Dear Joe – I believe your comment was that South Africa is status quo. It is not. I have lived here for 10 years so I know very well about the challenges we face BTW. But it is by no means a status quo nation. I don't limit myself to CNN and CNBC contrary to what you say (although I do tend to avoid Fox like the plague) and have lived outside of Nrth America , like you, for 17 years. So you see, we can all make assumptions about each other. In fact, it is a good case in point since the US government has made too many assumptions about other nations over the past 7 years.

America needs a president. Not a war president. If raising taxes makes the life of all improved, then I would not object to it. We pay extraordinarily high taxes here but I understand my duty as a citizen and that it is my way of also taking care of my fellow citizens who are perhaps less able to do so financially for themselves. If it for health care or education, and the spending is responsible, then I am comfortable with it. If it is to fight a "war" I am not.

It is ironic that 'weapons of mass destruction' are considered a swear word and yet the US has them itself. Is the average American aware of this? I too love Americans. I just detest the government's foreign policy and feel that Obama will be better received and open to moving forward globally. Almost everyone I have spoken to outside of the US feels the same.

BTW, are you Joe the plumber? (Forgive me-just teasing. I couldn't resist!:-)

Jen: How can we send all of our jobs oversea? How can we let a war monger continue the war with Iraq when we should not be there? How can we continue to spend $10 billion on the war with Iraq, when that money should be going to our poor, sick and elderly? How can we continue the unfair taxation on the middle class and the poor?

Thelma – in response to your question. People in other countries are affected way more by who is US President than most people within the US. The President enacts all foreign policy and can start/end wars, as long as they are called "policing" actions. He also dictates funding for other countries. Example – Bush gives $9 billion extra a year to Pakistan in financial aid which is about 10% of its GDP. What if Obama wanted to stop that aid or double it? Imagine the impact either would have. Also the President is a key factor in deciding trade agreements which are usually much larger in scope than $9billion. Those are just some ways that are affected by a President there are many though.

Who cares what the world thinks about America's election!!! Is the world going to pay for the extra taxes we will have if Obama wins??? God is the only one who can help if Obama wins!!!!!!!

I've fedexed my ballot 4 days ago, I hope Churchill was right!
looks like Yes we Can!

"The Americans will always do the right thing... after they've exhausted all the alternatives"

Winston Churchill

Thank you Sara and thank you Joe,
I think Sara is right because she is looking at the whole picture, she has place in her heart for the others.
Joe is also right because he is looking at an other whole picture, he has place in his heart for the "people like him".

Rene,
The two candidates have very different policy positions. Is it not possible that one's vote is based on these differences instead of differences of race? There can be little doubt that some people have voted because of race – on both sides. But that doesn't mean every vote has been based on race or that every vote for McCain has been a vote against Obama's race.

If Obama wins, it will be like an Israeli Arab becoming Prime Minister of Israel!

Today I voted for Obama because I also believe we need change. I disagree with a lot of his "liberal" policies. But we MUST have a change in the conservative party in this country. Someone said it above...they desperately need a thorough housecleaning. We, the people, are the ones to smack them in the face and tell them to straighten up. But Democrats need to remember some things during their chance to change things:

# Corporations aren't evil. Really folks, only people can be evil. Of course handing taxpayer money to corporations is very evil.
# Rich people aren't evil either. They already pay most of our taxes. And they know how to avoid paying more.
# Everyone pays the highest tax rate. (Or has it been that long since you got a raise or a bonus?)
# The environment must be priority one.
# The phrase "Clean Coal Technology" should be interpreted as "Slightly Less Filthy Coal Technology"
# When you build your social insurance and medical programs remember that anything the government runs will be full of waste and corruption. Find another structure.
# Our government should not be dictating OR EVEN ENCOURAGING how we live our lives.

This is your chance. Use it well.

Melanie Phillips writing on October 14th of this year in the UK Spectator, short little paragraph:

"You have to pinch yourself - a Marxisant radical who all his life has been mentored by, sat at the feet of, worshipped with, befriended, endorsed the philosophy of, funded and been in turn funded, politically promoted and supported by a nexus comprising black power anti-white racists, Jew-haters, revolutionary Marxists, unrepentant former terrorists and Chicago mobsters, is on the verge of becoming President of the United States. And apparently it's considered impolite to say so."

I love Dahir's comment! Way to go...

United we stand, divided, we fall...

answers to Rene's questions:
1. because other countries will do it cheaper because u.s. employers are money hungry.
2. i agree, we should not be in the war.
3. america has always forgotten about its own and worries about others.
4. same as 3

Who cares what the world wants, I am voting for Commander and Chief of the US, not the world. I hope the president puts Country First, we already give more to the world than anyone.
President of the US is the office although OBAMA wants to be leader of the world.

Why would someone want to vote for Mccain he is the same as bush or even worser please vote for a change not more of the same vote for Barack obama.

I agree with Bill. People forget that in the US the president has very little power. Most of the power resides in the congress. If you want to blame anyone for the mess we are in, blame the congress. In order to change how things are done you need to change who makes the decisions which are the senators and representatives that we CHOSE. The president can design legislation but the congress needs to approve it to have it come into an effect, the president can also veto it however all the congress has to do is approve it 2/3 majority to overide that veto. So in the end on the national scale the president is and will always be just a puppet. so unless any major changes in congress occur i highly doubt that the changes obama or mccain propose will ever occur if either one of them wins. I personally disagree with both obama and mccain on major issues and policies that they are presenting so I wrote in Ron Paul (even though I know he has no chance of ever winning). I rather vote for who I believe is best for this country and follows my beliefs rather than vote for a person because I wish the other candidate fails.

People of the world wake up. No politician can impose his/her will for the benefit or demise of your own happiness. As an American I have an obligation and a right to vote today. I must choose between a man that has no tangible voting record and cannot see his complete viewpoint on issues and a man that is beyond his capable years for true logic. I do know this. I motivate myself through my family, my faith and my work. Tomorrow will be a new day. Just like next Thursday and Friday will. Please keep the power amongst the people, not lifelong politicians that have never created a job, nor held one for more than a couple of years. God Bless the World.

Yes, Mandela gave south Africa hope. The hope of a new world lies in this one man of African descent. Just the mere idea that from a country that had slavery, that out of the chains, a man of this stature can rise. No, he is not African and he doesn't carry blacks on his back, what he carries is worth far more than any race can understand. He carries hope, it may not be in the next 8 yrs but he gives us hope that we can change the way a country or even the world thinks. From segregation to freedom, is amazing. To bring to reality, Bob Marley's words: "Until the color of a man's skin, is no more signifibcant than the color of his eyes" is amazing. We stood in lines this morning, freezing, wet, cold and sleepy to show the world this is America, this is true freedom, the last chapter in freedom has begun. It is now complete, we can know say we are truly Free. Not as individual races but as the human race.

Obama's promise of a better future is not based on being black or white, but on the profound understanding that America is truly a beacon of goodness and peace. It is about time that we come together as a global community, people of all religions and celebrate our common humanity and decency... The kind of decency that you can easily see in Barack's eyes. May each vote for Barack be a smile on a hungry child's face looking for the dawn of hope and opportunity.

Electing Obama president is a world changer to other governments. Example, in America we believe people need role models, Americas government is a model for other governments to view. Our foreign policies give eye opening views of what government could be like or should be like. This is what building coalitions are all about. I believe that Obama gives America a better chance to be seen in a different light, because its foreign policy may now change. What Americans must remember ,that whoever is presidents, they are stuck with the problems of the current administration. I really don't know why anyone would want to be president under those circumstances.

To: Mark W

Canada has a multi-party system, and in our 2008 election only around 35% of the canadian electorate voted for Harper – This is bringing into consideration that their were 4 parties running for seats in our House of Representatives – three of those four being centre-left. About another8-10% of thsoe who supported Harper this time are from the centre of our political spectrium. Furthermore, we re-elected a moron based on lies and fear mongering. Bush taught his pet Harper well. This election was our mini-version of the American Election of 2004.

Here in Canada we have a saying "If the United States sneezes, Canada catches a cold."

For 8 years Canadians have had to deal with a straining relationship with our closest allies and our best "nation" friend. Our two nations have gone from buddies to cordial/cold understandings. From arm in arm, to booing each other's anthem, etc.

For 8 years we Canadians have wondered why? and What will Bush do that could make Canada an even bigger target because we boarder you?"

Over 80% of Canadians join the rest of the world in saying "GO OBAMA!!" BRING BACK OUR FRIEND AND ALLY. (This is an actual statistic)

Canadians cannot help but be involved with this American election and we too are watching closely ,as the rest of the world is doing .

America's mistakes have a massive shockwave effect on your nieghbors to the north. We pray for the shaking to stop

Chad
Ontario, Canada

(How can we let someone whose mentor is Reverend Wright run our beloved country?)

How can we let McCain run our beloved country when he hired campaign advisor Richard Quinn, a known white supremacist?

Not to mention McCain's close friendship with G. Gordon Liddy, a Watergate felon and domestic terrorist.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-oped0504chapmanmay04,0,6238795.column

Wake up America! Read these posts. The rest of the world hates us, thanks to the good ol' Bush boys.

it's incredibly pathetic and arrogant to believe this election changes the world. the same US centric world view bias is what tripped up the neo-cons and created all the problems you so blindly assume will be corrected upon the coronation of king barak. reality check time christiane. you're dink'n the kool-aid and in the tank for the anointed one.

Barak Obama
Sincerely wish the American voters open their eyes & see that he's a people pleaser – not the right one for the Presidents role..

I moved to North America 30 years ago – I recall how excited i was and how i considered the US flag as a sign of freedom and democracy. I know this democracy is far from perfect but serves as a big example for the rest of the world. The past 8 years has changed all that – the flag became the flag of aggression. US government policies has changed the view of so many people towards America. It's time for a change. A historic change, a kind of change that you can only dream about. We need this change. Please don't mess it up this time. Just like so many people in Canada and the rest of the globe, we cannot vote but we could, you know who we would vote for!

Mike above says that it is arrogant for America to think they in a sense can impact the world with these present proceedings; it is not arrogant in the sense of this historical situation. Rather, it is foolish not to understand and accept that we all as human beings impact each other. It is not about country and region, it is about people, always have been. America has forgotten that and hailed ourselves as the best in the world when all along we should have been trying to be truly just another one of God's creatures.

I truly believe that God handed a special and unique mandate to America. It was and is, to welcome the huddled masses that seek liberation from the imposition of bondage within the lands from which they hail. But along the way America became arrogant and began to think that we are the greatest. We are not, He is the greatest and He has given us a mandate that we have handled poorly. He allowed 911 to demand humility from us and we still in our arrogance returned to a behavior pattern of superiority. And now He has challenged us on perhaps the deepest and most staining blight of our land; racism. He is allowing the one named Barack Obama, not because of him, but because of Him. He will have his way and if Barack is the one that He has to use, then so be it.

The world is watching America and it is time that we do some introspection and see where we have failed and seek to be fixed. We have got to stop talking of world series this and that when we are the only participants, we have to end this vicious and pernicious scourge of racial discrimination while claiming we are a Christian nation. There are many who asked where was Jesus Christ when 911 happened; Ann Graham Lutz, Billy Graham's daughter responded: "He's where He always is, we demanded that tHe leave our courts, our schools and everywhere else and then we wonder where He is. God is a gentleman, He does not go where He is not invited."

It is past time that we see each other as people just with different hues and if anyone thinks that esanother is less because of their hue, then that or those persons must not think much of themselves. It is incongruent to think that you can think less of another, hurt and harm another for no particular reason, then acclaim yourself as better. It is foolish and arrogant to celebrate yourself while demeaning others especially on the ground of the very color of another's skin. We suffer in this nation because we suffer from selective memory; we should not need another 911 to remind us to be humble before we have to be humbled.

LET US USE THIS HISTORICAL LANDMARK TO CREATE A NEW AND BETTER AMERICA; IT IS NOT AS SOME HAVE SUGGESTED 'HE GOT VOTES BY USING THE RACE CARD, NOW HE IS USING HIS GRANDMOTHER'S ILLNESS TO GET SYMPATHY VOTES; AND THEN AND ONLY THEN WILL WE TRULY BE ABLE TO SAY WE ARE A GREAT NATION BECAUSE WE HAVE A GREAT GOD.

I'm Canadian
My friends are asking me how I will sneak across the border to vote today, (they are kidding of course). I have had an Obama bumper sticker on my car since August. Most of us Canadians are rooting for Obama, and I know when he is elected, it will change the world. Thank you America for voting in the right leader for yourselves, and for voting in the right leader that can help change the world, and get us out of this mess we are all in.

Did everyone just read Patrick's post – $9 billion a year to PAKISTAN. Now with Obama as President we'll send 10 times that to Kenya probably. Cant take care of our own but take care of everyone else.

Sigh. Hello socialism, good by Constitution.

Obama has promised to bankrupt the coal industry through cap-and-trade. Coal gives us 49% of our electricity so it's lights-out for us.

Obama has promised to give $1000 to each family from the profits of oil companies. They will have no choice but to sky-rocket prices.

Obama has promised income tax cuts to 95% of Americans even though 40% of Americans get every penny back on their tax return – meaning they paid NO TAX. How do you get even more back than you temporarily paid in? Steal from those evil rich. Steal through taxes and it's not a crime?

Those who say Obama's not a socialist don't know the meaning of the word.

I voted Libertarian because I believe Bob Barr isn't extreme enough to take us down that crazy road (plus, no Congress would let him) but for 4 years he would have ensured smaller government spending AND lower taxes. Neither Obama or McCain will do that, despite their promises.

Instead we'll get Obama with a liberal Democratic majority in the Senate – possibly filibuster-proof. We'll be forced into Socialism a step at a time and in 4 years Obama will insist things are only so bad because he hasn't finished hoping and changing. We'll stagger another 4 years deep into socialism and that will be the end.

Tomorrow I wake up in the not-so-great State of Washington in the United Socialist States of France.

Sigh.

What do you mean it won't change the world? I thought we were the world. We've got the World Series, remember?? C'mon, are you trying to tell me there's something else out there?

Rene,
The jobs will come back from overseas when the people there demand better pay and benefits and it becomes less profitable for them to be exported.
We didn't start the war on terror, but we damn better finish it. If you think having an unstable Iraq is good for global relations then I suggest you read more.
As far as giving all of our money to the poor, sick and elderly, perhaps we should encourage the poor to work harder for not only money but for their self-respect. Perhaps if the sick were also employed and self-sufficient then they would have their own healthcare, and the elderly...ya got me there, we should take much better care of the wisdom that sits before us all.

Unfair taxation of the middle class is a red herring and the poor DON'T PAY TAXES!!!

I'm not mad at you Rene, I just wish you would think more and listen to the media less.

IKW

Obama or MaCain cannot change the world...

(As a European married to a US citizen while residing in Europe we truly hope that the US will get back decency, accountability and intelligence in its politics…said differently we look forward to the new president Mr. Barack Obama. It will be to the benefit of Americans and the rest of the world,)

Sit up and pay attention, Republicans....this is what the entire world is saying. Enough of Bush, McCain and their unharnessed Wild West capitalism that leads to $700 billion bailouts. Enough of corporate excess and $300 million salaries. We need sensible policies that favor the middle class, and that restore our relationships with the world. Obama will deliver.

I would usually consider myself an republican but not this time. It is time for change and the American people can not stand for this kind of government any longer!!!

