Comparing News Reports on The Election of Barack Obama

Both articles from the States and Canada discussed Obama becoming president. They stated that he was the 44th president of the United States of America and that he was the first black president in the States. Both articles talked about how this election has brought a change to America. In The New York Times article, McCain said, "We both realize that we have come a long way from the injustices that once stained our nation's reputation." The New York Times Article and The Globe and Mail article both said that large crowds of people came to watch the inauguration. Subway systems were even shut down, allowing people to safetly fill the streets. People continued to arrive, even though it was quite chilly outside. The article from the U.S., The New York Times, was filled with more information than The Globe and Mail article from Canada. Reasons for this could be that Americans would be more interested and want to read more about this event since their own country has been affected. In The New York Times article, Barack Obama told U.S. citizens that America is a place where all things are possible and that this election is very significant for African Americans. There was a record-high voter turnout for this election. People lined up before dawn and some waited hours just to vote. As printed in The New York Times, Obama said to his crowd, "The road ahead will be long, our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you, we as a people will get there." Obama has an added task added to his job as president, which is to govern the country through the recession a well as the wars. In this article, Obama also set a number of promises to the people of his country. He was going to cut taxes, get the U.S. out of Iraq and also expand the health care. McCain called Obama later that night to congratulate him and to offer his assistance any time he may need it. Obama also recieved a phone call from George Bush who congratulated him as well. After the winner of the election was announced, The New York Times recorded Obama saying, "To those Americans whose support I have yet to earn," he said, "I may not have won your vote, but I need to hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your president, too."

Sources

Hammer, Kate. "Obama becomes president." 20 Jan 2009. globeandmail.com. 14 Dec 2009. http://v1.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090120.wbigday0120/BNStory/JENNIFER+LOVEN+NANCY+BENAC/

Nagourney, Adam. "Obama Elected President as Racial Barrier Falls." 4 Nov 2008. The New York Times. 14 Dec 2009. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/05/us/politics/05elect.html