America Welcomes A New President

Many of those responding to our cover story were elated by Barack Obama's triumph on Nov. 4. One called the president-elect "the right person at the right time to lead our nation," adding, "I am proud to be an American, proud to be a Democrat." Many also complimented our election cover package. One reader said the issue "may have been the finest piece of journalism I've ever seen." Another simply marveled, "Wow, just wow! Congratulations."

Your Nov. 17 special issue is an amazing piece of work. In my old age I have grown impatient with long essays that don't grab my attention quickly. But I read your special issue from cover to cover like a great novel that I couldn't put down. It helped, of course, that there was (for me) a happy ending. But when I was finished rereading, I liked John McCain more than I did last week (in my heart I believe that he is pro-choice), and I liked his wife even more (she probably hates Karl Rove even more than I do). It was beautifully put together. Thank you.
Neil Haldeman
Ann Arbor, Mich.

I am a freelance journalist in Chicago, and I have lived and breathed this presidential election. I saw every debate, filled all my evenings with political analysis and read The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and the Chicago Tribune daily. I have always enjoyed NEWSWEEK, but never more than after reading your 50,000-word account of the campaign. I spent the better part of several days reading the issue. For those of us who followed the election closely, this was the icing on the cake. As a student of journalism, I thought your work was breathtaking. And for those of us who wondered what else there could be after Nov. 4, thank you. Your reporting and writing set a bar of excellence that all reporters should strive for. Bravo.
Susan Berger
Glencoe, Ill.

Barack Obama's victory was as significant as George Washington becoming our first president, Abraham Lincoln holding the country together during the Civil War or Franklin D. Roosevelt taking office during the depths of the Great Depression. The lasting legacy of Washington, Lincoln and Roosevelt is that they governed wisely. I have every expectation that a soon-to-be President Obama will do the same.
Denny Freidenrich
Laguna Beach, Calif.

Congratulations to Barack Obama on his historic election. I sincerely hope he lives up to the astonishingly high expectations of his supporters. I am cautiously optimistic about his presidency, but it scares me to know that he owes his victory more to the will of the press than the will of the people.
Anne Martin
Chicago, Ill.

I am immeasurably proud of my country—not because we elected an African-American president, but because we did not allow race to prevent us from electing the best man for the job.
Joanne Trapanese
Ghent, N.Y.