Fresno, CA (KSEE) -- Obama supporters in the Central Valley are gearing up for Tuesday’s historic inauguration. Many believe Obama will further diversify our nation and deliver a great deal of change.
Many people we spoke with Monday evening, who voted for Obama are rejoicing, but still seem to be in a state of disbelief, that an African-American man, at noon Tuesday, will take the oath of office and become the next president of the United States of America.
Dedra Skinner, Obama Supporter: "Couldn't say I didn't think it would happen. I mean I know it’s possible. All things are, but just being here. I’m speechless. It's like wow."
On the eve of Barack Obama’s inauguration, local Obama supporters with hopes of political change remained in a state of shock Monday night, over what many say, they never thought they'd live to see: a black man, about to be sworn in as the 44th president of the United States.
Steven Medlock, Obama supporter: "For a black man to be president of this great United States, I think it’s a very godly accomplishment."
Gary Dennis, Obama Supporter: "Obama has taken it upon himself to say hey look, I’m not just going to sit back and wait for a handout. I’m going to climb this ladder and I’m going to set myself up as an example for all other African-Americans and people of color in general, to say hey look, if I can do it, you can do it as well."
Don Larson, Political Analyst: "He's very passionate when he speaks, but also is an island of calm in the middle of a sea of fervor around him."
This evening, we sat down with local political analyst Don Larson, who calls this 56th presidential inauguration, "monumental.”
One he believes will help to restore worldwide credibility.
Larson compares Obama’s big day to the inauguration of John F. Kennedy back in 1961.
Larson: "A young man coming into office. A young family, I mean there are a number of comparisons, certainly while he was an Anglo-American, he was also Irish and catholic and we had never done that before."
Across town, Obama supporter, Leslie Hiatt, who worked on the president-elect's campaign for more than a year.
Leslie Hiatt, Obama Supporter: "I also come from the inner city. I come from a poor neighborhood and to see someone who’s elected with a background that not many Americans get elected with, that’s amazing to us too."
For Preston Phillips’ full story, click on the video link above.
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