OBAMA SAYS ELECTION IS OVER-IT IS TIME FOR WORKING TOGETHER

Photo:Rueters
President elect Barack Obama had his first press conference yesterday which went as well as anyone could have hoped. Obama stated in no uncertain terms that the election process is now over and it is time to begin healing the wounds and working together. The Democratic gains in the House and Senate in addition to acquiring the Presidency have given the party an essential mandate on pushing through their agenda. Because they levy so much power, it is more important than ever for Democrats to reach across the aisle and show Americans that we can and will work together as one nation, not a nation divided.

"This speaks to a fundamental recognition that here in America we can compete vigorously in elections and challenge each other's ideas, yet come together in service of a common purpose once the voting is done," Obama said in the Democratic Party's weekly radio address.

The incoming Obama administration knows that the issue that takes first priority will be the economy. The worst job losses since 1983 and financial markets and corporations in turmoil leaves Obama with a laundry list of economic woes which must be addressed as soon as he takes oath. The set of challenges Obama is facing are no less than sobering and he knows that without the support of a clear majority, including Republicans, then he will face great difficulty in making real progress.

"While we must recognize that we only have one president at a time and that President Bush is the leader of our government, I want to ensure that we hit the ground running on January 20th because we don't have a moment to lose," said Obama.

"I do not underestimate the enormity of the task that lies ahead," said Obama.

"We've taken some major actions to date, and we will need further actions during this transition and subsequent months," Said Obama in his press conference on Friday.

"Some of those choices will be difficult, but America is a strong and resilient country. I know that we will succeed if we put aside partisanship and work together as one nation. And that is what I intend to do."