Barack Obama’s historic victory Monday seemed to validate the American people’s desire for change. If “hope” was the key word for the Obama campaign, “change” was a close second.

John McCain, on the other hand, “had trouble staying on message,” said Steven Hall, assistant professor of political science at Ball State University. “(The McCain campaign) just tried things, looking for anything that fit.”

Now that the election is over, many people are wondering just what sort of changes are on the horizon. There continue to be grim headlines on the struggle of the economy to find its footing, the urgency of two wars in the Mideast and the warming of the planet.

The president-elect mentioned several changes on the campaign trail that he will pursue — from bringing the troops home from Iraq in 16 months to promoting pre-school education. Often times, though, what’s said during a campaign clashes with the reality of the Oval Office.

Change will come, how much and how soon can only be guessed. But the question remains: What kind of change?

ECONOMY

Americans have slowed in their spending, credit is harder to get, unemployment is up because jobs are vanishing, and Wall Street is still in a funk. Stocks were up Friday, but plummeted after Election Day. Job one for the new president will be to right the listing economic ship.

“Infrastructure spending will be a huge focus,” said Hall, adding there will be a lot of things Obama can do in the short term.

Hall notes that big questions will be who serves the next Treasury secretary and how the $700 billion Wall Street bailout money is managed.

There are long-term concerns after the country emerges from the recession in late 2009, Hall said, such as the budget deficit and national debt.

“Long-term concerns are getting ready to come home to roost.”

Some people are skeptical about Obama being able to reverse the economic slide.

“I would hope the economy really improves,” said Carol Overdorf, community volunteer and home-school teacher in Anderson. “But I don’t see how he can control that. I don’t see how one man could.”

Todd Higgins, director of logistics at Comfort Motion Technology in Anderson, said he’s concerned that Obama will raise taxes on small businesses and also tax 401(k)s.

“Obama wants to start taxing 401(k)s to pay for programs,” Higgins said. “That stinks.”