Illinois Sen. Barack Obama (D) was elected the nation's 44th president by a decisive margin yesterday, winning 349 electoral votes to Sen. John McCain's (R-Ariz.) 162.
The president-elect addressed the nation last night, acknowledging the challenges our nation faces at home and abroad, saying, "the road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you: We as a people will get there."
I congratulate President-elect Obama and hope all Americans rally to support him in working to solve our nation's diverse problems. To EBN readers, whether Obama won your vote or not, I hope that you made your desire for America's future known by participating in the process and that you will make your voice heard to our new president on the issues that matter most to you.
The level of engagement this year from people who never before have participated in the voting process and the change it can yield should inspire you. I encourage you to read up on Obama's
Speaking of your views, I sincerely thank everyone who participated in our "rock the vote" quickpoll about the benefits-related issue that was most important to you in the election. Not surprisingly, health care reform topped the list, with 37% of the vote. Reducing benefit costs and reducing administrative burdens on HR/benefits staff tied with 30%.
For my part, I look forward to giving the issues that matter most to you and your employees a platform in EBN and bringing you benefits news and trends amid our new political reality.
