrigo Wednesday, 07 November 2012 05:34 AM

Now president of Sri Lanka will face justics what he had done to sri lanka people Obama /hilary they are close watching whats going on sri lanka , So hope these will help us for future .

Smart Wednesday, 07 November 2012 05:30 AM

He is for the middle class........ he wants America back at work. Very good thinking.

Jilmart Piya Wednesday, 07 November 2012 05:25 AM

Obama , As you have won , please help us Sri Lankan's to be winners by helping us to get rid of MR & Company , biggest act you can do as the new president of USA .

obama Ghoast Wednesday, 07 November 2012 05:24 AM

Obama will win in the hell very soon..!

aj Wednesday, 07 November 2012 05:23 AM

Great news, Great Dayl !!. congrats Mr.Obama. we need you..we love u. :))))) So moment :))

mohamed asfar Wednesday, 07 November 2012 05:22 AM

romney and all republicans, you are paying for the sins of Bush.

Labby Wednesday, 07 November 2012 05:16 AM

The conduct of the US presidential election is indeed a true lesson in democracy.

dass Wednesday, 07 November 2012 05:55 AM

ps: just a minute ago Mitt Romney called Obama and offically conceded 'defeat'.

Sneaky and Stealthy Wednesday, 07 November 2012 05:09 AM

He has got the electoral numbers right.

I.O.Sull-Lee Wednesday, 07 November 2012 05:07 AM

Breaking News - Mitt Romney has been arrested and jailed... oops sorry wrong script .. this is US not SL.

Sneaky and Stealthy Wednesday, 07 November 2012 05:08 AM

Do you mean Sri Lanka?

John Wednesday, 07 November 2012 05:04 AM

You are beating the gun - its a projected win at this stage as votes are still being counted! Of course in SL it may be slightly different?!

Muthu Wednesday, 07 November 2012 05:00 AM

Americans are so advanced that they elect a member of minorities for a second term as President .In contrast some Banana Republics try computer "jilmarts", thuggery and violence to stay in power by hook or by crook. DM please publish.

anushka Wednesday, 07 November 2012 04:58 AM

So the US voters did the justice by bringing back the peoples president instead of the Rich and Mighty.

dachee Wednesday, 07 November 2012 04:58 AM

We are with Obama.. His policies are much better for our region than a pure white man's

justice Wednesday, 07 November 2012 04:56 AM

hmmmm another 4 years of unemployment, war, deaths etc

Sneaky and Stealthy Wednesday, 07 November 2012 04:55 AM

Congratulations Sir on your victory. Thanks for thinking about the less haves and education.

sgn Wednesday, 07 November 2012 04:52 AM

YES!
Congratulations!!!

sahdi Wednesday, 07 November 2012 04:43 AM

THANK GOD........! OBAMA YOU ARE VERY LUCKY BECAUSE OUR SRI LANKAN COMPUTER JILLMART TEAM WAS NOT IN AMERICA

hemantha Wednesday, 07 November 2012 06:33 AM

Congratulations Sir,

Wara Wednesday, 07 November 2012 07:15 AM

Loyal US supporter !!!

SAM_SPARROW Wednesday, 07 November 2012 07:08 AM

A minotity president in the USA. But in Sri Lanka not even rights for minorities.

Fan Wednesday, 07 November 2012 07:08 AM

Congratz sir!

pasha Wednesday, 07 November 2012 07:00 AM

Congrats Obama, Time to introduce 18th and contest for the third time

Milan Wednesday, 07 November 2012 06:58 AM

Romini is very unfortunate that he did not contested in SL, otherwise he could have said that Obama won by a computer gilmart!!!

Milan Wednesday, 07 November 2012 06:57 AM

Romini is very unfortunate that he did not contested in SL, otherwise he could have said that Obama won by a computer gilmart!!!

Rednaxela Wednesday, 07 November 2012 06:49 AM

In the US the citizens are thinking of the future, not about their President being black or white. In Sri Lanka we are only happy to harp on our past and thinking of the time when kings ruled this country. Do doubt we can't get anywhere. That's why we are the Miracle of Asia.

singing fish Wednesday, 07 November 2012 06:48 AM

Minority black american became president second time,what about SRILANKA?

Lobo Wednesday, 07 November 2012 06:41 AM

Time to get an update of your stats if you think there is no unemployment and deaths in the US. As for war well the US is involved in almost every hot-spot in the world.

Sandu Wednesday, 07 November 2012 06:36 AM

Tough time for Sri Lanka

kumar Wednesday, 07 November 2012 06:33 AM

CONGRATULATIONS! !

prasad Wednesday, 07 November 2012 04:40 AM

Shit seen !!!

matara man Wednesday, 07 November 2012 06:19 AM

Congragulatins your excellancy. As you are the protector of Democracy in the World, please do concern about Sri Lanka's current situaiton.

Uncle Sam Wednesday, 07 November 2012 06:18 AM

If it was Srilankan defeater , Romney would join China to make problems for Obama !!!

Truealf Wednesday, 07 November 2012 06:11 AM

Congradulations! We belove also this time in 4years we will not do any of Criminal works of DOG Bush.

Kondebendapucheena Wednesday, 07 November 2012 06:10 AM

Last 4 years also they watched what happen nothing Bro

To Sir with love Wednesday, 07 November 2012 06:09 AM

congratulations!

Rahmathullah M. H. Wednesday, 07 November 2012 06:08 AM

In fact, America is still a role model for democracy, where people enjoy freedom of expression and violence free election. Sri-Lankans can never imagine such a clean election even in the distant future.

Dots Wednesday, 07 November 2012 06:08 AM

Rodrigo , Look what Romney says about Obama , we need first folks like you to be treated and reformed .

Yehiya Wednesday, 07 November 2012 06:05 AM

but most of Sri lankan politician today onward need paracetamol.

mother lanka Wednesday, 07 November 2012 06:03 AM

Let us be honest, this can happen only in America. Person from minority community to be elected as president, as all citizens are considered equeal. This cannot happen in Sri Lanka, as we talk so proud of, or in most of the countries in the world. There are things to be learned from USA as well.

Yehiya Wednesday, 07 November 2012 06:02 AM

American never see the colour & race. Congratulation to Obama & demos

justice Wednesday, 07 November 2012 05:59 AM

every where its the same,

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Video: Obama wins

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