In a historic victory, Democratic candidate Barack Obama captured the nation’s vote to become the first black president.

Obama won North Carolina, a pivotal moment in a state that hasn’t voted for a Democratic presidential candidate for 30 years. Obama concentrated massive resources in the battleground state, making frequent campaign stops here.

The race in North Carolina between Obama and GOP candidate John McCain was an excruciatingly tight one. The candidates remained within one-tenth of a percentage point of each other until the two final counties reported results.

The majority of western counties, including Macon, Haywood and Swain, went for McCain. Obama won in Jackson County.

The presidential campaign played out tensely in Western North Carolina. In the weeks leading up to the election, a dead bear wrapped in an Obama sign was dumped on the lawn of Western Carolina University. Someone smashed the windows of the Swain County Democratic headquarters with pumpkins. Both Republicans and Democrats reported campaign signs being stolen and defaced.

Now that it’s all over, Obama’s historic campaign has revealed that North Carolina is no longer the Republican stronghold it once was. People of all types turned out to cast their vote for Obama, including some who had never set foot in a voting booth. Haywood County resident Andre McKinney, 50, said Barack Obama is the first candidate that has motivated him to cast a vote.

“This is the first time I ever voted,” he said. “I want someone to help me and represent the low-income population.”

Obama’s ability to relate to the middle class resonated with many mountain voters.

“I think he’s more for the working class,” said Edward Moore, an electrician at Evergreen Packaging and a Haywood County voter.

Amanda Caldwell, a 28-year-old student at Southwestern Community College, agreed that Obama represents middle-class interests.

“I think Obama is going to try and fight, at least for us little people,” she said.

“He wants us all to get together,” added Floyd Cruse, 81, of Macon County. “He wants to help the common man.”

Others said Obama will help steer the country in a new direction.

“We are tired of the Bush generation. Everything needs to go in a new direction,” said Arlene Allman, a Swain County voter. Allman said McCain was a good man, but that she was afraid he would be “more of the same.”

“I think the way the country is going now, there is no way we can keep going further and further down,” said Anthony Tominson, a Swain County voter. “We have got to have change, hopefully for the better.”

Of course, Obama didn’t win the majority of support of Western North Carolinians. Some remain apprehensive of his presidency. Wanda McDaniel, 63, of Macon County, said she would “vote for a dog” before she voted for Obama.

McCain supporters fear Obama will raise taxes. Macon County voter Sara Hazell, 27, said she doesn’t agree with the “extra spending” Obama would do. She also doesn’t agree with Obama’s purported plan to distribute wealth.

Many, though, are hopeful that Obama will provide the leadership the country needs.

“I think he has the mission in life to be sure things are brought to a good place,” said Sally Walkes, a Haywood County voter.Obama wins nation, NC votes