There are a lot of black folk all over predominantly white or brown countries. I would give up England and France as examples... BUT!!!

WE DID IT FIRST!! We will have the first minority in our democracy for President. We went to the moon first. We have done so many great things, I am proud of our country always, but even moreso today....

YEEEEE HAHHHH!! from Texas.. let's git er' done!

Barack Obama will be the most hated president since Jimmy Carter. The world will miss George Bush once his stabilizing steadfastness is gone in favr for the empty suit that is Obama.

I am pretty glad that this is happening today not just in any other place but in America, because that is where it all started. I want to vehemently state here that when it comes to foreign policies and the rest of other vital issues that has been the contention all through the debating period, the world watched with a rapt attention and from all views, Obama seems to have the rightful thinking and great concept of the whole idea.

Let America not allow another Bush to assume that office else, she should consider herself finished in all regards. point blank, America stand a chance of redeeming her image in the world today by letting capability and not race or whatsoever to prevail. Sorry to disappoint those who believe in him, McCain, but candidly speaking, he has nothing to offer, i bet you...

You rode your son to school by bike,Christine?
Brave woman,doing so in NYC!
Whoever is our next President,its certain to be a change for the better.

Poor Jen. I feel for you. Most blacks are not votiong for Obama b/c he's black. Remember, every presidential election in the past, blacks have voted Democratic. And, when Keyes ran for president (he was republican), he didn't even get 3% of the black vote. By your logic, he should have gotten 90%. So you see, you are wrong. Blacks are probably more excited now b/c Obama is half black, but blacks are not voting for him simply b/c he's black.

And, what about all of the states Obama won in the primaries and will win tonight that have a VERY lsmall black population.

Should Obama win, it will truley be profound. It's been at least a century since America will have elected a president less qulaified, less experienced or more racist. Every presidential election, I feel we couldn't possibly find worse candidates to vote for. Then 4 years later, we manage to do just that. Mr. Barrack Hussien Obama certainly doesn't make me feel safer. He leaves me little incentive to make more money either since he'll just give it to his new welfare state. Shame on all you for being gullible and allowing the tv networks to con you into thinking you're not a niave fool.

Isn't it the height of Ugly American arrogance to think the outcome of OUR election will resonate around the world? Gee, that sounds like GWB logic!

Oh and by the way, for the history revisionists out there, apartheid was not white minority rule, it was the unjust segregation that resulted from a white minority rule.

I don't think that redistribution of wealth, more welfare checks to those who don't want to work but have multitude of children (welfare checks again), having OBAMA and his desciples trying to tell me how to live , plus miriad of other things I have no time or space to mention will change my WORLD for the better.

Go MCCain (democrat for McCain).

SOCIALISM has been knocking on your door, America...and you just let him in.

Actualy Patrick that is not an entirely true statement. The President does not have the power the start/end wars, nor complete power to negotiate foreign policy. Every thing that comes out of Washington is approved/disapproved by Congress/House votes. War cannot be declared unless Congress approves and vice versa, nothing comes out of Congress w/o White House approval, it's called Checks and Balances, which will be lost if Obama is President due to Democrat Congress and Democrat President.

Be careful about the "change the world" attitude.

If Obama is elected, he will have won the war, but he'll still need to win the peace. The fact that Obama is not-the-Republican may be a good thing (I think it is...mostly), but it's not the same as developing a good plan for this nation, and then getting done.

With the Presidency and Congress controlled by Democrats, they'll have two years to impress people before they could lose Congress again. If they fail, they'll be no one to blame but themselves.

Be careful of euphoria.

Sid

Spoken like a true Euro – give me a break!

John McCain lost any chance of me voting for him when he voted in favor of George W Bush's trumped up invasion of Iraq. A quarter million people are dead because of this decision. And John McCain still says it was the right thing to do. He also says the Vietnam war was the right thing to do. He sings about attacking Iran. Sara Palin threatens Russia with war...

This is the Republican Party, the party for unneccessary wars.

Doesn't anyone understand that CHANGE is not always good? Hitler was a change. The Soviet Union was a change. There have been dramatic changes in Venezuela. I think it's time to temper the optimism and see what kind of change Obama brings.

I think this is awesome. To finally have my fellow Americans responding in such large numbers to this election. I wish it could have happened 4 years ago. I would like for the world to know most of Americans are appauled at how this current administration has treated other peoples around the world. I pray that this next generation of voters realizes the impact of this election on our standing as a respected nation. We do have reason to lower our heads in shame for what we've allowed to happen inside and outside of our once great nation. Don't let anyone be mislead I am a strong supporter of our men and women in the armed forces but our president has lied to everyone and mislead the world. I hope someday that JUSTICE wil prevail and the ones in charge fo this mess will be charged to the fulliest extend of the law.

Really? This election will change the world? I think we're tooting out horn too much.

This election shall change, by Constitutional law, the next president in America. It will change America by either electing a socialist or an unhunged maverick.

It's great to hear everyone is voting. But come on...I think this is being blown out of proportion....just like CNN always does.

Its because no president has ever been more dispised than

The Big Dubya.

And no matter who wins, America will sigh a collective sigh of relief that we made it through eight years of Bush.

Incidentally I am a Democrat that voted for McCain, because I have been following politics for a long time and McCain has always stood out as an honest and qualified man. He is a true Hero and would make a president of the highest quality.

No politician will change the world, not even our country. Our country was made free by men and women that were willing to FIGHT for democracy. I truly believe that in this present America, we have lost our will to fight. We'd rather have a politician or special interest group making the decisions for us. If we're concerned about government programs, providing for the disadvantaged, fixing our economy and getting our country back on track, EVERY individual citizen needs to do MORE than just vote for someone else to fix it. REAL change will begin when Americans are willing to give up their comfortable, lavish lifestyles, stop making excuses and start sacrificing time and money towards the causes we believe in.

As I have read all the above post, it saddens my heart to know that
there continues to be U.S. citizens who cannot get past the fact that
Obama could possible be the best choice for the Presidency. I
truly believe he is the ONE who will change our country as well as
the world for the better.

Obama, you have my support 100%. May God Bless You.

Obama is not just a black American, he is the symbole of hope and change. After Bush elected 2nd time by Americans I lost hope in humanity. I couldn't understand how American people can elect such a mini-Hitler: a person that is against all the great values of the best Democracy in the world. I'm glad I see this is about to change. All the people in the world are watching Obama to win because they want those great values to win. He will have a lot of problems (thanks to Bush and Co) but I'm sure American people and all the world are with him to change the Earth for the better and for the future of our children.
Go Obama, go America for a better future!

This vote will change the world – we are that powerful, like it or not. We are probably too young as a nation to hold this much power but here we are and we will make the best of it.
My father spent 34 years in an American Army uniform and tho he died in 1981, this large voter turnout verifies the many sacrifices he and his compatriots in arms made. All the men, and now even the women, who have died to keep us free are with us here today, there in the lines of voters patiently waiting for their chance to vote. They know it was worth it.
Whoever is elected will need all our help in the years ahead. The founders gave us the tools we need to do that and we must be diligent in the care of this remarkable country. Its promise is universal. It is up to "We the people" and nobody else.

I completely understand that change is not always good, Bob in Asheville, however my comment stating it was censored and has not appeared in this comment string. I agree completely.

IKW

Shora, you are clueless. Hitler stifled free speech. Hitler rounded up and executed Jews in Germany and areas that he conquered. Hitler created a socialist empire. Hitler destroyed businesses, making them government controlled.

Bush was an irresponsible President but in no way can be compared to Hitler.

The next president has more in common with Hitler, but only because the next president is touting a socialist agenda. I don't believe he will exterminate a minority in this country, though, and neither did Bush.

We were a divided country Nov 3
We are a divided country Nov 4
We will be a divided country on Nov 5
We will be divided until we come to terms with what divides us
No country can lean both to the right and the left at the same time
We will never survive this division
Get ready for the bread lines regardless of who is President!

It is a great day to be American. In 2008 I would hope we've grown past black and white. We're human, and we should start acting like it.

For all those (like pepe and so forth) who insist on giving credance to some comments that are offensive re Obama...It's just plain old ignorance and fear...We need a change for this country...

Mark,

Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one. Do I need to say more??

I believe the election of Barak Obama can change the world. It's time we moved out of the Cold War mentality of the past...a past John McCain represents and still lives in. The world is watching, as they did 4 years ago, but this time they won't be disappointed. Our image abroad has been terribly tarnished by the Republican government of Bush/Cheney/McCain/et al. With change...real, significant change...we can polish our reputation to the shine it once had in the days of Kennedy. I just hope it's a total Democratic sweep nation-wide so that Obama can pursue his programs and plans without filibusters and other obstructionist tactics the Republicans have used these past two years.

After reading some of the emails I have come to the conclusion that every voter is voting because of what they believe, here are some of the reason:
Because Obama is black, becuase McCain is white, these are the two main reason why people are voting today, and it is very sad to see that there is still large percentage of Americans that are still living with a race problem, (Black or White), personally I have no problem with color of people, most important is that every human been deserves respect, has the right to speak, the right to listen, and the right to make their own decision.
If I was an American I would be voting for Obama, not because he is black, but because I believes that he is going to bring new changes to America, he is a humble person, he has spoken, the people have heard his desires to change Washington for the better, he knows what it is to be poor and needy.
I pray that God will give him the knowledge, the understanding and the wisdom to lead your nation.

Experience is not all that matters, we was not born a doctor, nurse, mechanic, pilot, we all became one of these after we went to school and had some experience in these fields, which of all the presidents in past had all the experience necessary to run your country, not one, I believe Mr. Obama will be one of best president in the history of the USA.

All my respect to Mr. McCain and I wish him well, and may the best man win.

I'm from the Cayman Island in the Caribean.

How can one elect sarah Palin when she is not even capable of dealing with Mr Dalai Lama forget about the Sharks like Putin, Sarkozy,
Hu etc. Mccain was good but too old and who wants to give another four years to bush. My 401k is now left with 50% of money and it has vanihsed in the span of less than 50 days. House value has dropped to its half. Mccain and Palin will be the worst bargain with the future.
As Mr clinton said today that the GOP has been pushed to far right and does not represent the conservatives. Some of them are like the Christian Talibans and racist. How can one vote for them for those extreme ideas..

best

anser azim, Chicago

exactly how is this election going to change the world? The media and cnn in particular need to cut the hype and take a breath. Anyone who think either candidate is going to be radically different is a fool. The political process works against that, and, whether Dems get the majority all around (shudder) or Gop holds their filibuster (more gridlock), it'll be "same old, same old" come jan 20th 2009

This is the most important day after end of 2nd World War and Barack Obama may very well turn out to be second biggest man alive, just behind Nelson Mandela. And the time has come when being called a socialist will be the biggest compliment one can get. As for neoliberals, they really are the biological disgrace of human race.

You are all SOOOO WRONG about Barack Hussein Obama!

Wait till you see what kind of FUNDAMENTAL Change you will get!

America will regret this day. And the world will have learnt a lesson.

Rhona Ottolina

This election would bring back, inclusive politics which is what America is all about – THE UNITED STATES.

Down with the Divisive Politics!!!

To: Dan from Seattle;

Although i do agree that one can not compare Bush to Hitler as it is grosely construed, thwe same can be said about trying to link Obama to the likings of Hitler.

Hitler was a facist – facists are the compelte opposite of socialists. Although he did seek to control everything, it was in order to fund and have resources for his war machine – this is a very good example of a realist facist.

I still find it so interesting how peopel try to claim Obama has a socialist agenda..... i suggest you shoudl read some political science books, and understand the terminologies you are using.

Let's face it – most people who have never voted before aren't voting for a President now – they are voting for their favorite idol – a P Diddy of the political world if you will........

Dan from Seattle,
Hitler did more than just murder Jews- albeit they were the largest of those he removed. He did likewise to the disabled, gays, and just about anyone else who rejected his fascist agenda.

What we'll get to find out is just how the future will play out over the next 1400 or so days.

Dan from Seattle,

Correction: Hitler was not socialist, he was facist. Education, education education and more education for you. If you want an example of a socialist country please study Sweden..

The current election is very important, not only for americans but for the rest of the world.

8 years of the Bush administration has modified America's image in the world. The election of Obama would certainly establish that America , nevertheless, has gone a long way in fifty years...

Moreover whatever one thinks of the last 8 years it seems that a change would be welcomed and beneficial for americans....

Whatever happens America, with its good sides and bad sides ,remains an example to the world of what can be achieved by democracy...

Good luck America!

Dear Sara, you have defined yourself as a socialist both fiscally and morally. I don't mind paying taxes to help those in need, not those that are lazy, that's in scripture, and in my humble opinion, the 'c'hurch should be involved, not the government. The current welfare system in the US creates complacency. Ultimately, the bottom line here is this:

Whether, you, I, or anyone else believes that Jesus is God, doesn't change some real hard facts.

1- We are created, not 'evolved' (no proof of evolution)
2- He makes the rules. We will answer to Him one day.
3- My sincere hope and prayer is that folks begin to repent and look at Jesus for their salvation, because you will not find it anywhere else.

No, good tease tho'...I definitely laughed...but I'm not "Joe the Plumber"
;-)

CHILE IS WITH OBAMA

I am happy to see such a voter turn out.
Nonetheless, this will not change the world. Whoever wins will be left with an economy left in ruins and a world that is 10 times more unsafe than 8 years ago.
good luck to the winner and may God bless us all.

Barack Obama is a poor man's JFK. Like Kennedy, Obama is a great orator. Like Kennedy he is the media darling and can do no wrong in their eyes. Like Kennedy, he is a junior Senator with a liberal voting record (when he did vote: referencing Illinois state senate) Like Kennedy he (or in Kennedy's case his father) has had an eye on onw thing: power.

Let's look at Kennedy's sadly brief tenure. He failed miserably when Kruzchev (SP?) challenged himwith the building of the Berlin Wall: there was an agreement that if anythign were to be done in Berlin it had to be agreed upon by all 4 powers. Kruzchev made his move and knighted JFK.

Then we had the Bay of Pigs disaster in '61. Though all accounts say JFK was opposed to this action, he was not strong enough to fight off his advisors and allowed it to continue.

Fast forward to the Cuban Missile Crisis. While the outcome saw no war, this crisis was mismanaged from teh get go. Again, JFK was walked all over by his cabinet. Thankfully and miraculously nothing came from this mismanagement.

Unlike Kennedy, Obama has never been at the helm of anything but the Harvard Law Review, which, by all accounts, was purely a popularity contest. Not once did Obama contribute to teh review, but sat at the head. Obama has never been the head of a business or a committee. Obama has never experienced a ledership role in the military or experienced the hardship of the military.

For those of you who stated that his living abroad in childhood, as well as traveling, qualifies him for the post, you are mistaken. He was a child then and the world has changed.

Like Kennedy, Obama is not fit to be a leader. He has some good sounbytes, but no substance.

As one man put it, " Would you trust a major surgery to someone performing hsi first surgery?"

Chat in Ontario,
You are so right in your comments about Hitler!
I would like to add that I love this country but it is very sad to read some comments here as they reflect the level ignorance in US.

