Way More Than Just Standing By Her Man

(NEWSER) - President-elect Barack Obama addressed the country and the world for the first time tonight, vowing to unite a nation beset by trouble at home and abroad, the Chicago Tribune reports. "Change has come to America," Obama told a crowd of tens of thousands at Chicago's Grant Park and millions more watching around the world. "Our stories are singular, but our destinies are shared." More»

Voters line up around the country on long-awaited day

(NEWSER) - Barack and Michelle Obama cast their votes for president in Chicago today with their daughters in tow, the AP reports. They were ushered in ahead of lines that snaked around the block as neighbors who’d gathered to see his arrival cheered, the Chicago Tribune reports. Obama kissed the cheek of his poll worker and displayed his “I Voted” slip to applauding onlookers before heading to Indiana for some last-minute campaigning. More»

First reelection bid outside DC in recent memory

(NEWSER) - President Obama’s reelection campaign will likely be based in Chicago, not Washington—a rare move for a sitting president, and one that his advisers hope will help him rekindle the energy of 2008, Politico notes. Usually, campaigns are kept close to the president’s DC home, where they’re easily accessible, said a Democratic consultant: "In modern presidential history, this is kind of revolutionary." More»

Conservative watchdog slams first lady's 'technical violation'

(NEWSER) - Michelle Obama may have violated Illinois election laws by seeking support for her husband’s agenda at a Chicago polling station, holds the Daily Caller . The first lady was talking with voters, and reportedly urged them to support said agenda—but state laws ban political discussion near polling places, the site notes. Sure, it may be a mere “technical violation,” acknowledges a conservative watchdog, somewhat gleefully. “But what are mere technical violations of voting laws to the Obama administration!” More»

President turns 49 today

(NEWSER) - President Obama turns 49 today, and he’ll celebrate the occasion with his friends (but not family) in Chicago. Sources tell Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times that Obama will be dining out at a restaurant he frequents. “I think his plans for tomorrow are dinner with some friends in Chicago,” Robert Gibbs said yesterday, adding, “I think he is looking forward to spending the night in his house for a change.” More»