By proud American, Jessica Valles.

 

Barack Obama was re-elected on November 7 as the President of the United States. This is the first time since Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1930s that a president is re-elected with the nation’s economy and unemployment in such bad shape. So what can the US expect from Obama’s second term?

Fixing the lines at the polls is how the president began his victory speech which highlighted both the nation’s strong suits and downfalls. Education seemed to be the basis of Obama’s plan as he talked about the access to the best schools and teachers for American students. He referenced the nation’s massive debt and how he doesn’t want it to be a burden to young Americans in the future. In terms of employment he stated that theUSwill stay the global leader in innovation and technology and in turn will bring good jobs and new businesses to the economy. Inequality was also discussed in terms of howAmericais to remain a compassionate and tolerant country. In light of the recent hurricane, Obama claimed the threat by the destructive power of a warming planet will not change the safety that is associated withAmerica.

Being a generous, respected and admired country is what the president strives to keep the same. With the strongest military on earth, Obama stated that the country has the confidence beyond war and towards peace. This vision of the future full of common hopes on moving forward is what the world heard from the American president, but how do they get there? Compromise, “because common hopes and dreams don’t solve problems” is how the president described that the job isn’t done for Americans. He described how reducing deficit, reforming tax code, fixing the immigration system, freeing ourselves of foreign oil and security for the middle class is all dependent on the principle of self government that America was brought up on. After stating that self government is what makes theUSstrong and rich, Obama said that with it come certain obligations among Americans, like love, charity, duty, and patriotism. The speech ended with a heartfelt statement “together, with your help and God’s grace we will continue our journey forward and remind the world just why it is that we live in the greatest nation on Earth. God Bless you. God bless theseUnited States.”

Now that the decision has been made, what happens to the questions that arose during election by opponents on important topics like his healthcare reform policy’s provisions on contraception coverage, his support of same-sex marriage,Israeland his relationship with Jewish voters?

Exit polls showed a lead in Obama’s favour on voters who attend services “occasionally” or “never.” The overall white Evangelical vote was won by Romney, though the Catholic vote went to Obama by just a few points. Among Jewish voters, the polls showed Obama with an overwhelming lead though the percentage was smaller than last election.

Other election results around the country were also in favour for democratic views on faith. After the controversial statement on pregnancy from rape by Richard Mourdock, Republican Senate candidate ofIndiana, victory went to Democratic representative, Joe Donnelly. The first Buddhist in the Senate, Democrat Mazie Hirono, defeated Republican opponent and former governor Linda Lingle. Also inHawaii, Democrat Tulsi Gabbard won over Republican opponent Kawika Crowley making Gabbard the first Hindu in Congress. The nation’s first openly gay senator, Tammy Baldwin, beat republican Tommy Thompson inWisconsin. Early reports fromMarylandandMaineindicate that same-sex marriage initiatives would pass.

“How should Christians respond to Obama’s re-election?” is the title of an article posted on Christian Post early the day after Election Day.  The general consensus seems to be one based on acceptance of what the American people and God have decided. This does not mean that Christians should back down on their beliefs on important topics like abortion and the belief that unborn children have unalienable rights and should be protected. All that comes into play is the respect that Christians have for their leaders which continues to be God as our saviour and Obama as the president.

 

After is victory, our twitter savvy president tweeted “Four more years” along with a picture of him embracing his wife (above). This tweet spread worldwide instantly and became the most re-tweeted message in twitter history. Also in regards to twitter during election, celebrities of Latin background celebrated the Hispanic presence throughout the election. Among them was Eva Longoria “In tears” America Ferrera “Dear Latinos: We may not go to sleep now. We must keep engaging and emerge as the strong political voice we have the potential to be.” Some other celebrities with tweets worth mentioning are:

 

Chris Rock: “No jokes I’m just happy my girls get to grow up in a better world than I did.”

 

John Legend: “Florida. Always gotta be the center of attention, eh? Still can’t declare a winner.”

 

Olivia Wilde: “Real talk: this country is amazing. We take for granted a peaceful transfer of power. No tanks in the streets (unless Trump is driving).

 

Sisters of Bethany: “Congratulations to President Obama- praying for him & his family. Mitt Romney, gracious in defeat, good example.”