Sara...I forgot to add this site just for your reading.

http://www.americanthinker.com/2008/10/obamas_religious_ruse_ive_alwa.html

I voted For Obama and Biden. The reason I voted this way is because I am a middle class American and the democrats seem to be more for middle class America then the administration of the past six years. They also seem to be more likely to bring manufacturing jobs back to America. It took many years and many things to awaken me from a predjudice way of thinking. For centuries people throughout Europe, Asia, and America have put to much belief into race and religion to the point it caused major wars with destruction and deaths. Being a veteran we were wrong to attack Viet Nam and we were wrong to attack Iraq. 4,000+ of my American brothers and sisters died in a war that should have never happened. I honor their service and sacrifice and curse those that lied to them.

Bill,

Your coments are very funny and sadly accurate!

This whole thing makes me sick. To think there are masses of people out there voting for skin color and with no knowledge of what the canidate stands for makes me sick. It angers me to see people who've not ever voted to finally decided to vote based on skin color and noting else. Its the biggest form of racisim I've ever seen in my life. They should be ashamed of themselves. They had no desire to support the process any other time but will sit around and bitch about it. I take comfort in knowing that these people will have no one to blame but themselves now.

All this hoopla and historical talk is not for Obama the man, the presidential candidate. It is for a Hollywood-Hip Hop invented celebrity who looks like he just might be presidential and speaks well. Nothing there – still don't know what change he's talking about.
God help us all if he's elected.

As a Canadian who has spent the last 21 months following American politics pretty much to the exlusion of our own, I truly believe "Change" is only a matter of hours away.

Historic yes – the first African American President or the first woman Vice-President but the most important...record voter turn out. This is what you should be most proud of.

In our last federal election...we had the lowest voter turnout on record – not something to be proud of at all.

Regardless of who wins, this election has ignited the hearts and minds of every American and non American world wide.

mike roberts has hit his head on the nail. The election WILL change the world in the sense of it being the first steps in a process. Your shortsightedness is both breathtaking and sad. Nevertheless there are enough other people to do the thinking so you can take comfort in that.

Don't you realize that GWB LIED to the US people about Iraq because he wanted to start a war? In fact he had public relations companies prepare the whole package to sell. There was no danger from Iraq nor should he choose the government of Iraq at gunpoint. All those people in Iraq were kill "for their own good"?

The next step in the change process is to bring GWB in front of the World Court in The Hague for human rights violations, attacking a nation while not under any direct threat and causing deathand suffering to millions all based on lies.

An Obama's win would be a major source of inspiration for most black youths that are living reckless life right now, it would make them hope, live and work for possibilities. Young people need an inspirator like OBAMA

As an American, I just want it to be over so I can stop reading and hearing from every over opinionated European how Obama is the right choice for us.

Sorry, but we are not all needy liberals yearning for our euro brethren's approval.

Got hope? You betcha! Obama/Biden 08!!!
Yes we can!

Bill,

You have conveniently forgotten to mention the continent of Africa, where "race wars" have an entirely different meaning. Look at Somalia, The Congo, Kenya, Ivory Coast, Liberia, etc...The list goes on and on. Regardless of being white, black, brown, red, yellow, or neopolitan, wars will continue to rage. Sadly, it is human nature to first revert to our inherent, primal instincts of rage before we can sit and rationally dicuss issues.

No matter who is in office, these things will continue to happen.

How amusing – the savage rush to sell the birthright of this Nation for a mess of pottage. Genesis 25:29-34. I thought the Democrats were supposed to be above racism, but apparently, all that matters is the color of one's skin – the toxicity of one's policies irrelevant.

Obama is going to change the world once he becomes the president of the USA. The world lost Martin Luther King 40 years ago but God has sent us Barack Hussein Obama! This historic election is truly a miracle.

There's so much talk of change but look at the two major choices: Both were for the bank bailout and will not end the corporate rule of the U.S. Both will keep troops in Iraq with their eyes on a permanent (residual) presence there and both want to increase troops in Afganistan and increase military spending. Neither is interested in seriously curtailing the growing surveillance state. Doesn't look like much of a choice to me. Their differences are marginal. If you really want freedom and want an end to militarism and empire, then neither Obama nor McCain will do.

Americans should feel proud of themselves today. An historical moment that we will look back with pride.

I think it will change the world. Ultra-conservative governments in Europe, for instance, will definately be impacted by this and may be uprooted as well if voters in other nations follow suit. It is high time that America reestablishes its ability to lead by example instead of just by projection of force.

Obama is a great speaker, he says what we want to hear, but what we want to hear is not always what is in our best interest. People don't like the status quo, but no one seems to know how it got here, because very few have the time to do the research on what has been going on for years in this country; the secret organizations that promote socialism, public school books since the sixties have leaned toward socialism, some actually have the name of a self aclaimed socialist as the designer/author.

It's no wonder Americans are joining the whole world's sheeple!!!!
Soon there will be no place on earth to experience a so-called American dream and have no reason to come here.

There seems to be a relatively common thread in this blog. Pride. I am curious, of the prideful now how many will be prideful if McCain wins?

Linnea is right. And voters today are euphoric about the likely outcome because they have grown comfortable extending their hands out to Washington and, encouraged by the mass media, believing they're entitled to more of the same. Obama has promised to give them change (code word 'money') and they don't have to do anything to get it. Not even work and pay taxes. It's a slippery slope to full-blown socialism (unselfishness per Obama). We can only hope for change (again) in 2012 or the government envisioned by our Founders may slip out of our grasp forever.

For those of you who believes SOCIALISM is at the door...
And yes I am french, I am not black, I am a fervent catholic...and a woman...
In France we had a socialist president as you all know for 14 years, and I can assure you from that perspective Barack Obama is not AT ALL socialist, NOT EVEN CLOSE to it !!!
Last week I was trying to explain teenagers a little about differences between Mc Cain and Obama and I mentionned the point of health plan....
For christian 15 years old kids, having an health plan for everybody is NOT SOCIALISM it's humanity, it' s just what's the Bibler is asking us to do....
Jesus says "what's you are doing to the poorest, you are doing it to me
Furthermore, Socialism supposes government to "provide" what so ever.
If I remember well speeches from Barack Obama, he is counting every and each human to take care of himself and of his/her friends and neighbours, wich again is very close to what's the bible is saying...
So please don't be afraid of socialism, from foreign xountries it really sounds ridiculous.
You are worried about taxes, it makes sense, but think about all the money which can be save stopping the war...what does that war brings to the US ? the whole planet is absolutly convinced that the US army IS the BEST army, what's the point about demonstrated it...
I do not know if B. Obama will be abble to act on the world economic crisis we are going through right now, but he certainly is the only one who will have the credibility to work with other presidents in order to suggest solutions, Mr Mc Cain is good for war but not to represent the democratic dream of america and the planet and certainly not with Mrs Palin next to him...as an educated women who is trying to be both a dedicated worker and a dedicated mother, I think it's a shame for women to pick such a lady to run as VP !!!
I am not sure Obama can do miracles for the US, but HE IS THE ONLY HOPE !

Get a grip.
This election doesn't mean squat.
Whoever wins, the government will be reelected. Plain and simple.

Obama for the change – 2008

How will we, as a nation, deal with the damage created by hateful language and accusations that occurred during the campaign? I am incredibly disillusioned by the name calling by the republican party. I will never be able to respect McCain/Palin – no matter what the outcome.

Joe – your link to American Thinker is TERRIFYING. Even if he isnt Malcoms X's son but is friedns with al Monsour – that is scary – we will find out – TOO LATE.

I live with someone who is not an American citizen who believes that this election will change the world. I thought it was a bit overstated. But today I believe. Yes We Can!

This election will not radically change the world no matter who is elected. Thanks to the Neocons and their puppet, America has lost a lot of respect, power and money. If McCain is elected, it will simply seal the fate of a has-been superpower, a la Britain. If Obama is elected, the American brand will be renewed and we will once again be a country ahead of our times, but the struggle to right the wrongs of his predecessor will be long and hard.

Happy day. I love to travel, and maybe I won't have to continue to hide the fact that I'm an American and pretend I'm a Canadian or something. Won't that be grand? Maybe I'll get a big old American flag sticker and plaster it on my suitcase! Oh Happy Day!

"But the whole world wishes it could cast a vote in this one."

Now that idea scares the crap out of me!

THIS IS FOR MARCUS, MALCOM, MARTIN, AND EVERY OTHER BROTHER OR SISTER THAT LIVED AND DIED FOR THIS MOMENT. OUR TIME HAS COME. WE WON'T LET YOU DOWN!
ALL POWER TO THE PEOPLE!

Glennis and Jen,

You guys can go and have a beer with Bush once he is out of office. I find your comments stereotypical and ignorant.

tell me how putting a black face on the same old tried and failed policies will some how change the world? all this does is show the world how obsessed we as americans are on race, in fact if you don't care about race you're concided a racist. the world should be laughing at us more than ever, "look," they will say "they eleced this man based mainly on the color of his skin, what true racist americans must be!

I get the feeling that nothing Obama says or does will win over the Obama haters out there, in spite of all his efforts that promote unity. Well, I have one message for you Obama haters. Now you will know the suffering that we've experienced under George W. Bush for the last eight years. It's a terrible feeling, isn't it, to sense that your country is going down the tubes.

I realize that this is not helpful (not in the spirit of Obama) but I'm tired of listening to bitter, racist rants from yahoos who will never understand in a million years what a gift a man like Obama is to this country. And if it were up to me, you should all lose your gun rights because dangerous weapons are not meant to be used by children.

The election may or may not change the world, but it will certainly change the future of millions of unborn children over the next 4 yrs.

My candidate, Senator McCain, may lose...probably will...but I can look myself in the mirror knowing I voted on the side of protecting unborn human life.

"But the whole world wishes it could cast a vote in this one."

That should scare everyone!

Horray for the USA! We need new direction for the country. The past 8 years have not cut it. A democratic President is just what the doctor ordered. Obama has my vote.

If Obama wins, this will go down as the day the US embarked on a Marxist journey that decades later our children will regret.

If Obama also gets 60 Democrats in the Senate to create a filibuster-free Congress, they will call this the 'Tsunami of Change'!!!

+1 for Raffaello from CT

I voteed early today and I can see the excitment that was there seeing how many people were in lines . It is going to be an historic day for America. All the world is watching this election and see if dreams of millions of people come true with the election of Obama.

I was vacationing in Abu Dhabi last January. Two people at the pool, a French woman and a Romanian woman, voiced the same opinion. "If Obama is elected, the world will fall in love with America again."

I am so confident that the whole world will change if Sen. Barack
Obama is elected President. The racial division is now finally
overcome and there will be less wars that the Republicans always
wanted to have in their policies.

after reading the blogs the quetion becomes, what if hillary was the democrat nominee. Would we be using the same "world changing" language? Would the lines be that long? Would young people line up?
Would as many blacks be voting for the very first time?

this is about race and gender people. Wake up to those facts and then we can really move on.

I never cease to be amazed at the misconceptions so many Americans have of "Socialism"! You tend to equate it with communism – which indeed has failed virtually everywhere it has been tried. Take off the blinders and look around at "socialist" countries like Sweden, Norway, Germany, Canada and Australia. Compared to the USA – lower newborn death rates, much lower costs of health care, lower school dropout rates, high quality of life and environment, lower crime...the list goes on. Oh, yeah: less millionaires per capita, too...Uh-oh, what a condemnation that is.

I doubt that Mr. Obama (if elected) will bring much change for the USA in any of the above, as there's just too much vested interest, but even a small improvement would be a great start. Here's hoping.

How can America be so stupid?...Obama has never held a job, he has no military experience, he has been a "present" Senator some of the time, he has questionable friends, he is a narcissist elite and as liberal as you can get but, the media loves him and he has a silver tongue – the way the American public has been taken in by him is scary......great qualifications for President. Who cares what Europe thinks?..they are in a world of hurt.....

Lol...change the world? A little heavy on the dramatics aren't we? This election will not change the world in the least. The rest of the world will live their lives tomorrow as they did yesterday. Ludicrous.

Rafaello,

Tell me one thing Obama has accomplished in his illustrious political past?

He has given you hope, I understand this, but is that hope tangible? Have you any substance to back up your hope?

Ms. Amanpour could not refrain from leaving us with the impression that it will Obama only who will change the world. I look at Obama and see very little resume with a flock of promises. Is he up to the challenge to be able to say NO to his followers if a campaign promise of his cannot be fulfilled. It is not the person in Obama that I voting against but the political philosophy of Obama. He leaves me with the feeling that you do not know what you are getting to fill the highest elective office in the USA.

Marxism, socialism – you people throwing these terms around to describe Obama don't fool anyone except each other. Tell the truth, you've never read a political science text in your life. Have you read Marx? How do the socialist models in Europe differ from communism? Do you even know what the question means?

Gimme a break.

I have enjoyed following the election. If I could vote ,I would definately voted for Obama. He has imspired me and the whole world.
Belize is with OBAMA !!!! Obama! All the way !

Can't agree more, the 2008 election is historic!

Chris,

I agree with you that Obama is short on experience. But he is a self-made man (no one handed him anything), and I agree with his policy positions. Both GWB and McCain had everything given to them by their rich families, and they made precious little of that capital. Both men are chronic underachievers who never lived up to the opportunities that were afforded them. I don't want a man who finished near the bottom of his class to lead this country. It's assimple as that.

Democracy has but fallen into the path of socialism. Not because of Obama, but because of the greed and power of corporate America. When a group called the haves grows larger and the group of have nots decrease, then government sets itself up for socialism. Outsourcing of jobs, how much we pay a person in America vs other countries, women in the work place, older people in the work place taking jobs that were designed for teenagers, unions , bad approach to morgage spending are all examples that have contributed to the fact that there will be a need for more social programs in order for people to exist and survive in todays econonmy.
True democracy is based on our ability to buy and sell. Right now we're in a recession requiring more people to be bailed out.

Raffaelo,

First, I am not talking Bush here; I don't want to get started on all teh things he did wrong.

Second, I beg to differ on McCain being an underachiever. Is he not the Senior Senator from AZ? If being a Senator is an underacievement, then your man ranks at the bottom of the underachievers after his three years as the junior Senator (two of which he was running for POTUS). His years at Annapolis were because his family was a military family dating back to G Washington General's Staff. His finishing at the bottom of Annapolis was more due to his demerits than inttellect. He must've been pretty smart because he was able to become a fighter pilot (and if you knwo anythign about pikots, they haev to be extremely well versed in phsycis, math, etc)

Third, Obama was pretty privelaged. He was not a beggar on the streets. Growing up in Hawaii he went to PRIVATE school. He grew up in a middle class family. He went to Columbia, not a public Universirty or city college, where we don't know how he did academically (he never released transcripts). He went to Harvard (another Ivy leaguer, liek the typcial candidates) where he was the President of teh Law Review, yet never contributed one piece to the review.

Sorry to break it to you, but he had an advantaged life, too.

I am sick and tired of the religous zealouts pushing their propoganda on the rest of the world. Everyone can choose to have their own "God" or not. If you don't believe in abortion, don't get one. Keep your religous crap to yourselves and stay out of my bedroom, Dr. office, classroom and government.

Rafaello,

One last thing, McCain didn't grow up rich. He grew up on a U.S. Naval Base.

His wife's family is the one that has the money. Before he received the money eh was an attche for Representatives such as Gary Hart and WIlliam Cohen on their travels. He used his connections and knowledge to get the point wehre he is today.

Yeah Chris... McCain dumped his first wife for the hot rich chick.

