A New Day

With 338 electoral votes and 52 percent of the popular vote, Oprah has two words for you when it comes to Illinois Senator Barack Obama—"Mr. President!"

The Democratic president-elect's victory against Republican Senator John McCain is being called "a day shimmering with history" by The New York Times, and the Chicago Tribune says Tuesday, November 4 was a time to marvel at a "once inconceivable moment."

A supporter from the beginning, Oprah says President-elect Obama's election marks a new day for America. "May I just say, for those of you who have been loyal viewers who voted differently than I—and 52 percent of the country—did I respect your choice and understand how you might be feeling somewhat disappointed today," she says. "So I do understand. But my deepest hope is that in the days and weeks ahead, we will all come together with the same renewed spirit that we took to the polls, because we need each other now more than ever."

Throughout the past nearly two years of campaigning, Oprah says she vowed not to use her show as a platform. "So I kept my mouth shut and supported Barack Obama as a private citizen," she says. "Today, though, the election is over—and I'm unleashed!"