A southpaw from Illinois, President Obama has already signed Executive Orders and begun the undoings of the last eight years. First to go was the steadfast rule of jackets or blazers required in the oval office by former President George W. Bush.

And then President Obama announced that his entire staff will be required to attend an ethics class. Pay freezes have been implemented for staff making over $100,000, and on his first full day on the job, Obama was already busy on the phone calling officials in the Middle East.

And yet amidst all the festivities and celebrations, at least one thing did go wrong – the Presidential Oath. As Wolf Blizter commented on CNN,

Chief Justice Roberts had one job to do today, and he kind of screwed it up.

He is of course referring to the blunder that occurred in administering the Presidential Oath of Office, a 35 word dissertation. Legally, though, Barack Obama was already crowned President at high noon, a stipulation of the Constitution of the United States.

Regardless of the mess up, change has already begun. The White House website was switched over promptly at noon, and re-runs of the inauguration are abundant. Watch below to relive the history as it happened, and remember where you were, what you were doing, when this historic event happened. Your kids may ask you someday.

[photo by The White House]

At 12pm EST, the Moment will happen. President-Elect Barack Obama will shed the ‘elect’ from his name as he places his hand on the Bible and takes the presidential oath of office. And we will get to see that moment in unprecidented HD coverage, via the news networks on tv and this year, online, and even on your iPhone.

Common, if this makes Wolf Blitzer giddy, it’s gotta be big.

[CNN, photo by AFP/Getty]

This echoes the Governors words for opponents of the proposition to fight on. What this proposition has done is take away a civil right, signaling a huge setback to the advancements that had been made earlier in the year by a 4-3 vote of the California Supreme Court.

If past history carries any prevalence, we must not trust these civil rights issues in the hands of voters. Proposition 8 is just a present-day example. Think about if we had put the issue of slavery to a vote a couple hundred years ago. As the majority of wealthy, voting Americans owned and used slaves for labor and services, a vote to abolish slavery would have had trouble even making it on a ballot, let alone passing.

As Apple Inc. said in a public statement regarding Proposition 8:

Apple is publicly opposing Proposition 8 and making a donation of $100,000 to the No on 8 campaign. Apple was among the first California companies to offer equal rights and benefits to our employees’ same-sex partners, and we strongly believe that a person’s fundamental rights — including the right to marry — should not be affected by their sexual orientation. Apple views this as a civil rights issue, rather than just a political issue, and is therefore speaking out publicly against Proposition 8.

This is just that, a civil rights issue, not just a political issue, and it is truly saddening that personal religious beliefs have been successful in pushing Prop 8 to the California Constitution. Hopefully, the California Supreme Court Justices, will uphold the civil rights it past earlier this year and squash this proposition once and for all.

Two possibilities exist as to avenues of killing this proposition. One argument could be made that Proposition 8 is more than a simple addendum to the California Constitution, but a full amendment, in which case, the proposition would need a majority two-thirds vote to pass. Pop 8 won by a margin of roughly 52% Yes, and 48% No – not a clear majority and not by any means a two-thirds majority.

The second possibility is that, upon hearing the case of opponents to Proposition 8, the Supreme Court justices find Prop 8 itself to be unconstitutional and find in favor of granting the civil rights of same-sex marriage couples.

Either possibility will gladly be taken, but the latter will be preferred. It will set precedent for future law in the State of California and abroad. It will put to rest any question the stance of the State of California on this matter and grant the civil rights that should be had of same-sex couples.

Photo Credit: ABC News and Boston

President-Elect Obama invited Senator John McCain (R-AZ) to his transition team’s headquarters in Illinois today to clear the air and move forward. In what began as a clearly awkward meeting, Obama’s official Change.gov website released the following statement:

“We had a productive conversation today about the need to launch a new era of reform where we take on government waste and bitter partisanship in Washington,” President-elect Obama and Senator McCain said in a joint statement released after the meeting. “We hope to work together in the days and months ahead on critical challenges like solving our financial crisis, creating a new energy economy, and protecting our nation’s security.”

