America Makes History As Obama Wins Presidential Election

Searcy, Ark- Hi again fellow bloggers and thank you very much for following me this evening in this monumental race. I have just got back from interviewing Harding University students and am eager to tell you how college students are taking Obama's win.

Now, as to be expected, not everyone is ecstatic or grieving. Instead, here at Harding University there is a mixed reaction. Some students are rejoicing and believe that they are now "empowered". However, other students are grieving and passionately declare that they will "move outta the country".

Below are some pictures I took of Harding students. (Well, exepct for the two Indian men. They are visiting Harding University's campus this weeek.) These are their actual reactions, these were not fabricated in any way shape or form:

These students are quite happy with the results.



These two students have mixed reactions to the news.



These two Harding students are overjoyed that Obama won the election.



Below, these two Harding students were greatly upset at the election's results.



The following two Harding students were greatly shocked by the election's outcome.



These two Indian men were very thankful that Obama won the election.



The following two students were enthused about our future president.



These students were deeply saddened by the results of the 2008 Presidential Election.



These students were celebrating in the Reynolds' parking lot and were thrilled that Obama won.



These students are stunned that Obama has won and are interested to see how the next four years will be.



So, all in all, as you can see... we've recieved quite a varitey of expressions, attitudes, and emotions towards this upcoming era in which Obama is America's president.

Thank ya'll for following me this evening in this new age. Have a good night.

Party awaits local results

Though Obama has secured his win, the Republican Party has not forgotten that local offices are also at stake.

Michael Lincoln, who is currently serving as a White County Judge, is looking for two more years. Most expect him to get the win.

"I want to thank everyone for voting," Lincoln said. "That's what keeps America great. And I think the younger generation should continue to exercise that right."

Lincoln vowed that, should he win, he will work for the benefit of the people, not just along party lines.

Kyle Reeves, who is running for State Representative, was also at the party at the Underground, but he declined to comment.

Hariet Raley, a poll worker, is very confident in how local elections would end.

"I would like a strong Republican outcome," Raley said. "I would like to tell [competitors] Snyder and Pryor that we strongly disagree with what they are doing. And their lack of conduct and honesty."

Local elections are currently being tallied.

Current results:

White County Judge
Lincoln 2268
Gillam 1068

State Representative District 50
Betts 1143
Reeves 1042

White County District Judge
Pate 2183
Worley 1226

State Representative District 49
Dismang 740
Williams 470

Republicans uncertain as Obama confidently steps into US Presidency

Though the party has been mostly subdued all evening, a hush fell over the crowd once McCain began giving his concession speech. Though they felt it coming, the news has not been easy.

"I'll cry for awhile," said Sharlann Reely. "I mean, I'll pray for Obama and our country. I'm very disappointed and I can't hardly think past tomorrow."

"I'm very disappointed Mr. McCain lost," said Peggy Meads, county chairman. "However, I'm pleased he won Arkansas."

For the most part, Republican party members are trying to process the news and what it means for them.

"I've been considering joining the Air Force," David Harvey said, "but I would have preferred John McCain as the Commander and Chief."

The news is sinking in, but they are having trouble finding a silver lining. As Obama pulled ahead with the results, the Underground cleared of most its crowd. Only a few stayed behind to hear McCain speak.

"My only hope is that [Obama] governs more moderately than he campaigned," said Doug Phillips after McCain officially ending his race for Presidency.

Michael Lincoln gives advice to aspiring politicians

PICTURED HERE: Lincoln takes a moment to grant me a quick interview.

WHITE COUNTY COURTHOUSE--In the midst of a bustling courthouse, White County Judge Michael Lincoln stopped to give us a few words of wisdom for politically aspiring students.

"Get involved! This country is in dire need of good leadership...anybody who sets their minds to be involved in politics can be successful, and we cannot sit and rest on the rules of those who have gone before us, but the younger generation needs to understand that a great country doesn't just happen- it takes strong moral leadership...start somewhere. Don't be afraid!" 

