Empower minorities? Yes. They can now include being president as an ambition, not just being a rapper or a football or basketball player.
End the Iraq War? Yes. Obama promised to return the troops within sixteen months. It wouldn't be easy but it is definitely doable, even the Iraqi head of state wants the Americans out. They can now better concentrate their forces in Afghanistan in hunting and capturing Bin Laden.
McCain gave a glorious concession speech.
The hurdles for Obama were clearly outlined in his victory address, serving as a reality check for Americans and the world.
He doesn't have a panacea for all problems, and he admitted that it may take some time to undo the damage that Bush caused in the domestic and international scenes. It took 8 years for all of this mess, the cure will not take effect overnight.
Will there be any difference? I hope so. A democrat controlled executive and legislature means that they can easily pass measures to correct the said problems.
With this power comes a great deal of responsibility. The American public is not so forgiving of a party that has control of both branches of Government.
If they don't get their act together, expect to see Palin, Cheney and company in the not so distant horizon.