Now do I really believe this as I have stated it. No, I think McCain has honerable intentions and has a great deal of character. But I believe this is the same type of rhetoric you an many others are using when referring to Obama. Obama's family is so rich that his Grandmother passed away in a 150 sq ft apartment. I can't believe people criticize the guy for going to Harvard, being the President of the Harvard Law Review, and becoming a community organizer.

Why doesnt everyone goolge BArack PObama and Khalid al Mansour and Percy Sutton.......the black panther muslim extremist helped get Obama into Harvard.................................

Throckmorton,

Never did I criticize him for attending Harvard. I criticized him for never having contributed to the review. By all accounts, even his own, Obama is a terrible writer. I was discussing the fact that he didn't have a poor upbringing and that he had privelage, just like other candidates did. He isn't one of those who "defied all odds" to get wehre he is today, as alot of people woudl liek us to believe. He had some influential help in getting to where is he now.

It is sad that you have fallen victim to this propaganda about this muslim myth and Obama. These lies are a low blow. I guess desperate times call for desperate measures. I'm going to bed now on the other side of the world and when I wake up I know that America would have voted the smart way for change. Yay!!! I am definitely falling in love with America again.

Sara – Americans dont care what you think – maybe if foreigners cared as much about their own country as they do the USA I wouldnt have to spend my tax dollars in AID to every country on earth.

RobbieW, are you serious? "Higher quality of life"? You really think Canada, Germany and Australia have a higher quality of life than the USA?
I've never been to Sweden or Norway, so I can't speak on that, but the others I've been to. Where are you from?

You have travelled the world and seen a lot. It must be so embarrasing to see the election system of the US. It´s not worthy of Houlabandoula. It must be shameful that the country who calls itselfe the craddle of democracy can´t organize a fair election process!!!!
Shame on you!
Go Obama!

I hear you Chris. I stand corrected. However I think you are "comparing apples to oranges". McCain did in fact grow up on a US Naval Base, but both his father and grandfather were 4 star admirals. He was more advantaged than most. Obama on the other hand came from a middle class family that had to sacrifice to get him into a good school. Hence his grandmother living very modestly in a small condo. I don't hold a grudge that McCain grew up in the environment he did. However I do have a problem when people try to smear Obama's accomplishments.

Thelma – YES!!!
If you don´t see the right to get fat, undereducated and simple minded !

Jen - you may not care what other countries think... but there are a lot of American's that do.

Throckmorton,

I understand your frustration. The same I have with comments abotu McCain being an "underachiever".

I was in no way trying to smear his accomplishments (I wish I went to harvard Law at times). My personal belief is that he stills needs to accomplish more things in teh Senate before he can say he is ready to lead an entire nation. Differences in opinion, as it always ends up being.

This election will not change the world. I don't know if you've noticed, but the world is an enormous geographic area that makes large scale change impossible. Your New York point of view is surprisingly naive and childlike, which surprises me. Aren't you an international journalist?

Chritiane:
I am from NY, socially liberal and fiscally conservative. There really is no choice. Obama must be elected. Besides, what was McCain thinking when he chose Sarah Palin?

Are you kidding? change the world? stop drinking the koolaide.

We don't need a socialist, radical liberal, no experience president. Yes, I voted.

Christine, what really changed the world was the election of George W Bush. Until then I don't think anyone could imagine what the power of the US government could inflict on our planet. Unfortunately the results were negative in the world's view. We can only hope that a change in leadership will bring change that is equally positive.

Every leftist media outlet has already declared Obama as the winner, including Amampur, so why do we need elections? If Obama gets elected we will find out whether he is an FDR reformer or a Chavez socialist. .

Sara, Not all of us feel the same way. We appreciate everyone's support all around the world. For those who only have negative things to say are just angry because they are loosing. And of course the elections is going to chagne the world. Whether people like it or not, we are becoming a global community, and I believe that it is important that we have each other's support.

OBAMA/BIDEN 2008!!!

Chris... once again I hear you. I wasn't pointing you out... I meant to point out the retoric here in general. Let's just hope that whoever wins makes some positive difference. I'd be happy with either candidate should that happen. ;)

Please, go out and vote! Whether for Obama or McCain, I don't care, but please vote! People all over the world have fought and bled and suffered and carried on for the right to vote. Americans and many others have died for the right to vote. People in many corners of the world right now are fighting for the right to vote. "Some gave all, all gave some" – do your country proud and vote!

Over the last 8 years, I've watched the country I love turn into a country that the world fears and disdains. I grew up a patriot and the last 8 years have hurt me greatly seeing one of the finest nations in history become what it's become. Today, I voted for Barack Obama, I have all faith that he'll give me the country I love back.

I, for one, did not lose respect for the US over the last 8 years. Mistakes have been made, but the US stood up for freedom when the dysfunctional, undemocratic UN failed. I don't know what Obama will bring. He's an inexperienced product of spin politics. Still, he may evolve into a great leader – I hope he does, but fear he's just another machine politician with few convictions. If he begins to withdraw the US from open world trade and world security issues, as his policies suggest he might, we'll all be the poorer and less safe for it. (Australia)

I am proud that my children are able to witness this historic election. Regardless of the challenges ahead, both candidates represent a new vision for America. Every generation has its challenges. The great turnout today demonstrates that the citizens of the United States will step up to to vote in an election that will hopefully implement peaceful change in their government. Politicians are taking note of the turnout...

Interesting how most of the Obama support seems to come from foreigners. First, why do foreigners care so much who the US president is? Second, I'm glad you can support a man you probably know nothing about. Third, I would guess you wouldn't be nearly as supportive if you were the one paying the taxes he will impose.

The only constant is the impossibly high hopes the American people put in their new presidents. As with others, Kennedy comes to mind, Obama can only disappoint because our expectations are too high. The president's powers are fairly limited when compared to other democracies so while there is hope of change, his ability to effect change is limited.

Wow! Could this article be more biased? This isn’t news its propaganda.

I would just like to thank all of the people of the world for commenting so positively to this election, as an american it makes me feel good that the world still has hope for us, and that Obama is the right choice not just for America but for the world.
Thank you all !!!

J23.48 French time. ust got back from a dance class to tune in to the latest – we will know the results tomorrow a.m. our time but (I hope) it's a foregone conclusion. It appears the whole of France is behind Obama.

I left the US out of long term frustration with its astounding ignorance of what really happens outside it's boundaries – Bush was the final straw. Change definately needs to happen but Obama has an uphill struggle. I hope he stays his ground.

May I point out that most of you that are saying that Obama will be a poor choice for this country, are the same individuals that voted George. W Bush into office not once but twice? You thought that you knew what would be best for this country then and look where it has us now... the economy is in the toilet, we're stuck in an endless war, the real estate market has all but completely collapsed... What will it take to open your eyes?

What most concerns me about this election is that we all need a SERIOUS reality check. Change, Hope, Prosperity....as if the new president were going to bail us out with the touch of a magic wand. Universal Medical Coverage? They have been at it for almost two decades...this idea is just a disaster. Cut the taxes? This country needs some serious money to come out of the crisis and where do they get the money? From us. Change, Hope. This all sounds very good during the campaign. Actually, we all believe it, in a sort of collective histeria. Still, the reality check has to come, sonner rather than later. And it will come.

Why does no one realize that parts of America are already Socialist? Without a certain level of Socialism, you would not have electricity, water, etc...PUBLIC UTILITIES are established and run by the GOVERNMENT people! Obama is about as Socialist as you, me or John McCain.
Consider this, if you were to choose someone to run your business, would it be the person who graduated 3rd from LAST in his class in a school where he was only accepted because of his family OR the person who came from nothing and worked their way to become President of the Harvard Law review? If that's not enough for you, consider this, how much worse could Obama do than Bush has done for the last 8 years? Personally, I'd rather have an educated "Socialist" running the show than a geriatric "Maverick".

Change..yes that is another word for it..looking forward to giving my money to the poor on welfare..paying more taxes and then laying off my workers cause I can no longer afford to pay them all at the new tax rate my small business will go under..yes, change is upon us..watch us go from bad to worse then lower..cant wait for change...

Notice how those who are "FOR" Obama have very positive messages and thoughts and are HOPEFUL? And those who are "AGAINST" Obama are the usual negative, fear-ridden people? You have seen the TV commercials – fear, blame, scare-tactics, bringing people down. Coincidence that people are voting in record numbers? I think not. America was built on the concept of the American Dream. We are mostly a hopeful people and need a hopeful leader to continue our strive to live the best life we can.

I congratulate America! Reclaim your values. Those values of freedom, of hopes over fears, of empaty with other countries, of reason over emotions, of facts instead of retoric. Congratulations

I read Christian’es piece and I can’t agree more – I so wish I could vote I envy ever citizens who got to vote today. I was a first time 19 year old voter in 1994 in South Africa and stood on line with many people who were twice, three, four times my age and voting for the first time …..I shared their excitement and their pride as we as a nation all could vote and bring to power one of the world’s greatest icons of reconciliation Nelson Mandela. As a green card holder living in NYC for 9 years I can’t vote but I can believe, hope and feel. And I did and do all of those for Barak Obama and Joe Biden. So I knocked on doors in PA and I worked the phone bank in NYC (and we hope the people understood what I was saying) and I wore my t-shirts and pins with pride. And I so wished I could vote today in this historic election……but I can’t but at least I feel like I did my little part in a campaign where I saw all my friends pitch in – the gave their time; their money and their spirits to help propel this man to power….poles close in a few hours and I look forward to waking up tomorrow to president elect Obama.
A 16 year old boy in Fishtown, PA on Saturday told me if he could vote he wouldn’t cos “ it don’t matter aint nobody cares about us ; it don’t make no difference” – I hope he feels different in 4 years time and that he will proudly vote for the first time to re-elect the President Obama.

From what some people, Republicans funnily enough, say, you'd expect if Obama to win to suddenly wake up and see a statue of Stalin in Times Square.

A higher turnout at the polls will help McCain. Obama wants a lower turnout. But enough. Whoever wins. They are both Americans. I don't want to throw anything at either one. They are both good people. They won't let anything happen to us at three in the morning. It is a great day. Vote. We are at an historical moment. Both Obama and McCain can lead us as we deserve. Be proud of our country. That we have the chance to participate in choosing our leader. Our founding Fathers would be proud of us. Thank you. Vote. For our future. God Bless America.

This election is so important for the whole world.Just look at what Bush did and how much it effected the rest of us.I am not an American but for once I wish I was and that I could go out and join the lines of voters today!Our world desperately needs a new direction.We need peace and hope through diplomacy.We need men of vision to lead our world towards a better tomorrow for our children.At last,a glimmer of hope!It took long enough America!I hope Obama wins.

Christiane, as a South African, I know what you are talking about. When I voted for the first time – in the first non-racial, democratic elections in 1994 – for Nelson Mandela – I felt I was given my dignity back.

Elections almost never change the world, but they can reflect changes that have already happened. When Thatcher was elected, she was just another mainstream politician, but it would have been unthinkable for a woman to be the British Prime Minister 100 or even 50 years earlier. Her election reflected a radical change in the status of women that had taken place in Britain in the decades leading up to her election. If–a big IF by the way, I'll believe it when I see it–America elects a black man as president, it will reflect genuine progress in the mindset of white Americans. His election, if it happens, won't change the world, but it will provide evidence that America has been...slowly...almost imperceptibly...changing for the better.

I think that for my country, Russia, it will be better if McCain wins. He is more predictable, and he is an "open enemy", while Obama is "unknown". As hisory shows, only with Republicans the Soviet Union had better and clearer relationships when with Democrats, though mostly russians like Democrats. Great Kennedy, and Carribean Crysis, Reagan's star wars, empire of shadow, and Agreements on Arms.
But for the history, and all the world, if Obama wins, it will be the proof for the concept of the American Dream, "the country where everything is posslible".
I wish the best of luck for both of them. And anxious to see the outcome of voting

I'm not sure this election will change the world in the short term , but is an opportunity for the US to regain s its status of a world leader that can be looked up to to lead. The arrogant, ideologically driven nation of the last 8 years, hated by its enemies, disliked and untrusted by even its closest allies, can be left behind. Obama may represent the best opportunity to mend global fences, but Mcain may be able to do so as well (I wish he hadnt chosen quite such an inadequate running mate). The end of the bush era can only be a positive step!

MIKE ROBERTS – I salute you!

Indeed – America's eroding hegemony is perfectly illustrated by the new space race – with India and China now beginning to 'flex its muscles'...and maybe now that Sarah Palin has finally taken delivery of a passport; if more of the US's political elite actually bothered to travel overseas and engaged with the rest of the world – they would gain a better understanding of their place and role within it...

I think the world needs a change too but how do you think a President without an iota of experience can lead the free world? Obama has never run anything or even had a real job. Do you think he can read a balance sheet let alone understand the complexities of a Federal Budget. The U.S needs a team of experienced, brilliant people who are bi-partisan and put the needs of our people first. I am not a conservative by any means but you are all dreaming!!

COME ON EVERYONE LETS BARACK THE VOTE

Stop it with the future of your children b.s. Look where we are now! Coming from a conservative background I am at least able to take an unbiased view. People move past your conforming parties and vote for the best candidate. Obama is the clear winner here and that will be apparent tonight. The recount left with Jeb!

With all due respect to Mari-Anna of Finland, they pay over 75% of their income in taxes. This is why we Americans had a little thing called the American Revolution back in 1776. I see us slipping into a look alike of the EU and its member states. As someone who works and travels extensively in Western Europe, we dont want to emulate their political systems. They are the least productive countires in the world.

George Bush has changed the world and so will Barack Obama, but in a very different way. I'm Australian and live in Sydney and I have friends who are taking the day off work to watch the election coverage on TV.

This election is historic, not just for the USA, but for the world. George Bush has betrayed America and the world. His legacy is of war, economic crisis, environmental neglect and gross incompetence ... he's a disgrace to America and danger to the world.

If elected Barack Obama will redeem America, no, scrap that, he has already spread his vision and message of hope far and wide and raised the bar on what we expect from our leaders. It's a great day to be an American, I hope you guys come through for the sake of your country and the world!

As an Aussie and American citizen, living in Sydney, I'm barracking for BARACK OBAMA all the way to the presidential office.

This IS going to change the world – we need to progess beyond the rhetoric of the Iraqi and Vietnam War, we need to look racism in the eye, we need to readjust the economy, and we all need to stand up in order to make this change.

To hear that the American people are lining up to vote makes me feel happy and proud – you have to be in it to win it!

What an awesome story. It brought tears to my eyes and made me proud to be an American!!!!!

It's not socialist to think about your fellow man. Nor is it socialist to relieve taxes on the poor, especially if the wealthy are doing so well right now. With they way the economy is, I wish Bush and the Republican congress didn't turn a blind eye to the way things were, then we all could be getting a tax break right now. Obama talks about unity and the ability to disagree. McCain only talks about divisiveness, and that there are some Americans who are more American than others. We can't face up to the challenges in the rest of the world if we are divisive and unjust at home. Obama '08.

I've traveled all over the world – from Tibet – Japan, Australia, Europe, Central and South America. And I've seen the damage that the Bush doctrine has done. Obama will help restore our integrity and leadership role in the global community. He is not a Socialist. I've been to many Socialist and Communist countries. And is not a Socialist. That is just right wing propaganda. Its true that he won't be able to do everything at once. It will take time – perhaps 2 terms or more. He is the leader that we need to restore our reputation in the global community. And like it or not – we are a part of the global community.