To back up his point, Lincoln proceeded to share the tale of younger Republican Jonathan Dismang (29), who is currently running against Kieth Williams as a hopeful representative for District 49. Dismang called him just three years ago to ask if he should run. Lincoln told him to give it a go and get his name out if nothing else. Now, Dismang is in the midst of a seemingly successful career, according to Lincoln.

"It looks like he's going to win this race, he's up by 300 votes! So, we'll see how it goes."

Republicans can't ignore the "Elephant in the Room"

Republican Party members gathered at the Underground are maintaining their positive outlook, but, so far, no one is overly optimistic to declare McCain as a clear winner. Most concede that if he does, it will be very marginal.

"I'm expecting for God to choose who he wants to be President," said Karen Allen, 65. "I'm hoping that man will be McCain."

Allen, a Searcy resident, has been a long time supporter of McCain.

"I like that McCain is pro-life," Allen said. "He also has the military experience; we can't just pull out of Iraq."

Other people have different reasons for supporting McCain. Olan Beals, 80 of Searcy, thinks Obama will steer the nation in the wrong direction.

"I've been discriminated against many times because I am white," Beals said. "I think Obama will worsen that for all of us."

For the most part, Republicans are hoping McCain will pull through the early projections.

"To be honest, I'm really not sure who will win," said David Harvey, a Harding Alumnus. "I would be perturbed if Obama won We already have a strong Democratic House and Senate; I'd prefer that we keep that balance."

Early results have not kept party goers from discussing politics and enjoying themselves. Though the mood is tense, all appreciate that whatever the outcome, it was decided by the American people.

Some are already questioning the election results. Vicki Rogers, another Searcy resident, feels there is some foul play involved.

"If Obama wins it will be because that darn Acorn has been cheating all across the country," Rogers said. "The Black Panther Party has been helping Acorn sign up six years old and people who do not qualify. They ought to be investigated."

Rogers is not a fan of many of Obama's policies. She specifically mentioned his stance on Muslims.

"Obama has already said that he will welcome Muslims into this nation," Rogers said. "If a terrorist comes into this country, I guarantee he'll be a Muslim. It's only a matter of time before we have another 9/11 if Obama wins."

However, Rogers is comfortable with Obama's running mate, Joe Biden. She feels he is a strong, experienced candidate.

"It's in God's hands now," Rogers said, "and we're hoping for a miracle!"

Vicki Rogers: "Muslims may be really decent people for the most part, but they're also terrorists."

[UPDATE] McCain is currently giving his concession speech.

Focus Slants to White County Tallies

With Obama's victory pretty much sealed, a lot of focus has turned to the White County results. Sarah and I have moved from the Democratic Headquarters, which was slowly fading in action as people left for other places, and walked across the street to the courthouse.  

 

When we first walked in, the mood was somber and pews were lined with serious faces. Only announcing every 5 boxes of ballots, the waiting process is expected to be long. I will enclose a video that was just taken of the latest results.  Though the quality isn't the best, maybe it will give you an idea of the way things are headed. 

The projected time for all White County results is 1:30 a.m. or later. Candidates are slowly stopping by so stay tuned for interviews with them.

Sarah is interviewing Judge Michael Lincoln right now-- who is running for another term. Her story will be coming up soon. 

Obama or NObama?

Searcy, Arkansas- Hi again bloggers. Thank you for sticking with me this evening as we journey through this election together. I've moved locations and am no longer at the College Church of Christ in Searcy, Arkansas and am now back on the Harding University campus where I've had numerous opportunities to chat with Harding University students about the election and witness their reactions.

But first, before we get to that, let me give you some background information, as ya'll know, Obama is currently winning by 51% and McCain is down at 48%. So, it's a very close election. However, Obama has won Ohio so, unless McCain pulls a rabbit out of theoretical magic hat, it looks like we will have Obama as our next president of the United States of America.

NOW, back to the students, their feelings, their reactions, and their opinions on this matter.

