Video: '2008 Election Coverage' (10 videos)

(Tuesday, November 4, 2008, during the United States presidential election, 2008) — Democratic U.S. Senator Barack Obama of Illinois was elected President of the United States today, defeating Republican U.S. Senator John McCain of Arizona.

Obama and his running mate, U.S. Senator Joe Biden of Delaware, defeated McCain and his running mate, Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska, 52.93-45.65% in the national popular vote, which would result in a 365-173 victory in the Electoral College.

Obama became the first African American ever to be elected as president.

Video: 'The American Presidential Election of 2008'

Incumbent President George W. Bush was ineligible to seek a third term, due to term limits established by the 22nd Amendment.

Obama and Biden would be sworn in for four-year terms on January 20, 2009.