McCain with all due respect lead a campaign based on fear. That's what this election is about – do we choose fear or hope. I choose hope. Fear is a one way street to destruction. Just go and visit a country that is occupied that lives in constant fear and see what it does to its people.

When Obama becomes the next US president, it will confirm the most basic of American capitalist ideas. With enough money, even the presidency of the United States can be bought......by a candidate with socialist leanings.

I would like to suggest reading and learning more about our country, it's history, and our major political parties. It seems only the ignorant cry "Stop socialism!," while the educated will take time to understand initiatives.

Obama is for setting things in this country back to a standard that the people of this country can respect. He's for reestablishing our reputation with the world in a good manner that will show this nation as strong and dependable, not arrogant and bullying. He's for change that we need.

Read a book, or several if you're confused. Obama is not for a marxist society. He's for helping those in need. He's not about supporting terror. He's about ending a war in Iraq that we had no business getting into, and restoring our red, white, and blue image in this world.

God Bless Obama!

Hey Thelma, are YOU serious?! People get left on the side of a freeway with a broken leg if they don't have health insurance in your country! I know where I'd rather wake up every morning, that's for sure.

And Jen, bitter bitter Jen – Americans BETTER care what the rest of the world thinks, because YOUR economic crisis isn't over yet. If you think you'd like to know what it's like to live in a second world country, keep up that attitude. Europe and Asia are only too willing to turn their back on the US after this mess. You don't make anything and you consume far too much of everything. No wonder it's all gone pear shaped. So much for a Friedmanite utopia.

Mike Roberts has nailed it – this is a good first step but the road back to America's position at the head of the world's table will be long and hard.

Good on the USA for getting out and voting today, though. After watching so many pathetic turnouts over the years, it's fantastic to see. Participation in the process is a hugely positive thing. Whomever wins, it will be a true representation of the people's will. Kudos!

As an American, I am pleased and humbled to have the eyes of the world on our election day – no guns, no bombs, and while there may be prayers in the hearts of the electorate, they are not required to enter the polling place. I voted early to avoid the long lines, and now I am almost sorry I did, but I will go home and watch the returns. I expect my state to stubornly continue to march to the Bush beat set by McCain, while victory will in due time go to the true harbinger of change, Obama. I salute the decades of service rendered by Senator McCain, both in the military and in office, and wish him well as he finishes out his term, and hopefully goes to a well-deserved retirement. It would be fitting for him to truely put America first, and help pass the health care reforms this country needs.
In 2005, I traveled to Europe, and could not adequately explain the depths of my disappointment in my country's choice of leader to the bewildered new friends I met. I will be traveling to Europe next summer, and I will look forward to celebrating our nations course correction, and new President, Barak Obama!

If Obama practices what he's preached, then he'll be the president for America in this Internationalized World. Democracy should be about equality in the broader sense of the word, but it should also be about caring for the weaker and less fortunate. Note, I am not saying caring for the lazy, but for the weaker and less fortunate. America has always claimed to be a religious country. Republican's also claim to be regligious, but yet they yell everybody for themselves and don't touch my money. I believe that, that is not what their bible says.
Egotistically behaviour like that is anti-religious. You can't preach to someone who wanted to serve all, but yet you yourself don't want to reach out to anyone.

A well established social security system like Democratic Europe has, will benefit all and harm none. Healthcare should be accessible to the sick and wounded. Wake up and vote for a prosperous life for all and not just for a few. The world and it's richtes shouldn't only be for the top 5 to 10% fortunate ones. Not all of the 5 to 10 worked for theirs. Some are just born in the right place. The world is of everyone.

And right now the world sees hope in Obama.

Obama needs to win this election, that will bring a fresh air in DC and will hopefully bring a government which cares for 95% of population not only 5% rick folks out there.
We are an Indian couple with both our kids being US citizen, I also see this election as an example that several years from now if my kids are qualified and talented they can be president of USA as well one day. Its a historic moment. God Bless America.

Imagine the disappointment that will follow this euphoria when Obama cannot deliver on his promises of change – and we see the same old washington catering to the same special interests...I'm hoping for ther best too – but everyone is drinking the koolaid here...

As an American, I am pleased and humbled to have the eyes of the world on our election day – no guns, no bombs, and while there may be prayers in the hearts of the electorate, they are not required to enter the polling place. I voted early to avoid the long lines, and now I am almost sorry I did, but I will go home and watch the returns. I expect my state to stubornly continue to march to the Bush beat set by McCain, while victory will in due time go to the true harbinger of change, Obama. I salute the decades of service rendered by Senator McCain, both in the military and in office, and wish him well as he finishes out his term, and hopefully goes to a well-deserved retirement. It would be fitting for him to truely put America first, and help pass the health care reforms this country needs.
In 2005, I traveled to Europe, and could not adequately explain the depths of my disappointment in my country's choice of leader to the bewildered new friends I met. I will be traveling to Europe next summer, and I will look forward to celebrating our nations course correction, and new President, Barak Obama!

For years, I've been saddened by the decline of the United States' image as seen by people of other nations. This perception was brought on almost single-handedly by George W. Bush. I hope now, particularly if Senator Obama wins, that other nations can begin viewing us differently. We're really not the world's bully. Most international disputes can be settled by diplomacy, not military action.

What president doesn't change the world? You could cut/paste that title for any election. It's whether or not it's good or not–that's the key.

Obama = better for the world
McCain = better for the U.S.

I'm partial to the U.S.

The world is watching to see if Obama will have d chance of passing over d bradley hypocrisy in U.S politics to change d higher elevation policies of McCain's ideological comrades and endorsers {Mr.Bush n Cheney} to make d world safe and financially sound again!

Come January, regardless of the outcome today, it will be business as usual for the US Gov. – backroom deals, special interests running the show. The fact that over 1 billion was spent to buy the presidency is reason enough. We are squandering $ as fellow American's lose their jobs and their dignity. The euphoria of the "change", like a tire with a slow leak will deflate as we head into 2009 and the economic catastrophe we have insured for future generations.

It's not Omama who will change the world. What he can do if he wins (and i hope he'll do) is to be a great leader and an ispiration to all of us. Than we will change the world together, because only the world together (i am european) can do it. I think it's really time to move on!
Good luck, America!

I am a 63 year grandma of 5 grand children, and it is for them that I voted for Sen. Obama. And it is for myself.
The change we are all looking for is that reason does not become treason. To trust one another again, and not feel that there are enemies all around us, or that a certain religion has the only way to God, or that one must believe in God to have a voice here in America.
Our freedoms and choices are guaranteed under the constitution.

Obama seems like a very decent man. Still, after this election, the American "narrow Democracy" will have chosen 1 of 2 Corporate-supported candidates. Both have continued to approve the interventionist foreign policy, the 700 billion bail-out for the rich and the status quo. Why are we not allowed to hear & see the Libertarian, Green & Constitution Party candidates on a regular basis? How is it that Canada, with 10% of the US population had 5 political parties represented in their national, pre-election debates?

Meet the new boss (nearly) the same as the old boss.

Fools who think Obama is a socialist. He's just trying to restore what once was. Tax cuts for the wealthy, but not for the middle class. Under Bush the wealthy have never paid such little in taxes- even under Reagan and Bush Senior. Bush has taken us in the wrong direction. Take a good look around and see where we are. We're already in ruin. Every single crisis we've faced this administration failed. Every policy they passed was for their own.

Blacks are voting in record numbers, but so are whites, and so are latinos and asians. Fools who don't understand the history of this country don't understand what's happening around them. If you can't acknowledge the legacy of oppression in this country you can't acknowledge the significance of this election.

Interesting how the majority of the World and Obama supporters all share HOPE and positive energy. The message from the other side is quite pessimistic, full of doom and gloom and very bitter. May hope, peace and positive energy prevail for the good of us all.

For all of you who feel that Obama and our country will be socialist, please compare Obama’s economic plan (endorsed by Warren Buffett, world’s most successful capitalist) to the policies of past presidents.

1. Dwight D. Eisenhower, Republican
The top income tax rate during his administration was 94%.

2. Richard Nixon, Republican
The top income tax rate during his administration was 70%.

3. Gerald Ford, Republican
The top income tax rate during his administation was also 70%.

4. Ronald Reagan, Republican
When the Earned Income Tax Credit was expanded in the Tax Reform Act of 1986, President Reagan, who signed the bill into law, called the EITC “the best anti-poverty, the best pro-family, the best job-creation measure to come out of Congress.”

5. Teddy Roosevelt, Republican (and John McCain’s heroe)
Quote from new nationalism speech in 1910:
“The really big fortune, the swollen fortune, by the mere fact of its size, acquires qualities which differentiate it in kind as well as in degree from what is possessed by men of relatively small means. Therefore, I believe in a graduated income tax on big fortunes, and … a graduated inheritance tax on big fortunes, properly safeguarded against evasion, and increasing rapidly in amount with the size of the estate”

I have read the Obama economic plan carefully and have not seen anything in it that even remotely resembles socialism. To the contrary, considering the exemption on taxes for startup companies, it sounds even more favorable to entrepreneurship than our current policies. Moreover, I don’t think Warren Buffett would endorse a socialist economic plan. How is Obama more socialist than the above referenced former presidents? Someone please tell what I am missing here.

Of course this will change the world. Whoever leads the USA set the tone for all humanity, whether we like it or not. As a planet we have never been more interdependent than now. See how the sub-prime mess dragged the whole planet's economy down. History in the making indeed!

Here we go again. Right vs left. I in the passed, have voted republican, when it came to the presidential election and either party locally. This time I voted for Obama, with much apprehension. (Lack of experience & a majority democrat government).

With that said, we all better pay close attention to what happens after, because there will be no excuse for the democrats this time. If they blow this term,I I will not except " It's Bush fault". When the same bunch of democrats (which have a lower approval than Bush), will be reelected).

Now is your time to rise and no whining !! We Americans are watching you REAL close. If they fail. It"s the end of a two party system and time to form another party that is willing to govern responsibly.

As an American I am embarrassed by every post here who thinks that an Obama win will destroy America and result in a socialist state. How ignorant or just plain greedy are you anyways? How's that uncaring and unbridled capitalism been workin' for ya lately?? Funny thing is, we already have social programs, and have for decades. What do you all call Social Security, Medicare, Child Health Insurance, or, say, a $700B bailout of financial institutions? Even more repugnant, is that any criticism of additional programs that help the average citizen is spitting in the face of our allies, most of whom have excellent social programs and seem to have pretty kick-ass societies of their own. Canada, Great Britain, Germany, France, Australia, the list goes on and on. Its amazing these loser socialist countries make up 2/3 of the G8. Who knew!. Those from other countries who are interested in our elections, THANK YOU for continuing to believe in and support the US. Better times are ahead.

This election IS important for the rest of the world mostly because of the Bush years of "triumphalism". It is kind of amazing how the "isms" are trucked out with such emotional content – pro or con. If anything, less Jingoism and more of a sense of being one of the rest of us in the world is a perspective that Obama could bring.... We all need this badly.

I have to say that for the first time in my life Im proud to be an American. Obama gives me hope. He gives everyone around the world hope. What makes this so exciting is..yes he is a black man there is so much more to him!! He is a man being supported by all because he represents the people.....ALL the people. This day is truly a special day. The significance of this day brings tears to my eyes!!!!

Incredible comments from all around the world. Seems like us Americans are a bit skeptical to say the least. I am very glad much of the world is watching this election with as much or more vigor than we do. We will not become a socialist society regrdless of who wins, 4 to 8 years of term isnt long enough to pull it off, there are too many capitalistic entities at work and corporate money mongers to allow the US to walk that path. We may not think much will change for us in the short term however it appears the world is having a much different perspective.

In other countries too many people stay tuned. They are anxiously waiting for an important change in the history of the US and even the whole world.
So here in the Netherlands I'll be waiting through the night until Obama's victory is sure and confirmed, remembering the stolen "victory" of G.W. Bush in 2000.....
GObama!

I'm not an american but like so many non-americans around the world, I'm praying for barack obama to win! His message of hope and intelligent and progressive approach to america's and the worlds problems is in stark contrast with the republican's scare tactics.

The world is cheering for America today!

Driving to work today, I did an informal poll of lawn signs, which I hope is an accurate prediction of the election's outcome.

Obama = 16
McCain = 5

Which means Obama wins by a landslide.

You guys whining about welfare, socialism, and government spending/expansion crack me up. The last 8 years have seen more government spending, expansion, and waste than ever before. The so-called "red" states get the majority of the welfare dollars (from the "socialist" blue states who foot the bill by the way) and people in 50 year old states complain about "knowing your history". Get a clue.

Thelma. If Senator Obama is elected then it will give the world hope, piece of mind, an amount of celebration because we feel that the USA does change world political thinking. But when the dust settles, the hype is over, then we still have the same sad situation in the world.

Ally. I resent people who tell me they HATE the USA and they HATE everything to do wth the USA. I am British and God Bless he USA for everything they have done for us in the past, and indeed the rest of the world, as it is easy for people to forget the good your great country has done. I was merely expressing the fact that the United States of America need to sort out its own problems and then change the world. Those who express their dislike for any nation should try to understand that nation first. I will be happy when America regains its international standing, Great Countries need to.

Dear World,

Don't worry about the US. Leadership isn't a popularity contest. The USA can always be counted on to do the hard and sometimes unpopular things we think are right regardless of what the rest of the sheep think. Taking risks and bold action doesn't mean you never make a mistake.

The excitement is shared around the globe – Christiane is absolutely right. We had an election here in Canada about two weeks ago, but I watched the US election far more than our own (though I did vote). I have also lived in the States – was there, in fact, in 2000 when Bush was elected. I remember, and will never forget, watching CNN and the precise moment when the map of Florida changed from blue to red. It was a blip on the screen with enormous consequences. For anyone, anywhere who thinks these elections are not important for the rest of the world, just look at the past eight years. Had those elections not been stolen the way they were, the world would be a different place today. My hope, like so many other peoples', is that Mr. Obama will redeem those values that in the past the world admired about America, but that have gotten lost in a fog of greed, militarism, arrogance, and bigotry.

The major complaint I hear about Obama is that he will raise taxes. Hello, the rest ofthe world does pay those taxes because they understand that nothing is free. It is about time we understood that and realized that we have to pay for the fixes we want.

GO OBAMA. Canada and the rest of the world are counting on Americans to do the right thing. You think your taxes are high – you should live where we do.

I did not vote for Obama, but I will happily accept him as my President. I have always found it distasteful when people say, "He's not MY president," when the elected leader if not of their choosing. I consider myself a moderate: socially liberal and fiscally quite conservative, with a dash of Libertarian views. My hope was to cast my vote for Hilary Clinton. And it's funny, I used to hate her... but she won me over...by making sense. I am not quite sold on Obama and I was not 100% sold on McCain. In college, during the '00 election cycle, I was on Team McCain. I just don't think this was his year and I don't think Palin was the best choice as running-mate. The stars were not in alignment for him. And Obama? Although I cast my vote for McCain, I believe that if he [Obama] wins (and it looks like he will) it has the potential to help the U.S.– looks like the rest of the world will be pleased, the French may even approve, and a large part of the U.S. population will be energized and emboldened. These are good things. And I will be glad to hear good things about being American again.

