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Jun 4, 2008 7:53 pm US/Eastern
Obamamania Has Become A Full-Blown Obsession
New Yorkers Tell CBS 2 HD The Illinois Senator's Appeal Is More About Who He Is Than What He Looks Like
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) arrives at a rally and town hall meeting in the Troy High School gymnasium June 2, 2008 in Troy, Mich.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Sixteen months after announcing his candidacy Barack Obama has made history, becoming the first African American to win a major party presidential nomination.
And he's done it in stunning fashion, beating a formidable candidate. His supporters know the road ahead won't be easy.
For now, though, they are celebrating his historic victory.
"I didn't think I'd live to see it in my lifetime," one New Yorker told CBS 2 HD on Wednesday.
"I was very excited that he won," added Kristin Lopez of Astoria.
"It's time. I was surprised, but it's time. It's overdue," said LaVerne Boyd of Harlem.
Once considered a long shot, Obama has rocketed from political obscurity to become the first black presidential nominee.
But he wasn't the first to try.
Shirley Chisholm blazed a trail in 1972. Jesse Jackson and Dr. Lenora Fulani each ran twice, as did Alan Keyes.
And last time around, The Rev. Al Sharpton and Carol Moseley Braun both gave it a shot.
But no one had come as close as Obama, a man who has become a phenomenon. And on Tuesday night, he finally sealed the deal.
"We mark the end of one historic journey, and the beginning of another," Obama told supporters in St. Paul, Minn.
The enormity of that moment has many people sky high.
Former Parks Commissioner Gordon Davis was one of Sen. Obama's few early supporters in New York City.
"It was thrilling, and it's still very emotional, very emotional," Davis said.
"I remember my mother telling me when I was growing up … some day you could be president," Davis added. "Well, I'm a light skin African American, but I'm an African American. No way, right?
"In 2008 Barack Obama could be president. It could have been me," Davis added. "That's an American story, not just an African American story."
During his victory speech Tuesday night Obama never mentioned race. Instead, he triumphantly declared, "America … this is out moment."
And he was speaking to all Americans, not just African Americans.
"It's who the person is … what he's all about that matters, not the color," one New Yorker said.
"I was crying last night when I saw Obama during the speeches," said another.
Gerald Miller of Fort Greene summed up the feelings of many Americans.
"I'm sick of this being about race," he said. "How about the most qualified?"
Many people, of course, thought Colin Powell could have laid claim to that honor. His wife reportedly nixed the idea. Obama's wife, Michelle, did not.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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