When the carpets at Rockefeller Center rolled up as the electoral votes rolled in, with Obama’s ascending the 30 Rock facade steadily from 175 to 207 votes, there was a mix of held breaths and excitement as some looked on wide-eyed while the elected 44th President of the United States was revealed.
As Obama’s blue carpet scaled the building, the crowd roared boisterously and bellowed out Obama’s name, while McCain lagged behind at 135 electoral votes. It was clear by then who had won and the excitement of a moment in history merging with the future of a new day was unleashed. Some people stood looking up at the NBC screens in silent celebration. Others exuded pride and elation with screams of joy.
Mada from the Bronx, a 35-year-old mother of two, could not contain her joy. Jumping up and down, screaming “Chan-Chan-Change is what we got” and attracting photographers left and right. Wearing an Obama T-shirt she, like so many others, felt the pure joy and hope in the historic moment.
“I am so proud not just because he’s black but because he believes in this, I can see it in his eyes. I always, always knew he was going to win. I always believed. I campaigned for him and I’ve even been campaigning all day today for him.” As she spoke, her words were cut at times by her jumping and screaming. “I have two kids and now they can look up to someone who can show them that they can be anything. I always had hope.”
As Obama made his appearance on the big screens the roars echoed throughout the neighborhood surrounding the NBC studios as a mixed crowd of white, black, Latino, Asian and Indian gathered to celebrate as if it were New Years Eve.
“It really is a great moment,” said Clarence Bowen, 25, an African American, first-time voter. “I can’t wait to see what he’s going to do.” Holding up a “New York for Obama and Biden” sign, voters passing him waved, took pictures and shook hands with him like old friends. In everyone’s eyes, there was a brightness that outshined the city lights. Cars honked their horns, strangers acknowledged each other with smiles and hope filled the triumphant ambiance of the night. A taxi driver from Bangladesh who wouldn’t ordinarily look out at any passerby, rolled down his window to give a thumbs up and ask Clarence if he had an extra sign to spare. It was clear that the unification had begun.