As an American living in Australia, I am fascinated by the internal and external views about this election. From the news coverage here, it seems a foregone conclusion that Obama will win. However, whichever is the victor, nobody seems to have realistically connected the dots between the current social/financial issues and a new president. Specifically, Americans are scared. Americans are hunkered down and buying canned goods, if you get my drift. Americans are not spending money, because they are afraid: afraid of terrorism, afraid of the economy, afraid of the future, afraid of the unknown. There seems to be this naive belief that the problems will disappear when Bush disappears. But strap on your seat belt, about 90-100 days after the 21st January (the day the new president takes office), when the problems haven’t gone away, Americans are going to wake up to the fact that the “problems” are bigger than Bush. And that may have massive implications socially and financially. One could have easily predicted a financial crisis as a result of the realisation that this crisis is real; however, the fact that we are already in a financially vulnerable state makes it all the more worrisome.

As an American embarrassed by eight years of Bush/Cheney foreign policy, I'm sad to say I feel like apologizing to the rest of the world. Thanks to all of you around the world who are wishing America well and cheering for a big Obama victory!

Mike,

As I was reading your first paragraph a light went off in my head. You stated "the USA does change the world political thinking"...maybe that is the problem with this world.

Other countries look to our great nation as the parental figure and follow our lead. If something happens tehy don't agree with, we are chastized like a red-headed step child.

Maybe it's time for the rest of the world to step up and do some leading of their own. To make some decisions on their own. Make yourselves an example for others to follow. America is still a young nation. At 233 years old we don't have all the answer, as you can tell.

Work with us, don't just look to us for answers.

Whichever candidate wins, in my opinion, will be willign to work with the rest of the world...at least more so than the current POTUS

we need to vote for the candidate that is best for us, regardless of whether we vote for mccain or obama. the world perspective is important and holds some weight, but the most important thing by far is to elect the president which is best for us as a country.

Change change change.... be careful what you wish for, thats what my grandfather always told me. I Just want to pose a hypothetical. With the overwhelming international support of Obama, what will 'the world" think if, just if, we end up electing John McCain? Dont let the Obama rhetoric decieve you, this man is no George Bush. And he, too, will make changes. I happen to believe for the better. Interested to hear what the world says in the unlikely event McCain gets elected tonight??

There is so much to be said about this historic day. Yet the lines outside the polling stations, the energy in our community and the looks on the faces of the american people say enough.

This story gave me goosebumps, this day has given me goosebumps and I have never in my life been more proud to be an American than today.

Christiane Amanpour is one of my heros and today I can add the American people to that list.

History, shmistory! Finally two men we should all be proud of, no matter who wins. What I feel like crying about is that millions of iPod and Blackberry totting voters must wait for hours to cast their ballots. What happened to HiTech?

Good Morning from Phuket, Thailand.

I am totally agree with Mike Roberts " the arrogance of thinking the US election will change the world is boring at best and grating at worst. yes it is historic, yes it is interesting, but it will not change the world. Don't run before you walk"

I have voted in the past ten presidential elections. Without exception, this election is the most profound in its implications. And yes, it does affect the entire world if for no other reason than an Obama victory revitalizes the "American dream," which is our symbol of hope for so many, many people. McCain is a good man, but we need Obama at this moment in history. God bless America.

I wish your proud country well and trust that the American people will do what is right.
You cannot afford to NOT change – the world is looking to this change of era anxiously.
A mistake was made previously – we know that – however you can fix it. It is not too late.

Thanks you.

Oh but the U.S. vote will change the world, Mike Roberts. We have had 8 years of absolute foreign policy disaster and most of the international community either hates us or no longer supports us, but the U.S. is still the dominant superpower, despite our flaws. The world will welcome a new administration in Washington, and the potential for regaining our important leadership role in the world.

Thanks Christiane,
The world is holding its breath, and wishing for change after a disastrous 8 years of failed American policies. When America catches a cold, the world sneezes. Will tomorrow be the beginning of recovery ? GObama !!

I tend to agree with Christiane Amanpour. If Obama succeeds in his quest to become president of the US, there will be a dramatic change in geopolitics, comparable to the fall of the Soviet Union, and America will finally get a more humane government, which gives priority to the needs of its people. I wonder how some people can't see through it.

I have to butt in, once more, and say how moved most of these comments have made me. For the most part, all of the comments have been civil and lovely, from all sides. And that REALLY gives me hope. Real hope. And I just wanted to give Gerard up there props for his eloquently expressed comment. Agreeance, tenfold!

Chris, I think Britain works with the USA, Mike B, your correct also, it takes NUTS to take the tough decisions and unfortunately the world will hate you for it. Took you fella's a while to get into WWII for example, so Chris, don't take the high gound fella

John G. Dominant superpower watch another channel apart from CNN

Yes God help America if the monkey gets in.........

Who the hell cares what the rest of the world thinks about America. We need to do what's right for the United States. People in other countries don't vote for the interest of the world they vote for their own interest. and so should we. In a time like this we don't need higher taxes and increased government spending. Beign a Cuban immigrant in the United States I know what money redestribution is all about. Vote McCain, Vote for the United States!!!!

This reminds me of the first elections hold after 1989 in Romania. I am even more excited now. In December 1989 the wather was 23 degrees Celsius in Romania. Did you notice how warm it is today in the NorthEast?

USA elections is about all of us. Bush Administration has brought a huge crisis for all over the world.
So, Barack Obama is our hope to save America as FDR did in "Thirthies" and changing America and who knows... the world.
It's the starting of the Age of Aquarius!

The polls in Australia strongly support Obama (75%). What an exciting time to be alive.

I've voted a straight democratic ticket my entire life. Sixty some years old and the democratic party left me no choice but to vote republican. The electoral college needs to be abolished and popular vote should decide the election. The only change that will happen is to benefit the cause his minister believes in.

Obama will never be my president...it will be the duty of all good Americans to undermine (legally) his treasoness policies...I shall never follow or accept any mandate from him...

The only change the world wants is for America to be weaker and have less influence. Is that what you voted for today?

Eight years ago the USA got the president it deserved. Four years ago it got the president it deserved and asked for. Today it will get the president it deserves, for better for worse.

You know how sad it is when America's present condition is laid on the government and not squarely on American's. Our present condition has been caused by a loss of values and foundational priciples that our forfathers founded our nation on. We need to turn back to God and ask Him to heal our land and convict us. Stop killing babies and define marriage as the bible states between a man and women. Stop trying to please all and let us lay a solid foundation for our children. I don't vote parties, but I see the candidates VALUES. And are they paralleled in the bible. And John McCain is the best candidate with VALUES that Christian's should uphold.

I hate to break up the little Obama love fest, but early polls in key states show McCain in the lead. BTW, I think Bush was a mess. I voted for him because I thought he would shrink government and spend less. He was a big disappointment. However, I hate to see our country move to the far left (towards social government).

I have my university exams all this week, but I'm having trouble studying because I believe this election is so important and I cannot keep my eyes off CNN's coverage. Personally, I hope that Obama will take the White House, but if McCain wins, although I will be disappointed, I can take comfort in knowing that anything is better than the current administration.

Ms. Amanpour,

It is beautiful to feel inspired, to know change is coming – I think many of us are sharing your experience today. I will also say, you too are an inspirational force. Your coverage the last four years on the middle east, africa, and asia have opened my eyes, shown me the world, and given me the courage to question. For that, I am grateful for you.

More or less, this election surely will have its impact to the rest of the world. But I am not sure about its magnitude. I am from an Asian country and apparently Obama's experience has shown a great deal of hope for our young generation that other countries such ours may follow the same path.. changing the long-and-over-due power holder by the new and young 'unexperienced' generation.

He's shown us the path but it depends on the each nation's young generation to raise and change their own world... there's a hope... for change. Yes, it can be done.

I live in Australia, was brought up in the UK, consider myself politically conservative.

I, like every non-American I know, am praying that Obama wins.

We all want America to regain its position as the beacon of hope, freedom and liberty in the world.

The America that I loved and admired was not an America that tortured people, held people in camps without trial or secretly kidnapped people from the streets of friendly countries. I do not believe that the America of Ronald Reagan would have invaded Iraq against the opposition of half of its friends and allies.

I pray, and believe, that whoever wins tomorrow America regains its sense of morality and stands again as a beacon of justice and freedom in the world.

To all of you whith comments about the how great America is compared to world or how America is the leader of the world, dream on. For MIKE B who says America is counted on to do the hard and unpopular things, get your head out of the ground. America doesn't do anything from which it will not profit later. So if you're referring to wars, open your eyes and ears and search for the why, America is there.

Look carefully which fights are fought and which not. By the way do you know that a lot of big corporations in America are foreign owned?

Do you know how big the deficit is and where/who America is getting it financed from? Have you any clue of the standard of living in Western Europe???? Per capita, I dare to say that they are the richest in the world and they hardly consume anything American. Get down from that cloud.

By the way, I am not anti America, but ignorant people get under my skin.

This election will NOT change the world. We will simply elect a moderately liberal or moderately conservative president to solve the mess created by incompetence and 9/11. If the world choses to see US through Holywood eyes the world will be sorely disappointed. Both Obama and McCain are fiercely American and will do what this nation needs done. As for the legendary American prejudices, most of us were equally ready to elect Collin Powell or Hillary Clinton under the right conditions. Senator Obama came along at the right time with the right ideas and color, to the world's obvious surprise, did not matter. However, there is one line Americans have been unwilling to cross so far: electing a foreign born president. Most, on the left or right, white or black, unfortunately agree that a naturalized American is not a REAL American! Sorry Arnold!

The US election will not change the world because the world has already changed itself. It is America that has to come to terms with
the changes occurring in the world. Hopefully the election will
be the catalyst.

Many thanks for your (as usual) well-written description of your observations this morning. As an american living in Southeast Asia for the last 5 years, can honestly say that the embarassment of the last 8 years has also left us with sleepless nights, no fingernails, and cross fingers for the last few days. I was never so happy to pay the express mail fees to cast our absentee ballots 2 weeks ago. The thought of how dauting the task of digging us out of this mess we're in is frightening, to put it mildly. Go Obama! We're with you as you restore dignity and pride to what it means to "be american"!

I'm a big fan of CNN and Christiane. But how will the election change the world? It's not addressed in the article. There isn't even an opinion/commentary on how the world will be changed by the election. This article is not in sync at all with the title.

Wow Millan, breaking information that many companies in the US are foreign owned. The US owns just a couple that have operations overseas as well. There is this term and process called "globalization" – look it up. Ignorant people get under my skin.

This country is showing the rest of the world that it is still a land of opportunities for all, regardless of the color of the skin. Obama is already a role-model for Africans on the other side of Atlantic. If they follow the example we're showing them from here in the United States, they too will build peaceful countries where human beings can prosper. Hope those gangsters in Eastern Congo will take a minute to ponder on what this election means to all Africans, except the gangsters in Eastern Congo.

The Wiseman

Shame on you, Ms. Amanpour, using your so-called objective position as a "reporter" to influence those who remain to vote.

Once, again, be careful what you wish, lest you get it.

How transparent you really are!!!!!!

I think it's good that there is a collective spirit flowing among americans during this election (no matter what they stand for).

Because the REAL issues will soon come, and to deal with them will demand collective and intelligent actions:
We're running out of energy. Natural disasters will increase (in frequency and might). The world is running out of water. Etc.

Good government. Intelligent citizens. When we have that, we'll have change!

A very interesting line of comments from all over the world... isn't the internet great!

I do believe the vast majority of people are being fooled by both parties and we really need a third party in order to find common ground. The extremes on both sides seem to get all the attention and there must be a better or more all-encompassing way to provide what we all want and need... for us all. As we've seen lately, it is a global economy.

How can there still be so much hatred... the taliban, extremisists in Somali, non-stop problems all over the world? If Obama is president, lets hope he leads us all as well as he ran his campaign. But he is a politician, right?

If I work hard to make an A and someone else doesn't really put in any effort and gets an F... should we just give everyone a C and be happy?

What a night this will be and I wish both candidates well.

I am from Kingston Jamaica, "AND WE SAY BARRACK OBAMA" ONE LOVE

Not Republicans, not Democrats .
But Americans
Our challenges are great
But so is our resolve
A momentous day
Free at last!

Voting is our right, yes. Who wins is decided by the majority (well, kind of anyway...), great. However, believing that one man can change our lives completely (i.e. socialism, etc.) is ignorant. People complain of ignorant voters, yet claim this one man (whichever wins) has COMPLETE control of our country's financial decisions. That is ignorance. People all choose their candidates for different reasons. That is their right. To believe that socialism is our future with one candidate is ridiculous. Democrats and Republicans decide our future together. If you didn't pay attention to the financial crisis bill, then obviously you didn't pay attention to the fact that Republicans voted against Republicans and Democrats against Democrats. People are ignorant, yes. But it's not sad who they voted for, you have a right to your opinion, as does everyone else. It's America, not China.

Who cares what the rest of the world thinks. They are not voting. I especially love the guy who said he is a citizen of the world, what in the hell does that even mean? I personally do not want socialized health care, redistribution of wealth, and weak foreign policy. I do not want America to turn into a socialist country like those of Europe.

I wish McCain had been elected 8 years ago, but this time around, I voted Obama. What we see today is the ultimate bankruptcy of the Republican Party's 'southern strategy'. They sacrificed their core conservative beliefs to win the hearts and mind of the culture warriors, religious fanatics and other wingnuts. Now, we are paying the price. These people should never have been allowed to vote. The seperation of church and state is one of America's founding principles. True conservatives, like myself, who follow more closely the traditional outlooks of Machiavelli, Metternich, Bismark, and Eisenhower, have been pushed out in favor of ideological anger. When a so-called conservative is more outraged at abortion or gay marriage than he is at fiscal irresponsibility, something is very wrong. When a so-called conservative starts bad-mouthing the federal government, instead of insisting on stability and security for the state (fiscal prudence and avoidance of costly and wreckless wars) or sacricificing American prestige and power overseas to fight for the oil companies in Iraq, there is a serious problem. Growing, enhancing, or at the very least, protecting the state from corruption and manipulation, to grow our power and wealth is key to being conservative. The Republicans of today are more interested in social issues.

McCain is not one of them, but he is part of the Republican party and they need to sit outside for a few years and think about what they've done. If none of this sways your opinion, then just think about this. McCain had to go and find the dumbest person in the entire party and make her his running mate in order to electrify his party base so that he'd have a fighting chance today. This is so shameful. I am embarrassed at the ignorance that one has to pretend to have to be taken seriously.

Vote for Obama and your vote will impact the direction of the Republican party.

I speak on behalf of every youth from nigeria...

Obame speaks for the world.

Obama is the right change for the world economy.

Obama has the tender love that every man need.

Obama is a very create and intelligent man a man of great sense of humor.

I wish and no that Barack Obama is the president..from the moment i refer to him with love and care from all AFRICA'S...Obama you are loved by all..

Keep Voting For Obama...The man at the right time..

Sometimes the truth hurts!!!!

I am an American and I am proud of our country. I am proud of the country that was created 200 years ago. Politically, I am not interested in the Left Wing, and I am not interested in the Right Wing. I am interested in the bird, and the bird is very sick. I think the issue is less about America continuing to be a superpower, and more about whether or not it can survive.....itself

I'm a child of the sixties. When I graduated from high school, our class proclaimed that we would change the world. Blacks and Whites would fulfill MLK's dream. We would be a nation, not of our parents, but rather the new generation. We would change the way nations looked upon us. We would be the greatest nation on earth because we believed in each other as a nation. We were to fulfill the promise of this great country. In MY lifetime, I have been able to see the fulfillment of the dreams of many around the world; this was/is the country of freedom and promise. This was the country that we proclaimed as the greatest, because of its people. I feel a part of this process, because so many of my forebearers were not able to vote back in the day. Barack Obama has given us all renewed hope for the future of this great country! He has shown us the way is still there, but we must grasp it, and hold on to it, and build upon. This is the promise of America, and this is our proclamation. God Bless America!

