Time ripe for Obama win locals say

By Sherry Koonce

The News staff writer

Whatever their politics, Senator Barack Obama’s winning campaign to become the first black president of the United States has Southeast Texas people talking.

Like him, or not, most agreed the time was ripe for a change, and hope the president-elect can continue to inspire that change.

“You better believe it. The nation was ready for a change,” Willis Dore, 85, of Groves, said.

Dore was one of 44,854 Jefferson County residents casting their votes for the Democratic presidential candidate. The day after Obama won the election, Dore said he is confident of the new president-elect’s ability to lead the country.

“I think he is going to do good — he has too. The nation is in a mess right now. But, he’s smart, educated and has good common sense, so things ought to get better,” Dore said.

Port Arthur Mayor Deloris “Bobbie” Prince, the city’s first black mayor, said she was proud of the outcome, and hopeful for the nation’s future.

“I am elated. I think President-elect Obama will bring this country together. My prayers are with him, his family and his presidency,” Prince said.

In a racially diverse city such as Port Arthur, Prince said Obama’s win would inspire others to reach toward their goals.

“I am so thankful to God that I lived to see this election. This is how God wanted it. In his own time, he has allowed this to happen, and I am just overwhelmed by it,” Prince said.

Port Arthur residents Mary Braziel, 60, and her friend Barbara January, 60, were shopping for Obama T-shirts Wednesday. Both said they were proud to be an American during this historical time.

“I am so glad and overjoyed that we have a black president, and I hope things change for the better. I’ve been hoping and hollering, and up all night, Braziel said.

January said she was planning to craft a scrapbook for her granddaughter that chronicled Obama’s campaign from the time when he first announced to Tuesday night when he stood in front of huge crowds in Chicago’s Grant Park to acknowledge the win.

“I cannot tell you the historical significance of this race. It goes all the way back to Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Dr. King, JFK, Jesse Jackson and so many others. It’s what so many activists fought for. The Lord has blessed me to allow me to live to see this happen,” January said.

Though she was ecstatic that a black man had been elected, January said race was not the deciding factor in her decision to vote for Obama.

“I would have voted for him anyway. He is such a strong man, and brings a message of hope to this country during a time when there are so many things are going wrong,” January said. “He’s taken on quite a load, and we, as Americans of all race and all color, have to get behind him and do our part to make this change happen.”

Not everyone was so optimistic. Kathy Butaud, 49, of Groves, said she did not believe Obama had the experience behind him to solve the nation’s problems.

She said race had not factored in her dislike for Obama, but did think the country was ready for a black president — just not Obama.

“I don’t like his arrogance, his smugness and the sound of his voice bothers me. I think the country was ready for a black president, but I think Colin Powell would have been a much better choice,” Butaud said.

Bill Lively, 80, of Port Neches, was not happy with the outcome either. He worries that Obama does not have the requisite experience to lead the nation at this difficult time.

“I did not vote for him, not because of race, but because he just did not have the experience. I don’t vote for a party, I vote strictly for the person, and I just don’t think he has the qualifications that are needed right now,” Lively said.

Melanie Wood, 37, of Port Neches disagreed.

“I’m excited by what he has to offer. Race was not an issue at all with me. I did not look at color, but rather at the man,” Wood said.

Minnie Tran, 40, of Port Arthur, described Obama as “exciting.”

Though she voted for John McCain, Tran said she enjoyed seeing the many people come together in unison.

McCain’s speech, she said, also helped bridge the gap between the parties.

“McCain gathered Americans together to be on Obama’s side. His speech was beautiful,” she said.

Kim Beauman Jr., 35, of Port Arthur, voted for Obama for many reasons including his family values.

“I’m glad he got elected, and hopefully he’ll be the right man for middle class people,” Beauman said.

Obama’s presential election did break racial barriers — a first that Beauman hopes will continue.

“Next, we might have a Hispanic president, or another race. Obama’s win gives us hope. It’s like I tell my kids, ‘You can be anything you want.’ This is a prime example of that being true.” Beauman said.

skoonce@panews.com