In order for Obama to be successful to any degree in his upcoming term, he must develop relationships with prominent officials on both sides of the political spectrum. So far, Obama is doing just that. He wants to run a bi-partisan administration which promotes inter-connectedness and cooperation amongst both Republicans and Democrats. Obama wants and needs to create a government not dialed back by party differences, but a government that works together with one common goal – working for the benefit of the American people and for the American nation.

This meeting that Obama called for with McCain is the first step towards mending any woes that were created during the long Presidential campaign.

In order for Obama to see any level of success, he needs to reach out to his opponent and attain a common ground. Senator McCain has vast knowledge in areas of energy, military, and varying views on economic policy, among many other areas of expertise. By working with McCain, Obama will likely gain the support of McCain advocates, and see easier results in working with the Senate and Congress.

Many have begun speculating that McCain may find himself with a seat in Obama’s administration, specifically a cabinet-level position. Realistically, this is looking less like a reality. But McCain will more than likely play a large role in the Obama administration, offering his input on various issues and lending his Congressional pull.

President-Elect Obama has made many relationships in the Senate as a Senator for the State of Illinois the past few years. He will need to utilize these friendships to create a government that can bring about the drastic changes he has proposed and the changes that this country needs. Obama has walked into a pile of problems, both economically and politically, that need to be fixed. And he has his work cut out for him.

Easing the tensions between his campaign rival McCain will certainly help.

Below is the press video released of the two’s initial meeting and praiseful remarks.

Henry Kissinger, a former Secretary of State under both the Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford administrations, as well as Chief of Staff in the Clinton administration, had the following words of praise for the possible job offer -

“I believe it would be an outstanding appointment. If it is true, it shows a number of things, including great courage on the part of the President-Elect. To appoint a very strong personality into a prominent cabinet position requires a great deal of courage. Obama was my second choice in the election. But at the same time, I want to stress that this is the moment for non-partisanship in America. There are a number of challenges that must be dealt with…I believe that the United States faces a moment of enormous complexity, but also a moment of extraordinary opportunity”

The possibility of Senator Hilary Clinton’s acceptance of the offer for Secretary of State would position the United States in a favorable stance internationally. Approval ratings are already higher than ever around the world for President-Elect Obama, but with Hilary Clinton in the cabinet, the knowledge and power she brings to the table would be astronomical. Clinton has traveled the globe extensively, both for her philanthropic work with her husband, President Bill Clinton, and during his administration. She has contacts in virtually every nation, and is on a first name basis with many of them. The pre-defined relationships she has with world leaders would be advantageous to the Obama administration.

After the last eight years of the Bush administration, the country needs a strong leader for the Secretary of State position. Her role could restore some level of international relation with many countries around the world.

While both the Office of the President-Elect and Senator Clinton remain mum on the subject, tidbits are leaking out that the President-Elect views Clinton as his number one candidate for the position. We shall find out shortly what, if anything, comes of this.

Photo Credit: CNN

Obama is the first President to be declared a technology junky. He carries his BlackBerry everywhere he goes, and is trying to be the first President to have his Apple laptop at the ready in the Oval Office. Open information acts such as the Presidential Records Act, which puts his correspondence in the official record, ultimately up for review and possible subpoena, as well as various national security issues may prevent these wishes from being granted, but his technological fascination has led to the creation of the countries first Chief Technology Officer (CTO) as a cabinet-level position.

Reed Hundt (right), the former Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman during the Clinton administration, has been tapped by the Obama team to lead the transition team’s technology efforts. His expertise will likely bring large-scale reform to the FCC, a commission that has been led by Republican chairmen since Clinton was termed out of office.

