Barack Obama called on Gene Robinson three times this year to ask him advice on being "the first."

Robinson, you'll recall, is the Episcopal Church's first openly gay Bishop and received death threats before his ascension in 2004. Obama, you may have heard, had just been elected our nation's first black president, a position that's sure to be a bit stressful. Thus, in his quest for understanding and advice, Obama gave Robinson a ring:

[Robinson] said That Mr Obama’s campaign team had sought him last year and he had the “honor” of three private conversations with the future president of the United States last May and June.

“The first words out of his mouth were: ‘Well you’re certainly causing a lot of trouble’, My response to him was: ‘Well that makes two of us'.”

He said that Mr Obama had indicated his support for equal civil rights for gay and lesbian people and described the election as a “religious experience”.
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The Anglican church’s first gay bishop and the United States’ first black President-elect discussed in depth the place of religion in the state.

Bishop Robinson said: “He and I would agree about the rightful place of religion vis-a-vis the secular state. That is to say, we don’t impose our religious values on the secular state because God said so. Our faith informs our own values and then we take those values into the civil market place, the civil discourse, and then you argue for them based on the Constitution. You don’t say to someone, you must believe this because this is what God believes."

Of Obama's personality, Robinson gushed, "He is impressive, he’s smart, he is an amazing listener. For someone who’s called on to speak all the time when he asks you a question, it is not for show, he is actually wanting to know what you think and listens." Sounds like the perfect date.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice took to the t.v. yesterday to celebrate Barack Obama's electoral victory.

Promising a smooth transition on behalf of the State Department, an emotional Rice went on to say she's "exceptionally proud" of Obama's place as our nation's first black President.

One of the great things about representing this country is that it continues to surprise. It continues to renew itself. It continues to beat all odds and expectations.
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As an African-American, I'm especially proud, because this is a country that's been through a long journey, in terms of overcoming wounds… That work is not done, but yesterday was obviously an extraordinary step forward.

This election must be exceptionally astounding for Condi, who grew up in then-segregated Birmingham, Alabama.

[Laughing Squid via MG]

It's official. Congressman Rahm Emanuel has accepted President-elect Barack Obama's offer to be his chief of staff.

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From Stereohyped editor Lauren Williams: At the election party I went to last night, everyone screamed, hugged, and jumped up and down when Barack Obama was declared the winner. It was happening all over the country, obviously.

Pictured above is the celebration in Harlem. Check out some other pictures from election celebrations after the jump. I slipped one of a weepy Jesse Jackson in there for good measure.

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President Bush hasn't always been our favorite person, but the politico warmed our hearts a bit today when he addressed the nation to publicly congratulate Barack Obama on his White House win. Said Bush:

It will be a stirring sight to watch President Obama, his wife Michelle, and their beautiful girls step through the doors of the White House. I know millions of Americans will be overcome with pride at this inspiring moment that so many have awaited so long. I know Senator Obama’s beloved mother and grandparents would have been thrilled to watch the child they raised ascend the steps of the Capitol - and take his oath to uphold the Constitution of the greatest nation on the face of the earth.

What a gent - and we actually mean that!

Barack Obama's wasting no time assembling his White House team. ABC News reports this morning that the President-Elect has asked Congressman Rahm Emanuel to be his Chief of Staff:

Emanuel, a knowledgeable source tells ABC News, has not yet given his answer. The sharp-tongued, sharp-elbowed, keenly intelligent veteran of the Clinton White House is said to have ambitions to some day be Speaker of the House. But he also has a keen sense of "duty."

Today on "Good Morning America" ABC's George Stephanopoulos reported Obama likes the fact that Emanuel "knows policy, knows politics, knows Capitol Hill" and has told associates that Emanuel would "have his back."

Rumor has it the men will make the announcement later this week.

We're generally fans of Michelle Obama's fashion sense, but we really must wag a finger at the future first lady's dress from last night. What's going on with that? Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad if she didn't have that black silk cutting across the red, but we're not sure.

Michelle, when you're packing up for the White House, leave that number behind…

Regardless, that's one good looking first family!

[Image]

Nearly two years after announcing his candidacy, Senator Barack Obama has been elected as the 44th President of the United States. And, unlike years past, Obama's victory was clear-cut: the Senator won 349 electoral votes. He needed 270 to clinch the office.

Taking the state a bit after midnight last night in Chicago, Obama opened his acceptance speech with some of the most inspiring words ever uttered in our nation's history:

If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.
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Its the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled - Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America.

The politico went on to declare that "change has come to America," before concluding:

This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids. To restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace. To reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth that out of many we are one.

Obama's rival, Senator John McCain, offered an exceptionally gracious and teary concession speech. Though his supporters in Arizona booed at the mention of Obama's name, McCain urged them to rally behind their new president:

These are difficult times for our country, and I pledge to him tonight that I will do all in my power to help him lead us through the many challenges we face. I urge all Americans who supported me to join not only in congratulating him, but offering our next president our good will and honest effort to find the necessary compromises to bridge our difference.

Watching the results last night, we were in a bit of shock when Obama was announced the winner - had we done it? Had our nation really elected a black president? Yes. Sitting here, this morning, a bit hung over and exhausted, we're getting a bit misty as the reality set in - hundreds of years of oppression and racism were stomped. Surely division will continue to plague this great nation, but never before have the American ideals been as clear, vibrant and promising.

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We're positively pins and needles right now, readers!

In case you've been in a coma, millions of Americans today cast their ballots for their presidential pick. Obviously we don't know who's going to win, but we want to hear from you throughout the night - and you can be sure you'll be hearing from us!

So, readers - have at it!

8:10: Alright, some states are being projected. CNN's calling Tennessee, Kansas South Carolina and Kentucky are being called for McCain, as if that's a surprise. Vermont, Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Delaware and New Hampshire appear to be going to Obama. The tally's 77-to-34 electoral votes with Obama in the lead. The candidates need 270 to win… [MSNBC, meanwhile, puts Obama at 103 electoral votes....]

8:22: NBC and ABC are both reporting that Barack Obama won Pennsylvania, a key state - no wonder it's called the Keystone state! Boo-ya!

8:44: Okay, this isn't presidentially related, but Republican Elizabeth Dole lost to Kay Hagan in North Carolina. Ha!

9:24: Barack Obama has locked up Ohio, the Buckeye State. Our editor, who grew up in Cincinnati, is proud his homeland proved themselves to be more progressive than he remembers.

9:33: MSNBC is reporting that Obama took New Mexico, which, by the way, is our editor's family's new stomping ground. Coincidence? Totally.

10:23: MSNBC says Obama has 207 electoral votes, while McCain has 135…

11:01: Obama is the new president elect of the United States, says CNN. More once Mr. Obama addresses the nation…

Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly tried to fuel the dormant Democratic party's civil war today when she suggested Bill and Hillary Clinton were going to vote for John McCain.

Said Kelly as the Clintons went into their voting station:

Who do you think they're voting for? Seriously. It may not be Barack Obama if you believe a lot of theories. IT MAY BE JOHN MCCAIN! Their last hope that Hillary can come back four years from now and take over in the Oval Office.

Kelly colleague Bill Hemmer brought the conversation back down to earth, but that didn't stop Kelly from getting in one more shot: "I would love to be a little birdie over their shoulders, Bill and Hillary." She then let out some sort of "oh" shriek.