An anonymous student-let's call her 'Becky'-states that, if Obama wins, "I expect that it will get nasty everywhere. Racism is still prevalent today-it's not just in the south." So..."although the country needs a step towards equality..." she's not sure if it's the right "time for this step". Becky believes that this country needs to move past the color of one's skin, but is not sure if America is ready to conquer this hurdle.

...Well, let's hope that America is up to the challenge because-if Obama's winning streak continues- this will be the first time we've ever had an African American man as President of the USA.

Memorable quotes from the Democratic watch party and courthouse

"I think you can get more with honey than from war."- Mary Margaret Davidson. 

"I was a die-hard Republican until Father Bush came along."- Kenneth Brayford

"You don't want an interview from me."- Dennis Gillam

When asked about the election:

"Regardless of who wins..."

"Well we HOPE McCain doesn't win!"- Kenneth Brayford

Educational Platform Important to Harding Professor/Candidate

Kieth Williams, who is running for District 49 Arkansas State Representative, was kind enough to speak with us on his stance on education. A member of the school board for 10 years at Bald Knob, education is a big part of his platform.

An instructor at Harding, Williams has cut his workload by 1/3 in order to run for office. He said if he wins the election he still plans to keep ties with the university, teaching part-time. "It keeps me connected. If I'm serving down there [as a representative], I need to stay connected with education." 

Williams called himself a "conservative Democrat" and said he and his opponent--Jonathan Dismang-- agree on many social issues. The division between the two occurs when it comes to what he calls the "big business, common person/middle-class division" between Democrats and Republicans. Though they agree on many of the same state issues, Williams said his stance is more on education while his opponent tends to focus on the natural gas industry and the issues dealing with that in White County.

Though many people tend to separate economic issues from educational issues, Williams said it is impossible to do so.

"Teaching in the school of finance, I have a good grasp of the funding formula. I feel like since 60% of the state's budget goes to education, the person that goes down there needs to have an interest in education." Williams said if he is fortunate enough to win, he would love to be a part of the education committee. 

Agriculture is also a primary interest of Williams, who said it directly connects to landowners' rights issues and natural gas. 

When it comes to "No Child Left Behind," Williams finds himself agreeing with the goals, but disagreeing with the methods.

Williams said it has been a stimulus for a lot of good things in education, but lacks common sense in many of the short-term objectives.

As far as the Presidential election goes, Williams said he is frightened by the deficit spending that is going on how it will affect future generations. 

"My prediction is that if our next President does what he needs to do, he's going to be a one-term president. He is going to have to make all of us uncomfortable and do things we are unaccustomed to doing as Americans. I hope he's bold enough to do that."

{Picture above: Candidate Kieth Williams speaks with supporters at the Searcy Dinner Theater. Williams donated refreshments for the party.}

~Ashton Reely

Founding members lead the way to Democratic party

PICTURED HERE: Democratic supporters, including White County chapter founder Charles Bogan, listen intently to radio results and discuss.

SEARCY-- Upon arriving to what was supposed to be the Democratic watch party, reporter Ashton Reely and I found ourselves standing outside an abandoned Democratic headquarters- with no idea where to turn.

Thankfully, founding member Ken Brayford approach us after 30 minutes of waiting- and over an hour of his own searching for the correct party location. Brayford had a cheery and hospitable air about him as he introduced himself and led us, two lost-looking youngsters,

to the dinner theater- where groups of Democratic party members gathered in preparation. 

On the way over, Brayford proudly told us about his young daschund (an honorary member of the organization), with whom he wished to spend most of the evening. Upon arrival, we were introduced to White County Democratic Headquarter's founder Charles Bogan.

We were told about the beginnings of the organization, which first met in Bogan's living room. He said that while there were individual men's and women's Democratic gatherings, there had not yet been a coed group- until he founded it in 1993.

Brayford interjected to recount his own induction into the founding group, telling us that he had been mocked mercilessly as a former Republican.

He threw his hands up in the air when he said "I was a die-hard Republican until Father Bush (George W. Bush, Sr.) took office." He became a Democrat within a year, much to his family's dismay.  

The pair introduced us to Kieth Williams, who is running for District 49 representative, and bid us farewell. 