What this means for America is change. Obama is looking to bring drastic change to technological policies, including implementing net-neutrality – something current communication and justice leaders oppose due to the deep pockets of telecommunication companies. This nation can expect President-Elect Obama and his administration to focus on promoting net-neutrality and open-access to information through federal broadband lines in rural areas, bringing broadband connections to more areas than before.

The 21-month long Presidential race has tested Obama’s strength, and he has proven he is up for the challenges he is only months away from inheriting. And Obama is showing us that he is not going to wait until inauguration day to put his plans in motion. In an interview with 60 Minutes’ Steve Kroft, Obama shared his thoughts and goals on where he plans to take the nation and offered some insight into his transition team. He is currently working on finalizing his National Security team, he is working tirelessly on his cabinet team, and working with lawmakers and Congress to help save the economy.

The next four years will test the endurance of President-Elect Obama. But he is already beginning his work during the transition.

The CBS 60 Minutes interview embedded below.

Photo Credit: Welt Online and Ars

Following the election results in which Proposition 8 won with 52.5% of the vote, civil and legal rights organizations have gathered questioning the legality of this victory. Under California law, if a proposition seeks to significantly change the constitution rather than a simple revision, the proposition must have been approved by a two-thirds majority of the Legislature prior to being put on the ballot. Lawsuits have since been filed asking the courts to determine whether this revision sought to amend or revise the Constitution.

Over 20,000 gather in Los Angeles, San Diego and elsewhere to oppose the gay-marriage ban. Proponents of the measure ‘are mixing religion with politics,’ one says. ‘Everyone should have equal rights.’ – Photo Courtesy of Los Angeles Times

There have been demonstrations and protests throughout the state, particularly in San Francisco and Los Angeles protesting the outcome of this ballot measure. For the first time in modern history, a democratic vote has taken away a fundamental civil right – the right for same-sex couples to marry. This is a huge step backwards for society, and an unworthy blow to same-sex couples who have long fought for the right to legal marriage recognition.

The voter breakdown by county (as reported by the Los Angeles Times):

By election day, over $74 million had been raised collectively by both supporters and foes of Proposition 8, an unprecedented dollar value never before seen, and by far the most costly measure on the ballot this year, both for the state and the nation.

This measure, however, has not seen the dust settle around its controversy. Personal views aside, what this measure comes down to is a clear absence of the separation of Church and State that this country’s democratic policies are founded upon. Whether or not one believes or does not believe that same-sex couples should marry based on religious teachings, beliefs, or personal thoughts is irrelevant. The fact of the matter is that a fundamental civil right was just stripped from same-sex couples. The educated and knowledgeable agree to disagree with this proposition. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has expressed hope that the California Supreme Court would overturn Proposition 8.

“It’s unfortunate, obviously, but it’s not the end,” Schwarzenegger said in an interview Sunday on CNN. “I think that we will again maybe undo that, if the court is willing to do that, and then move forward from there and again lead in that area.”

On Sunday, the Governor urged supporters of same-sex marriage to follow the lesson he learned as a bodybuilder trying to lift weights that were too heavy for him at first.

“I learned that you should never ever give up. . . . They should never give up. They should be on it and on it until they get it done.”

Prominent public officials continue to officially oppose Proposition 8. The governor joins California Attorney General Jerry Brown, California Superintendent of Schools Jack O’Connel and Senator Dianne Feinstein in opposing this measure.

If I could summarize my feelings in one small phrase, I would say: FIGHT ON. The fight is not over, and the issue will not disappear, must to the dismay of wealthy churches and religious-goers who funded a massive and falsly-informed Proposition 8 campaign.

Editor’s Note: I have posted a video from CNN highlighting street protests throughout Los Angeles. The video is on my other site as they won’t embed properly on WordPress. [Linked]

Photo Credit: Flickr – Taylor through Wikimedia

Unfortunately for Senator John McCain (R), none of this engagement was apparent. No text messaging service was available for supporters of McCain to receive up-to-the minute information and news updates. McCain ran his campaign in a traditional fashion, campaigning throughout the country, holding fundraisers and public information sessions. But in the new age world dominated by technology that we live in today, McCain’s old school politics didn’t cut it.

