After the 2004 election, Mr. Bush frequently spoke of his mandate and his role as the 'decider,' an apparent authority he felt his election gave him. Mr. Obama has spoken more humbly of his own victory this month, and has talked about serving all the people including those who didn't vote for him. It's interesting to compare the relative strengths of the '04 Bush win over Kerry, and this year's contest between McCain and Obama.
Total winning votes, Bush 2004: 62 million; Obama 2008: 66.8 million. A 7.7 percent increase.
Electoral College votes, Bush 2004: 286; Obama 2008: 365. A 27.6 percent increase.
Margin of victory between Bush and Kerry: 3 million votes; between Obama and McCain: 8.5 million. A 180 percent increase.
Furthermore, Mr. Obama clearly would not have won without the white voters who supported him, indicating strong biracial support.
Though he will enter office in January having to deal with a serious global economic crisis, the Bush wars to be resolved, he will have the backing of a solid majority of the nation.
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