News flash - the President of the United States will be elected by the people of the United States, NOT by the people of the rest of the world. We are able to set the tone and maintain our position of leadership in the world because we think and behave differently. Listening to the opinions of the rest of the world will only bring us down to the level of our worst critics. Electing Obama WILL bring about change, but it will definitely not be the kind of change everyone is expecting–it will be the end of the United States as we know it. And then where will all of you who are so angry with the United States turn when you need to be bailed out of your next mess??

To Mike Roberts [above]: I would respectfully submit that your own argument suggests a change in the world in this election.

You are, of course, absolutely right to say that come Wednesday, there will still be American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, and to say there will still be an economic crisis. However, you mention the possibility that America can regain its status as an admired democratic nation - and in my view, that's a world changer.

Let me give one small example why I say that. I lived in China a number of years in the 80's and 90's, most recently right into the year 2000. Those years coincided with enormous changes there, not least in an expansion of personal freedoms. No, China isn't a bastion of democracy, not my any stretch of the imagination - but neither is it the repressive China of the days before Deng Xiao Ping threw the country open to the world.

And you know to what my many Chinese friends credit their new-found freedoms? America and her allies, especially the major allies.

So, if we Americans are able after this election to go out into the world with our heads held high again, then maybe we can be of some assistance in inspiring others. I live in Thailand, and I'm daily reminded of just how far our reputation has fallen. I don't mean my Thai friends are unkind; they're absolutely not. They actually grieve for me - which isn't at all the same as to pity me, which would be something of an insult. Ditto my non-Thai friends here who also aren't themselves U.S. citizens.

Again, Mr. Roberts, I don't mean to be impolite or disrespectful. I just hope you give further thought to the significance, or lack thereof, of this election - come what may.

I TOTALLY agree with Dahir's comment.......

.Barack Obama is NOT black- he is NOT white......HE IS A HUMAN BEING JUST LIKE THE REST OF US ON THIS PLANET. As for this election changing the world -.........EVERYONE – WATCH THE DOCUMENTARY "ZEITGEIST ADDENDUM" – then you will see "reality". You will see how the world SHOULD BE! And we can ALL make it happen!

Everyone I spoke today that voted had this incredible feeling of being part of history and the hope that the man who ran an incredibly organized, thoughtful campaign will take up the mantle as president elect this evening. It feels like this can be a new beginning for America, putting aside the divisiveness and fear of the last 8 years/ Obama brought together an incredible group of people, black, white, young, old, rich, middle class and poor and I think he can continue to do this for our country as president.

Let's look at what has happened under the BUSH Administration:

1. The Twin Towers were blown up with airplains by terrorists
2. Osama Bin laden was NEVER caught and no one seems to care about this?? ALL you right wing people saying "if Obama wins god help us," need to shut up. You're all sheep. With the most powerful military in history we still can't capture osama bin laden?? How does the news possibly not talk about this all the time. There are just as many terrorists in Afganistan now as there were in 01.
3. THe iraq war. Bush Administration lied about what weapons IRAQ had, and that it was a terrorist stronghold. IRAQ is now in complete disarray with no hope in sight. We have spent all the tax payers money on Bush's war. So you can shove all the socialism BS down your own throat. I don't appreciate my tax dollars being spent in a different country.
4. Destruction of the constitution. Patriot act, citizens held without trial, torturing information out of people, wire tapping, and the list goes on...
5. The gap between rich and poor is astranomically wide now. Corporations basically rule america.
6. The economy is the WORST IT HAS BEEN IN DECADES.
7. We have lost the respect of many nations worldwide.
8. The national debt has DOUBLED in eight years!!!! Eight years!!

All this has happened while GW BUSH is in office. Wake up people!!

If you can somehow bring yourself to think that things are okay as they are right now, and that John mccain is going to be the answer then I am truly concerned about your sanity and you're love for this country.

Obama/Biden 08 and may god have mercy on all your souls.

So, Marco...if we move away from the socialist way of thinking, does that make us anti-social?

Millan your comment,
"Have you any clue of the standard of living in Western Europe???? Per capita, I dare to say that they are the richest in the world and they hardly consume anything American. Get down from that cloud... ignorant people get under my skin. "

... was really ignorant.

Here is a breakdown of GDP per capita for you. But I am sure you won't want the facts to get in the way.

US – #8
Switzerland – #10
Austria – #13
Belgium – #19
UK – #21
Germany – #22
Spain – #25
France – #27

Or maybe you'd rather be in:
Russia – #53
China – #100 or
India – #129

Ignorant people calloing others ignorant really gets under my skin.

I live in the US and I am hoping to not be embarrassed by the US president after this election.

He are trying hard!

Well said Mike Roberts.

Being a Pakistani national, I would hope John McCain to get through this election as Mr. Obama has turned out to be furious against Pakistan citing so-called safe heavens of Taliban in Pakistan's Territory. Pakistan is a sovereign state and has done so much to evacuate Taliban from its soil so that even Pakistani people have raised strict voices against the policies of our government that is permitting U.S. to continue incursion in its soil. It is not fair. We have lost plenty of our innocent civilians in suspected U.S. drone strikes together with Pakistan’s security forces operation in FATA.

I like McCain, but I fear some of the people that will inevitably come with him; or if he dies in office.

I don't get the "socialism" talk. Rolling back tax cuts for the higher tax brackets to what they were 8 years ago can't possibly be a descent into the dark ages. I don't know where you were, but 8 years ago was when things were really good for me.

Besides, if we keep open 3 or 4 war fronts our taxes will eventually have to go up to pay for them sooner or later – which can only be delayed by borrowing. And we won't be able to actually DO anything to help Israel if we are broke from adventurism.

And I am also really vexed by any mention of "fairness" (progressive taxation) as being some sort of sinister evil. The Republican Party would say that it is the real Christian party. So, explain all the socialist sounding things said by Jesus then. Riddle me this:

http://www.buzzflash.com/contributors/03/09/17_franken.html

We will get change.... but not the change we've been promised. I grieve for our future and the future of our children. This election will be historic . I fear we've been deceived..... Time will tell....

I dont like obama because he will make me pay more taxes. he makes me a sad plumber.

The opinion of America(ns) by the rest of the world surely has never been lower. As a European living in America, I'm incredibly excited to witness this monumental day. In my opinion only Obama's ability to inspire can begin to repair the damage done in recent years and bring back respect for and trust in this great country.

Every election should get people excited to vote. It is a sad state of our democracy that 'turnout' signals an attempt to change parties. I am fine with the candidate i support losing if it is really a reflection of the will of the people. I have great respect for people who would stand in line four and five hours to vote, but this is a sad statement about our democracy that people do have to wait that long to vote.

We are from Canada and have been closely monitoring this historic election day in the US. No doubt that US is a global powerhouse that can bring big change in the world. We are looking forward to see Obama wins this election.

Cole: AMEN!!!!

it's not just his perfomance, but his statue quo; i mean figure. people will look at America up. I think the enemies of America are actually lunching thier anger at Bush, not Americans. The way he portrayed himself. I think the world likes America and can not do without USA. Go Obama, GO PLS.

I will wait and see, after all Obama is a politician, who's job the first
year is to get elected to a second term.

The writer of this article most be high on drugs...

You are all pinheads to think that Socialist Obama is going to "change" anything....other than taxing Americans for his socialist agenda.

Bush was bad, Obama will be a nightmare!

Be careful of what you wish for...you may get it.

i think maybe the world IS voting tonight

re:mike robers comment, he's so right... and I'm a Dem so... get real people..

Cole: Obama/Biden 08 and may god have mercy on all your souls.

God has nothing to do with Obama. He isn't God fearing by any means.

I think because the last 8 years have been such a disaster. Worst war in history, biggest deficit in US history and the world watched the 2000 election stolen, and suspect 2004 was as well. If the next president can restore dignity to the office and show the world respect instead of arrogant bluster then the world will change its shattered image of the US. The religious icon that most Americans believe in and follow taught that humility will garner more followers than intimidation.

The rest of the world wants Obama to win, but I, as an American who believes in capitalism, DO NOT. The rest of the world wants America to crumble into socialism like them. I DO NOT. I do not trust a man who attends a hate-filled church for 20 years (only to CONVENIENTLY denounce the pastor to better his chances of winning the presidency). Obama would NEVER have the courage and fortitude to endure what John McCain did during the Vietnam War. God help America if we go down the socialist road. (No enemies from outside the US will be able to hurt us as much as we will hurt ourselves with an Obama win.)

I am vey hesitant to trust the responses and opinions of the rest of the world at this point.

After 9/11, there were crowds that claimed to "love" Americans.

Then came all the anti-American hysteria of the past few years, where Americans are blamed for everything and crowds of people protesting against Americans.

Now they are suddenly friendly again with the likelihood of an Obama victory.

Who can we believe? Who can we – as Americans – trust among other nations?

The crowds change too abruptly as far as I am concerned. They will have to win back my trust.

I for one do not wish that I could cast a vote in this election.
The U.S. is not the catalyst for world change nor order.
Before trying to solve the world's problems,it should solve its own.

So wonderful the world is enthused about Obama. I am tired of the socialist remarks about Obama. He isn't a socialist. He's just thinking about the common good like many great men – and may I mention as Jesus spoke in the Bible. He is presidential. He is intelligent. He can contain his anger and not make faces – like McCain did. McCain reminds me of Krushev pounding his shoe on the table. And Governor Palin – no comment other than McCain has brought her into the national spotlight where she has been humiliated and making into a joke.

Cole, are you HONESTLY suggesting that George Bush is responsible for the attack on the World Trade Centers? Because if you are, you really should consider talking to your doctor about medication to help relieve that type of delusional thinking. The Bush administration is responsible for a great many wrongs, some of which you mention, but really... suggesting the administration is the reason for the terrorist attack? Come on. Grow a brain, please.

America has finally grown up.

I went through the change a few years back. It isn't all it's cracked up to be.

Mike Roberts – you nailed it!

I hope Obamatons are all happy. You may have helped elect someone who deos not respect anything and/or anyone that is not fawning over him. You have nothing in common with this man or his very angry wife. And, he has nothing in common with us.

IKW:

You tell someone to think for herself and not listen to the media, but maybe you should practice that yourself. You said, and I quote "Perhaps if the sick were also employed and self-sufficient then they would have their own healthcare" It's not that they don't have health care and they aren't employed. A lot of people in this country have jobs and do not have insurance or are under insured. I am a Master's Student (to eventually be ahead of my peers) and my student health insurance covers nothing and many doctors won't take it. I am up to my ears in doctors bills because the insurance is so awful and there are bad school doctors telling me what I have instead of doing tests. They try to save money and cost me hundreds more in the process. Try surgery for a simple infection because not ONE person did a blood test. How much do I have to pay for that out of my pocket? $18,000. I have a job, it's called research and it does not pay well. How many colleges and universities have decent insurance for their students who want to better their lives? (i.e. the previous poor you want to miraculously get a job, apparently without education...)

You want the poor to earn respect by working decent jobs, but have you looked at the economy lately? How many people want jobs but can't find one?

I don't want a socialist country where I pay for everyone else's crap out of my paycheck either. But I want starving, sick people in a rich country less. People who don't have jobs, should try like hell to get them, I agree. Those who have tried and tried but can't find them, shouldn't suffer, starve and become homeless. However, those that sit on their butts and don't do anything, shouldn't get the support.

Please do not sit on your high horse and tell people to do something. There are different views on everything but when you look outside your own world, you see the possibilities of others (or lack thereof).

I do support Obama because he's a smart man, but more importantly, McCain and Palin are a scary combination. Can you image what would happen if McCain died and left Palin running the country? Also, this is just a presidential election. Let's not treat Obama like he's the Messiah.

Luis – San Francisco, CA

Just remember that for all the media hype that goes along with the smooth-talking, charismatic Obama, 50 percent of Americans think he's the anti-Christ!

I will standby and watch the collapse of this great country in the hands of a socialist that changes his views to fit the moment. we are in for a rude awakening for all of those in America that allowed a charlatan to eat their heads up. By the time everyone wakes up, it will be too late. When Mr. Obama releases those IP addresses of all his supporters and they are found to be from countries, that do not have our best at heart, what then???? If they are ever release!! I never thought I would see the day my country would fall for another charlatan like Castro or Chavez style that draws the masses. HOW STUPID CAN THE PEOPLE GET!! I voted MC CAIN because is better bad known than that other kind of better to be known. Mr. Obama will sell our soul!

We are all glad the rest of the world can't vote in our election. If we waited for the rest of the world to solve ANY problem without America's help, we would all still be living in the stone age. Someone tell Obama that change is a real thing, not just a pretty thought.

AS AN AMERICAN I PROUDLY DECLIRE MR.OBAMA IS OUR 44TH PRESIDENT OF UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. NOW WE AND WORLD WILL SEE REAL PEACE.

Sydney, like many other places in the world is feeling the economic pinch lately, and although we had some euphoria this week with rate cuts, and the biggest horse race capturing the nation, its the US election that's really taken our attention... if the US presidency could be won by worldwide consensus, then Obama would be the president. Somehow I feel that the Americans will choose what they're ready to choose today in 2008... are they ready for Change, the world really hopes so!!
Obama should aim to build America back into the superpower it once viewed as being and no doubt was, to the rest of the western world.
I agree with "Mike Roberts" ... like So please, stop this rhetoric of “changing the world” and lets hope America can change itself and by this regain its Status as an admired democratic country worldwide.

Cole, you hit the nail on the head. Told it like it has been. I have lost much respect for many of my friends, and yes, relatives that voted twice for Bush.
I predict than Obama will have a great staff to work with....and what's more, he will listen to them. They won't solve all problems, but they will lessen them and get us started on the right tracks.

World, you owe us one after this (assuming Obama takes it). Us working class are sacrificing our sweat and blood to please you. Just don't be mad when jobs start rolling back home. Huh? What now

this thread is obvious pro-Obama as is CNN, MSNBC, CBS, NBC, ABC, etc. so I am not surprised my posts were not included. Fair & balanced, heh!

Make your doctors' appointments now, Americans, because when Obama and the Dem Congress get their way, everyone will have health care. Theoretically, that is. The reality will be that everyone will have poor access to even poorer health care.

Big business runs the U.S.A. and don't any of you forget it!

Obama will not be able to change the larger problems facing our country, the deep-rooted and parasitic greed and corruption of the elite/wealthy/corporate, and the festering apathy, ignorance, and criminality of large segments of our urban lower classes, also parasitic...
Obama's campaign promises are marginally more appealing than those of his opponent, but his lack of experience, and the tremendous expectations of a nation in economic crisis may cause him to set dangerous precedents, and/or act short-sightedly without proper regard to long-term effects.
Neither candidate filled me with hope for a miraculous turnaround, but I still hope things will stabilize and begin to gradually improve, whoever ends up in the white house.