His campaign began to unfold and it was apparent nearing the final days of the campaign trail that the McCain campaign was in shambles.

Rewinding the clock a couple of months ago, Senator John McCain arose as the Republican front-runner and Republican nominee for Presidency. A decorated war veteran and a clearly established political career supported the Republican National Committee’s (RNC) endorsement of John McCain to represent their party in the 2008 Presidential race.

Fast forward to August 30th, 2008. The headlines read: McCain taps Alaska Gov. Palin as vice president pick.

Who? Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska, Governor since 2006, and prior to her role as Governor, a City Mayor and Councilwoman. Qualifications where? Governor Palin took this nomination as a chance to diva-fy herself, to advance her political career once the McCain campaign began unfolding. Leading up to election day behind in the polls, Palin positioned herself looking forward to 2012. Leaks began trickling out from within the McCain campaign team that Palin was taking her newfound fame to a new level. Acting like a diva and lashing out at staff, she acted in a manner unprofessional and disturbing.

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“She is a diva. She takes no advice from anyone,” said this McCain adviser, “she does not have any relationships of trust with any of us, her family or anyone else. Also she is playing for her own future and sees herself as the next leader of the party. Remember: divas trust only unto themselves as they see themselves as the beginning and end of all wisdom.”

The turmoil that was a result of Palin’s actions led the McCain campaign into a downward spiral. Without clear direction and answers to the problems this country was facing, this inner-turmoil was a detriment the campaign did not need. Strike One.

McCain’s opponent in this election, meanwhile, was systematically connecting and engaging the people of this country, running a well-connected and digital campaign in an age of new media. As the race inched closer to November 4th, endorsements began swarming in for the Senator from Illinois. Retired General and Republican Colin Powell endorsed Barack Obama the week of October 19th. Major newspapers even backed the Illinois Senator. The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, and The Chicago Tribune all issued their public support for Obama. Even the Anchorage Daily News backed Obama, despite their state’s Governor on the opposing ticket. So who’s support did John McCain receive? The likes of Vice President Dick Cheney, President George W. Bush, among other prominent Republican figures top the list. In a political environment quite frankly fed up with the policies and politics of the last eight years, receiving the endorsement of the two masterminds of the last eight years served not as steps forward, but as detriments to the overall campaign.

Joe Biden responded to the news of Cheney’s endorsement by saying:

“If you ever had any doubt that John McCain would continue George Bush’s policies — you can put those to rest. Just today, Vice President Cheney came out and endorsed John McCain. Do we need any more proof? I’m not surprised. Dick Cheney has been wrong on everything else the last eight years. He’s on a roll.”

Strike Two.

Going back to the topic of engagement, Barack Obama was successful in getting millions of first time voters to not only register, but countless others to vote for the first time. Many voters feeling distant from the political process had a renewed sense of importance this election year. Voter turnout set new records. Long lines cascaded around buildings. And people waited. They waited to vote. This new group of voters catered to the new age of politics, one intertwined with technology and pro-choice thought.

When a highly conservative and immensely disliked organization such as the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) CEO Mitch Bainwol offered his public support for John McCain, heads turn and faces scowl. The RIAA has become one of the most hated public organizations by the young demographic of voters that Bainwol’s support blew a detriment to, a category of voters McCain was already struggling to attain.

Strike Three.

From unattractive websites, smearing and uninformative advertising campaigns, to suspending the campaign in the wake of an economic disaster, Senator John McCain led a campaign that was in shambles. Its directions were unclear. Its change from the past eight years were unseen and indistinguishable. His position as the 44th President of the United States gone.

For the GOP, selecting Senator John McCain as the Republican nominee was a wrong choice for the party. He was not the man for this country, at least at this time. We need change, and McCain is 90% Bush, 100% more of the same.

