Nov 5, 2008 5:53 pm US/Eastern
Obama: Inspiration For A New Generation
The Message Throughout His Campaign: "Change Has Come To America"
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
-
-
President-elect Barack Obama waves at his supporters during his election night victory rally at Grant Park on November 4, 2008 in Chicago, Illinois.
Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images
Barack Obama's campaign may have been built on "change," but it was fueled by inspiration.
Obama inspired donors to give millions, volunteers to give their time and voters to stand in line for hours.
Tony Martino said while Obama may have been educated at Harvard, he was able to reach the common man.
"What you see is him being very down to earth," said Martino. "He has a way of knowing how to connect with people."
"I think he's going to be the best president we've ever had," said Michelle Martinez who admitted she cried during Obama's acceptance speech.
"Something about him seems to inspire people. I love him," said Martinez, "I feel like he is the kind of guy you can approach, I feel as though I could talk to him about anything."
Martin Luther King inspired a civil rights movement, Ron Reagan a move toward conservatism. Gus Caso says Obama will define a category all on his own.
"There is nothing to compare him to," said Caso. "He's a smart guy. He has new ideas. That's what this country needs, we need young blood."
Eleven year old Daniel Rodriguez offered his own assessment of the Obama election.
"Does it inspire you," asked Berry.
"Yes," replied Gonzalez, "because some Republicans voted for McCain just because McCain's white."
"Do you think people will now start to move past that."
"Yes."
Obama's campaign mantra was "yes we can." Those who were spellbound by his message now say "yes we will" and stand together as a nation which intends to live up to its promise.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)