Barack Obama has defeated Mitt Romney for his second term as President of the United States.
“Tonight, in this election, you, the American people, reminded us that while our road has been hard, while our journey has been long, we have picked ourselves up,” Obama said in his victory speech Tuesday night. “We have fought our way back and we know in our hearts for the United States of America that the best is yet to come.
“… The belief that our destiny is shared; that this country only works when we accept certain obligations to one another and to future generations. The freedom which so many Americans have fought for and died for come with responsibilities as well as rights. And among those are love and charity and duty and patriotism. That’s what makes America great.”
“I feel safer with Barack Obama in charge,” said Santa Barbara councilwoman Cathy Murillo. “It’s a real victory for the environment and for women.”
President Obama’s plans for his second term include an economic plan investing heavily in education, small businesses, and tax cuts for middle class families. Romney’s plans for his potential first term included a tax reform and a plan to generate 12 million jobs nationwide.
“[Obama] has spoken strongly about education and its importance, especially community colleges,” said chair of the City College political science department, Dr. Manoutchehr M. Eskandari-Qajar. “Obama is for low interest loans, and financial aid to students.”
The Butler Event Center housed the Republican Party of Santa Barbara, where around 50 Romney supporters mingled, enjoyed wine and shared their concerns over Obama’s upcoming second term.
“I so wish that I had been able to fulfill your hopes to lead the country in a different direction, but the nation chose another leader. And so Ann and I join with you to earnestly pray for him and for this great nation,” said Romney in his concession speech.
This story was last updated at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9.
Graphic by: Morten Opedal