Photo Credit: TruthDig

For the second Presidential election in a row, the Internet has become a driving force for campaigning. It has, in many ways, been the largest component of attaining success, of attaining a following. It was Howard Dean that began the Internet revolution in campaigning back in the 2004 Presidential race, using social networking sites such as Meetup.org to organize gatherings. His campaign quickly grew to a nationwide audience, and donations were through the roof.

This election has been defined just as much by the Internet, if not more so, as the 2004 election. The blogging community has become integrated with mainstream media outlets. CNN’s iReport has given a voice to the average “Joe” (I tried to avoid this reference, but it seemed unavoidable). CNN’s live news broadcasts even have integrated social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and Digg, dedicating large in-studio video monitors to each site to get user interaction and feedback on live interviews and topics. We have definitely changed as a society. No longer are we a world disconnected by oceanic troughs and remote locations. The Internet has connected the world in a “news now” fashion. The result is an exponential influx in citizen participation in areas such as politics, a topic that many feared to become involved in prior to due its immense realm and a sense of not being able to have your voice heard. The Internet has delivered a world audience vastly in support of Barack Obama and the images of worldwide celebration upon learning of Obama’s victory are truly stunning.

I have set up and embedded a web gallery of a handful of photos taken from around the world, beginning in Grant Park, Illinois, and traveling the globe. Depicted are supporters in Japan, Brasil, Australia, to name a few. All photos are courtesy of the BBC and The Times Online UK. View the gallery full screen [Linked]

A sand sculpture of U.S. President-elect Barack Obama, created by Sudarshan Pattnaik, is seen on the beach in Puri, India, Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008. Image courtesy of MSNBC.

That is changing, and will continue to evolve. But this election truly is Yours, Ours, Americas just as much as it was a victory for President Elect Barack Obama. Gone will be the days of George W. Bush’s agenda.

So, thank you bloggers. Thank you voters. Thank you participants of the social sphere of politics. We have all helped to change America. We have seen what Barack Obama has said time and time again – Change Is Possible, and now, Change has come to America. And in the closing words of Barack Obama:

“I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to – it belongs to you.” – Barack Obama, Election Night 2008

Editor’s Note: I have posted a video from CNN with Internet Correspondent Abbi Tatton on blogger commentary surrounding the election results. The video is embedded on my other site as they won’t embed properly on WordPress. [Linked]

Photo Credit: Flickr User (ravi patel)

Check out the Digg widget on the Social Interaction section [Linked] in the time being for top stories.

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If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

It’s the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference.

…We are and always will be – the United States of America.

The words spoken by our next President of the United States of America, President Elect Barack Obama. Speaking to an estimated crowd of over one million people packed in and around Grant Park in his home state of Illinois, Obama embraced the peoples’ nomination and congratulated the people on record turnouts at the polls this year. Obama has brought us the hope that has inspired us to vote, a feeling that unfortunately had left many Americans for so long.

The polls opened to record turnouts and closed with change. Our future seems brighter now, a sigh of relief and a glimmer of hope that we won’t have to suffer through more of what has become the same over the last eight years – incompetency, mistakes, and a clearly driven (backwards thinking) energy agenda.

Smiles all around – save for one big exception, the McCain campaign – but for America, the right candidate was picked.

Take a minute to watch the following video clips. The first is from the Obama campaign on their YouTube Channel, their final punch on Election Day.

I will finish off the post with a video feed of Obama’s acceptance speech. He has raised the bar in delivering motivating and inspirational speeches, but this one tops them all. This speech marks the beginning of our bright future. It is spoken with eloquence and charisma, and an energy that good old John McCain can not muster up beyond three o’clock in the afternoon everyday simply due to age.

Congratulations President Elect Barack Obama and Vice President Elect Joe Biden – Change Is Possible, and Change has come to America.

Photo Credit: Washington Times