Why Did You Vote for Obama? Why Didn't You Vote for Obama?

I'm curious on the reasons why an American voter did or did not vote for Obama. Did the person vote for him because they liked his message on change or did they vote for him because he was black? Was it his charisma or was it admiration?

What was the reason on why an American voter did NOT vote for Obama? Was it because he was perceived as inexperienced? Was it because he's black or was it because he seemed untrustworthy?

Why did I vote for Obama? I admired his message and his tenacity. At first, when him and Hilary were running against each other in the primaries, I was for Hilary. I thought of Obama as inexperienced, especially when I found out he was recently elected to the Senate. I voted for Hilary in the primaries, but when she didn't win, and Obama did, I looked harder at his life and listened more to his message.

Here was a man that was not from a well-to-do family, and in spite of prejudices and disadvantages, accomplished in life what most people only wish they could do. Nothing against rich people, because most have earned their riches through hard work, but Obama was a different candidate than others in recent elections. His success in his career and his personal life came from perseverance and hard work, and not necessarily money. He embodied to those that are disadvantaged what could be accomplished if you put your head down and work for what you want in life. What's not to admire about that?

Also, even though his message was generally the same as any other candidates, like changes in healthcare, education, foreign policy, etc. etc., I actually felt that he meant what he was saying. He genuinely WANTED to make changes, and not just SAY he wanted change, just to be elected president. I also liked how he didn't gloss over how bad the economy is in this country and he didn't promise fast results, even though we expect them. It took years of neglect, fraud from within the private sector and government, and just straight bad choices that got this economy the way it is now, so why expect Obama to perform miracles when he's not even been in office a year?

Look what he's faced with. In my opinion, no president has had it harder than Obama has right now. I can say that he's not doing his job like he said he would, but then I remember the sheer hell this man inherited when he became President of the United States. I would've been suspicious if the economy would've, all of a sudden, made a drastic turnaround within 3 months of him becoming president. It's going to take time to bounce back from this, just like it took time to get to this point. Anyways, the floor is open and I want to know: Why did you vote for Obama or why didn't you vote for Obama?