Brayford left to watch this historic Election Day with his beloved daschund, favoring his TV over the radio results present at the party. More to come, stay tuned. 

GOP gathers at "The Underground"

The coffee house, adorned in red, white and blue decorations, hosts local Republicans as results pour in from across the nation. The party is just beginning, but some fear the celebration may end on a sour note.


"We're pretty clear on who is gonna win tonight," said Tiffany Parrish, a Harding student.


"We're expecting an Obama win," said Chris Schandevel, President of College Republicans. "I'm just hoping that if we have to go through an Obama win that it will work towards the betterment of the country."

A screen tuned into Fox News is the main attraction. Local residents and Harding students mingle together as the numbers come in.

Students and professors look on as states turn red, blue

The Election Day watch party has picked up here at the College Church of Christ in Searcy, with Sen. Obama establishing a solid lead over Sen. McCain.

Laptops are open and flickering back and forth between news sites. Every so often Dr. Lori Klein of Harding will shout updates across the room to her husband, Dr. Kevin Klein. Dr. Steven Breezeel sits next to him, using his computer to update an electoral map that is projected up on the wall. Both men predict a win for the Obama campaign, and Dr. Klein anticipates a sizable margin of victory for the Democratic candidate. However, he remains skeptical that an Obama victory will necessarily bring the "change" that has been the hallmark of his campaign.

“People are out of the habit of elections being won by a substantial margin. They aren’t prepared to understand what it does or doesn’t mean," Klein said. Even if Obama wins the election and Democrats obtain a veto-proof majority of seats in the Senate, it will take years before we know whether this new administration will be as "historic" as it has been called. Mandates can be built upon, or they can be wasted. The United States can change for the better, for the worse, or not change at all. "Elections tell us where we are at a moment. They do not tell us that we are entering into a new era," Klein said

Each hour a new set of states falls to one side or another. Currently the electoral point spread shows Obama with 207 and McCain with 129, but the crowd began to thin out after Ohio turned blue on the map. The battleground state gave 20 electoral votes to Obama and, many watch party-goers assume, the Presidential election.

This has not visibly dampened the Republican supporters in the audience, nor has it brought the Democrats to their feet in celebration. The mood here is very casual, with red-shirted students sitting next to Obama button-wearers, talking amicably and even finding things to laugh about. As each state in the "Bible Belt" turned from grey to red, a cry of "I can't believe it!" could be heard coming from somewhere in the room. The crowd here is mainly made up of students from Dr. Breezeel’s class on Parties and Elections, and any partisan bitterness in the room seem to have been brushed aside. After all, they’ll all have to see each other again for class on Thursday.

Obama or McCain?

Here in Searcy, Arkansas tons of anxiety and excitement is in the air. I'm currently at the College Church of Christ with some of the locals here and many Harding University students as we've gathered to watch this election unfold.

We have all been faithfully following this election these past months and now the moment we've all been waiting for, the moment we've all anticipated, is finally at hand.

Now, our big question is, "Who will be our next president?" Some say Obama, others say McCain but the fact remains that we will not know until this election is over.

This year, the are many "battleground states" as one unnamed source states. However, this source believes that "Ohio will be the key state in this election. It's the state that McCain has focused the most on and it will be interesting to see who wins."


Fox News also concers with this statement, "No Republican has lost Ohio and won the election". So, if you would like to follow the election this evening but, unfortunately, cannot watch the entire election...Ohio would be the state to watch in this tight race.

Either way, whether Obama or McCain wins, it will be an earth-shattering experience. If Obama wins, it will be the first time we've had a president be a different ethnicity other than Anglo-Saxon. However, if McCain wins, it will be the first time a woman will be vice president.

I certainly look forward to this election as we revolutionize America. I hope that you will stay with me this evening as we cover this revolutionary election together.

Reporting to begin about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday

Searcy, Ark.—Student journalists from Harding University will blog live reports from at least three political watch parties in Searcy after the polls close at about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Your responsible comments on the coverage and on the election results throughout the night are welcome.