Tompkins Square Park, known for riots and activism over the years, was sunny and peaceful on Nov. 4, Election Day. Just around the corner, New Yorkers lined up to vote for a new administration.
This was a historic moment. Many expected Barack Obama, an African-American, to win the presidential election. He had lots of supporters throughout the East Village wearing pins and T-shirts with his likeness, even in long election lines.
Photo by Anne McCullom
“I waited for eight years! What is another 45 minutes in the line,” commented Kathy Conroy, leaving her polling place on East 9th Street, one block from Tompkins Square Park.
Ms. Conroy, an art administrator, voted for Mr. Obama because she felt embarrassed about the country’s international image.
At 10 a.m. many stores and businesses were still closed in the sleepy East Village. Life pulsated in the Tompkins Square Park’s dog run where people and their dogs were enjoying the warm weather and pleasant morning.
Photo by Anne McCullom
“I am very happy about becoming American,” said Seben Gören, a new citizen from Turkey. Ms. Gören would have voted for Mr. Obama but she was too late to register.
Ms. Gören, who lives around the corner with her dog Lazlo, continued, “The U.S. is a great country. My uncle, also a citizen, received excellent cancer treatment by Medicaid.”
Retiree David Joffe was reading The New York Times while his friend, Happy Cookie, a five-year old terrier, seemed to have no clue what was going on today. The terrier persistently stepped on my purse to get some extra attention.
“I guess it is a special day today,” said Mr. Joffe who was planning to vote for Obama when the morning rush was over.
Inside the small dog run stood a tall young man wearing a T-shirt that did not leave any doubts about who he wanted to become president.
“Republicans only say that they value family traditions but they don’t care about the guy families. Sarah Palin is mean,” said Bill Belcamino, originally from California.
He seemed happy because he was sure that Barack Obama would win. He was wearing a T-shirt with Obama’s picture to show his support anyway.
At the southwest corner of the park stood a Streetlife.org bus carrying a sign that read “Free food, free clothes.” While some people picked through used winter coats set at the curb, others reached for plastic cups filled with chili and hot chocolate.
Soft salsa music was playing and some homeless were gathering by the chess tables to see what the day might bring.
When the hot chocolate was finished, Andre Belmondo, about 60, had to choose between lemonade and water.
“We need more improvement in social spheres,” said Mr. Belmondo, a life-long New Yorker. He had been a student at John Jay College. Years ago he was a homeless man.
“I go for Mr. Obama not because I am black but because I want a change,” said Mr. Belmondo, who took his worn-out backpack and walked to the church across the park where free food was provided as well.