A Moment in History

The Chicago Tribune smartly noted that "Tuesday night was a time to marvel at a once-inconceivable moment in American history." Its main edition front page captured the moment.

Simply Done

Millions of Americans went to the polls yesterday and made history, electing Barack Obama the country’s first African-American president.

The news was all but confirmed before many went to bed Tuesday night. So how does today’s front page distinguish itself from other media? By keeping it simple.

And with simplicity comes impact.

In an early edition distributed in the Midwest, Obama’s hometown Chicago Tribune simply said, “It’s Obama” with a photo of the victor and a cheering crowd. A simple black-and-white portrait of the Illinois senator graced the Sun-Times. “Mr. President,” said the label at the bottom of the page.

The News Journal of Wilmington in Joe Biden’s home state of Delaware used a single photo and a quote. Said the main headline: “ ‘Yes, we can.’”

One Day and Counting

Five U.S. newspapers have reporters traveling the campaign trail with presidential candidates:

The New York Times, which is all smiles today with photos of John McCain and Barack Obama. "McCain embraces his lighter side," the Times said. "Obama's Even Keel Holds in Final Turn."

The Washington Post, which looked at "A Positively Negative Home Stretch," noting "McCain, Obama Break Tradition By Staying on Attack."

The Wall Street Journal, which reported, "Obama leads in the Home Stretch."

The Los Angeles Times, which examined the Big O -- Ohio. "Both campaigns target Ohio, and both have volunteers mobilized. But Obama's team may have the advantage."

The Chicago Tribune, which referred to "One last day of historic campaign" content inside. It also promoted a customize-your-ballot feature on its Web site and reminded readers to check the site on Tuesday for results, analysis, photos and video.

Newspaper in the news

Yesterday's announcement by Chicago Tribune Editor Ann Marie Lipinski that she was resigning made today's front page. "Editor who shaped Tribune steps down," the headline said.
Lipinski, joined the newspaper as an intern from the University of Michigan, called the newspaper "the love of my life."