CNN projected that Barack Obama will be the 44^th President of the United States?

I was in Time Square NYC, the best place to be at during election night, second to only Grant Park Chicago, Obama’s home town.

It happened just a little after 11:00 p.m. EST on November 4^th, 2008. I was fortunate enough to be in NYC on business during election night. My colleague and I decided to join the thousand of people in Time Square where CNN had set up big screen TV’s and surround sound speakers.

As the thousand of people gathered and stood on the streets and sidewalks, watching CNN project each state turn blue or red, I couldn’t help but feel the energy in the area. Never have I been in a place where every person around me was engaged as to what is about to happen.

Although I am Canadian, like many people outside America, we followed and waited for this election. It is no secret that the United States is the leader of the free world, and we all know that the rise and fall of the US has an impact through the rest of the world. So this election is no different, it was as important to the rest of the world as it was to the American people. It was going to define the future for everyone.

And on the hour when CNN projected that Barack Obama beat his Republican opponent John McCain. The crowd in Time Square celebrated triumphantly. Strangers hugged each other and screamed with excitement. There were many tears, laughter, and prayers from every type of person. I’ve heard many around me chant, ‘the world has change, the world has change’ and it sure has. I too could not help myself but join in their celebration.

A nation, not too long ago oppressed minority groups, has just elected the first African American President. Yes, this truly was a historical moment, a night that I will never forget and I am glad that I was at a place among many Americans to celebrate with them on the evening when Barack Obama was elected President of the United States. change.