Tarrant County abuzz Wednesday morning over Obama’s historic victory

Some were elated, groggy after a late night of celebration. Others somber, and skeptical about what Barack Obama’s victory over John McCain might bring.

Across Tarrant County, voters were buzzing Wednesday morning about the historic election of the nation’s first black president.

Pam Roach, an African-American woman who is chairperson of the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau, said Obama’s success was inspirational for supporters who’d "dared to hope" for it.

Generations of Roach’s relatives had gathered Tuesday night — praying for Obama’s victory.

"We wanted our children to see every single moment," Roach said. "We just went berserk. Just screaming, shouting. We were just so happy, crying."

In Tarrant County, Obama won about 44 percent of the vote, compared with 56 percent for McCain. Libertarian Bob Barr garnered 0.67 percent, according to unofficial results.

Roach credits Obama’s message of change and his appeals to voters of all races for his success.

"He has the type of style that will reconcile people together, and that’s where we need to be," she said. "He didn’t say it’s time for a black president. He said it’s time for change. Change is universal. Change is something we can all relate to."

Michael Glaspie, a former Arlington school trustee, said the groundswell of support for an African-American president amazed him, despite polls showing that Obama would best McCain.

"It just looked like it was something beyond reach. To then see it unfold in front of you was very exhilarating," Glaspie said. "One of the big regrets that I had was that my father, who passed eight years ago, was not able to see this."

Fort Worth workers

In downtown Fort Worth early Wednesday, workers were split on Obama’s victory.

Two African-Americans — Tony Davis, 50, of Fort Worth, a prep cook at the Fort Worth Club, and Mack Moore, 59, of Fort Worth, a sanitation worker — were excited about the nation’s prospects under Obama.

"It was a great feeling to know that you had somebody representing you," Moore said. "John McCain was probably a good man ... but I think the best person won."

Davis said, "I was surprised because it’s the first black man we ever had as president. I’m excited myself. ... I thought it would be real close."

Mason Giddens, 21, of Fort Worth, an Obama supporter and an accounting intern at XTO Energy, said he was disappointed to hear people booing Obama during McCain’s concession speech Tuesday night.

"I don’t know if anything will really change overnight, but hopefully they can solve some problems on Wall Street," Giddens said.

Jonnie Worth, 62, of Saginaw, who works for a financial planning company in Fort Worth, said Obama supporters may be disappointed as the new president confronts the problems of the world and the nation.

"We’ll have to see what the accomplishments are by this presidency compared to the problems that we have, because I think that some of the people that voted for him may be disappointed in the long run," Worth said.

"I think Obama’s speech was what his supporters wanted to hear, and I think John McCain was his typical classy self" during his concession speech, Worth said.

TCU students

Reactions were mixed among students at Texas Christian University.

"I’m a Republican, so I was pretty upset about it," said Isabel Lamb, 19, a sophomore studying broadcast journalism. "There’s definitely going to be change. I’m not sure what they’ll change first, and I’m not sure it’s for the good or for the bad, but we’re going to find out."

Fellow broadcast major Sara Humphrey also expressed concern about what an Obama administration will bring.

"I grew up in Texas, so I’m pretty hard-core conservative. ... I didn’t want Obama to win so I was kind of in denial," said Humphrey, 20, a junior. "Liberals are pretty extreme. I’m concerned that he’s going to be extremely liberal. The tax issue bothers me and gay marriage bothers me and pro-choice bothers me."

But students who support Obama said they think his election means better times ahead.

Erica Wyatt, 25, a senior majoring in psychology and sociology, said Obama seems to be inclusive and she hopes he will use his broad appeal to improve the economy and give Americans universal health care.

"He’s likely to invite everybody, that’s the basis of his presidency," she said. "He’s not here to take sides."

Alexis Crain, 18, a freshman majoring in nutrition, drove home to Waco to vote for Obama on Tuesday, but she said she was happy with calls for unity in both candidates’ speeches on election night.

"I thought McCain was very supportive. He had good sportsmanship, and I respected him," she said.

Radio chatter

The excitement was obvious Wednesday morning on urban radio stations across the Metroplex.

On KBFB 97.9 FM The Beat, host Rickey Smiley discussed the spiritual meaning of Obama’s win for African-Americans and played gospel music instead of the station’s normal hip hop format.

The Steve Harvey Morning Show on KRNB 105.7 FM talked about how Obama’s win would impact the lives of young blacks. KHKS 106.1 Kiss FM, which caters to black and Hispanic listeners, also zeroed in on Obama’s win, playing portions of his rally speech and McCain’s concession speech.

Staff writer Adrienne Nettles contributed to this report.