Obama is the real representation of the multicultural history of America. And both candidates are to be commended for igniting and supporting the ideals of the USA. A new face as well as new outlooks for this country. Go voters! Stereotypes are broken and the people are speaking out.

I'm a white man from a southern state that voted Blue that unfortunately went Red tonight. For my fellow southerners who helped McCain win many of our states, I ask you to pay attention to the many comments from those outside of the U.S.

One of the most profound reasons that I voted for Obama is evident here. The world's perception of the U.S. has eroded to a deplorable level. If you don't think that affects you and I each and every day, please think again.

This election is historic because many of us have realized that we elected a leader eight years ago that drove this country into a ditch. It's evident that a change is necessary and for the first time in many years this election is not for a "lesser of two evils".

Obama has a very daunting task in front of him and he will not solve all of (y)our problems, but if you think staying the course with McCain was a viable option, you are sorely mistaken.

This is not Nigeria, folks. It's the United States. Think for yourself, Americans.

We all need to remember two things tonight when the election results come in, no matter what your party affiliation:

It is wonderful to see Americans pull together and vote (FINALLY!!), and that we are very fortunate to have only a finite number of days left under the thumb of one of the worst heads of state our country has yet seen.

Let's try to keep this new attitude going forth. We have a responsibility to our country to stand up for our people with enthusiasm and courage, not passivity and fear, and I'm excited to see that happening for the first time in my life. That's what is going to change the world. Not who's name is on the placard outside the presidential door.

Bin Laden would vote for Obama if he could. Gee, maybe we would be better off if the world could vote.

The show will be yours soon, Democrats...no more sitting on the sidelines complaining about how bad things are under Bush. If you control it all, you will be held accountable for it all. The next two years will go by very quickly and if you do not get it right, you will lose the power that which you now claim to know more about using than the right. But heh, I am sure Bin Laden would vote for you in 2010 and in 2012. Maybe you could ask him to start a 527 to support Obama's re-election.

I read these post and all I read is about "CHANGE" but no one has comment on what changes are going to be done. If Obama wins, the americans are going to be in deeper trouble more then ever. This guy has no experience in Goverment or Military. People open your eyes and stop believing what the tv tells you.

AM: The Democrats are not that bad. Get a grip!

Woo Hoo – it's over. Lower taxes, better cheaper health care, alternate fuel sources, economic growth, global peace... foreign countries and people lovin' us again. Halleluia, let the miracles begin ;>).

Here are a few snippets from the comments submitted in this thread. You all are going to make me cry. I haven't heard this kind international support and encouragment since 9/11.

As an American, who is wholly embarrassed by our current president and his actions, I am comforted in the fact that we as a people and a country are still looked to for hope from the rest of the world, in one way or another.

Thank you.

Robert Lynden Prester

.........

-Will american wonderland come back ?.

-that America can regain its status as an admired democratic nation

-We all want America to regain its position as the beacon of hope, freedom and liberty in the world.

-The world is holding its breath, and wishing for change When America catches a cold, the world sneezes. Will tomorrow be the beginning of recovery ?

-I wish your proud country well and trust that the American people will do what is right

-heros and today I can add the American people to that list.

-I’m sad to say I feel like apologizing to the rest of the world. Thanks to all of you around the world who are wishing America well and cheering for a big Obama victory!

-The world is cheering for America today!

-I congratulate America! Reclaim your values. Those values of freedom, of hopes over fears

- It’s a great day to be an American, I hope you guys come through for the sake of your country and the world!

- but is an opportunity for the US to regain s its status of a world leader that can be looked up to to lead.

-the world will fall in love with America again.”

-Whatever happens America, with its good sides and bad sides ,remains an example to the world of what can be achieved by democracy…

-go America for a better future!

–Good luck America!

"As I rode my son to school by bike"

Christiane,

LOL...I always rather liked you on the box.

Riding yer bike to take the boy to school, you are even cooler than I thought!

Bravo....

brendan (atlanta)

The comments here are pathetic! I hope you keep in mind all of the "wonderful" things that Obama has promised or that you hope he will do. That way you can be severly disappointed when he doesn't live up to his billing. You all have been taken in by the man and the hype.

This election will not change the world overnight, but it quite possibly will over time. The power of this election is not in Senator Obama himself, but in how he allows us to view ourselves. He has inspired us. Americans are beginning to regain sight of the true "American Dream," in spite of our bleak economic times. We are dwelling on the possibility of hope, opposed to the paralyzing sensation of fear. The power of this election is not in one single man; it is in this awakening.

Americans must now put this inspiration into action. We must accept responsibility for our individual and collective actions. We must acknowledge the laziness and greed that have taken root in this great country. We have an awesome opportunity before us. We have taken our first steps. Now it is time to see it through. If we can accomplish that, real change for our world IS possible.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
- Margaret Mead

Thank you for your support, world. I hope we make you proud.

You Republicans are ridiculous! If you knew anything about socialism and communism, you could not possibly accuse Senator Obama of being a practitioner of either party.

My father worked for everything he earned for forty years, I hope this man does not take it from him and give it to those people who are looking for a free handout.

Yes, you people from other countries should be interested in our election. With the possible increase in taxes, you won't see so many of us in your country spending our money. Nor, will there be as many opportunities for you to come to our country to make a living. Remember, when the people with the wealth are faced with increased taxes, they just pull in their money (quit investing) and a lot of deserving people lose their means of making a living. The people with the money make it circulate and control it, not the government. So if you think taxing people in the USA who make over $200,000 per year will spread the wealth, it won't. It will divide the nation and cost jobs for the people who depend on these folks for jobs.

Phil

As I write this, I am listening to the television commentary in the background. Certainly, Obama is ahead at the moment but the long knives are out on the table already. The Conservatives are apoplectic. You should hear the things they are saying. It's very nasty. If Mr. Obama is sucessful, then we are in for an extremely ugly transition.

History is tonight, the Future is tomorrow. I'm proud to be able to say to my children that I was part of the generation that participated in a Democracy that can let go of Fear and be willing to cast a vote to Change the 'old way of doing things'. only 143 years since the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation!

Obama, definitely the stronger of the two candidates in leadership qualities, will undoubtedly be faced with test after test of his ability to move people to support his policies. Luckily, he'll have a Democratically-controlled Congress, which makes it a tad bit easier...

Even if you really wanted McCain, you have to admit there were two iron weights around his neck:
1)Republicans had 8 years. They went all-in with Jack Three offsuit on the war and their economic decisions (which I'm sure many conservatives would agree were not conservative or successful) and lost. Right or wrong, Bush et al killed McCain.

2)Sarah Palin. John McCain cannot run on "experience" with any credibility after making that pick.

Enjoy the moment, people, for it will be brief. Tomorrow you will have to face the fact that no matter who wins, America is no longer the world's cash machine. Things are going to get a lot worse for everyone before they get better. Sorry, no more handouts!! We're broke!!!

As a minority, of course, i'm excited. But I, like seemingly everyone else, bought into the notion that we need 'change'. I'm afraid the harsh reality is ahead of us.
Neither Obama nor his policies will fix our economy.

Obama will not be able to end the war in Middle East, as he claimed in his campaign.

Of course, Mccain would not be able to do any better – but i feel we've all been snookered into believing that this election will fix all our problems.

Sadly, I don't feel there is much to celebrate. I think all my fellow Obama voters should come back down to earth quickly, as we really haven't accomplished all that much tonight.

For all you negative people that think the world is going to end if Obama gets elected. WAKE UP! Bush and the Republicans have completely destroyed this country. Think back to America the last time a Democrat was President for 8 years. THE COUNTRY WAS IN GOOD SHAPE. Doomsday occured on election day in 2000 when Bush was elected.

how can there be any doubt that this election has the potential to change the world? America has helped to change the world since WW2, and victory for obama is the first step in reclaiming the american dream. to joe and the other doubters i have to say that maybe we will be dissapointd, but at least people believe for once!!try not to be to bitter...

NOTHING WILL CHANGE. SAME OLE SAME OLE. IT IS JUST POLITICS

Finally, a man in the White House who exudes class and dignity. Who is articulate, intelligent, and thoughtful. Out with the moron. Out with the blithering and blundering idiot. And in with the refinement and grace that this great country has so deserved for such a long time now.

Obama is a liar and phony! He will turn over our Constitution and rights to the UN and all the little countries that are too ignorant to figure out how to take care of themselves. This is the beginning of the end for America!

well, the idiot voters of America have spoken, it appears. Welcome to the People's Republic of America. I have traveled all over the world (25 different countries) and I have never encountered the kind of hatred for the American government that many are mentioning on here. I have talked to business people and "ordinary folks," who may disagree with some things about America, but in EVERY CASE wished their government were more like ours. Please do not believe that everyone in the world is cheering for Mr. Obama.

The main reason this is an historic election is that a bi-racial man with no experience or credentials to be the President, has brainwashed enough young people with his "Change" message to vote for him.

His change will be for the worst, I sadly believe.

This election is a correction similar to the one that the stock market is going through at the moment. This is a backlash against the policies of George W. Bush.

That being said when the long national nightmare that is Obam-erica is over after hopefully 4 years of dealing with we will have a Republican revolution in the style of Ronald Regan in 2012 led by Mitt Romney.

As for world looking forward to this election and the accompanying "change," I hope that you will stop complaining about America finally, now that you have dragged us down to your level. Obama will attempt to turn us into a socialist Nanny state where people will have any concept of personal responsibility for their own actions and outcomes removed.

The only positive for me in this election will be if the Republicans hold on and not give up the seats necessary for the Democrats to have a filibuster-proof majority, so as prevent the Obama-Reid-Pelosi three headed monster from ramming its left wing agenda down our throats.

The only real loser is the American People. God bless you all.

John McCain says Obama isn't pushing socialism.

Socialists say Obama isn't pushing socialism.

A bunch of uninformed voters say Obama is pushing socialism.

I'd be more inclined to consider your argument if you knew what you were talking about.

I voted for McCain because his political ideology is more closely related to mine, and I have some severe problems with Obama's socialist leanings. However I do think it will be refreshing to see someone in the oval office that isn't an old rich white man, and I'm hoping that Obama can give Americas international stature a face lift. I also hope he can come up with a strategy to get our men out of Iraq quickly. I'm thinking many of our economic problems could be eased if we weren't spending so much on making war.

Cheers!

Chris
Knoxville, TN

I hope Mr. Obama does well. But, history (not skin color) dictates otherwise. And as far as the world? Are we the sooooo worried about the world that we will screw up the U.S. to save the world.

Let's see: Both Obama and McCain are bound servants of the CFR and their banker campaign financiers. Both are supporters of SPP, both pushed the U.S. further into debt by voting to rape American taxpayers in the billionaire banker bailout, both have said they will push us into more foreign conflicts, completely disregarding the United States Constitution...

Yes, I can certainly see a difference. Yep. Lots and lots of change.

if so many countries are looking into the US election, as they are in this blog, then there is the hope of change. if Obama can win this election(looks clear that he may), many countries will be looking towards the US and finally there maybe a change in how the rest of the world views us and no longer has that animosity towards america.

one voice, can change the world.

Prepare for the Second Revolution!

Tonight's results absolutely represent CHANGE. True change. Mr. Obama's election will be the defining moment in my life that signified the Beginning of the End. The morning of 9-11 weakened our country. Today's "vote for change" took the legs out from under the former champ. The U.S.A. we know tomorrow will NEVER be the great country we knew for most of the 20th Century. It's over. The Golden Age of America is officially closed. Mr. Obama is a good man who is in no way prepared for the challenges we NEED him to handle. In the words of a Democratic Leader: This guy is a lightweight but he is the best hope of the Democratic Party. God help us as we endure 4 years of the rest of the world's leaders feasting on the most inexperienced leader in the history of the free world.

This election will not change the world. It's obvious that if Obama wins, he will surround himself with the same status quo people who have been in politics for years. For real change the people should have elected someone like Ron Paul.

I am proud to be an Obama supporter. I think he will restore our relationships with countries abroad and work on things like the economy here at home. God bless America!

were where all these people eight years ago for Pete's sake?

Down the tubes, the inmates are running the asylum. BHO is going to "change" us all to death. Castro was change for Cuba too, that really worked out didn't it? As one business man I know has said, when the time comes to cut his force to pay for the Obama programs, he'll oblige the Obama supporters by showing them the door first since they were so interested in change. Maybe there will be some justice in this farce of a candidacy.

Well, it looks like Obama will win. And, it may change the world. But only in retrospect will we judge whether that change was healthy or not. From his record, I fear the worst. Honestly – if he raises taxes during a recession and after a stock crash as he wants to (even on just the wealthy and corporations) that will be imitating the move of Hoover, which caused the country to sink into a prolonged depression.

Yeah. Change. Read Proverbs 24:21-22 about what change can lead to.

Amanpour is an idiot. Hope you like socialism!

You people will be sorry!!!

It bothers me very much that I, as a white person, do not care about race when voting, yet I am seeing interviews where black people are openly admitting that race was the big factor in their decision.

Frankly, that's disturbing.

I seriously wonder about some of the posters on this forum. You say socialism like it's a naughty forbidden word. Do you have any clue whatsoever what this means? I have to believe that someone told you it was bad back on the playground hanging at the monkey bars and you just believed it without actually looking at what it means.

America already has a welfare system. It has Medicare. It has social security. These are all SOCIALIST programs that help those that need assistance – those most vulnerable in the society. Helping those members of society help us all in the end.

Perhaps you need to research what responsible socialism actually means before slinging it around like a filthy pair of panties.

Mark said:

"As for world looking forward to this election and the accompanying “change,” I hope that you will stop complaining about America finally, now that you have dragged us down to your level. Obama will attempt to turn us into a socialist Nanny state where people will have any concept of personal responsibility for their own actions and outcomes removed."

Tell that to all the people who have straight up lost their jobs. It has nothing to do with them lacking personal responsibility. For anyone that lacks it, the election will have no effect anyway if they are truly incompetent or show no effort. If anyone has shown lack of personal responsibility, at has been the people in charge for the last 8 years.

Well I voted for McCain weeks ago via absentee ballot. So did my husband. I can say we will see a change in this world. I am not a Bible thumper but somewhere you will find "he will be welcomed by celebration and the world will seek his favor" and he shall be the anti-christ.
Well to his reign!
McCain would have changed bad policy, he would have supported our military that supports and keeps our freedoms. So when the world comes knocking asking for your freedoms I do hope that Obama will be there with you asking them politely to go home and leave us alone.
As for me and my family members we will seek retirement from the Armed Forces before Obama can take away from us everything we have built in the last 20-25 years!

Tice – Socialism is when you take away the incentive to work hard to earn money. If I work hard, make and subsequently invest money, your guy will tax my income and then tax my investment income on top of that. It smacks of socialism when they will take that money and hand it out to folks who pay no taxes at all...it becomes a welfare state. I believe in giving to others, I just wish I could give it where I want to, not where Barack wants to...

Mark W – you are an Idiot referring to your comment on Len from Canada – telling him to basically keep to his own country – we would not comment on American politics if American politics did not involve our Country- how dare you! Our Conservative government is still more liberal than any government you have ever had – how dare you think that this election does not affect Canada or the rest of the world. So Typical – you just summarized the entire election – and Yes, canada is for OBama you idiot!

Here in Thailand people are exuberent at the thought of Obama as the next U.S. President! I am in the middle of teaching morning English classes. As t he results pour in I can barely restrain my happiness. Thanks everyone at CNN!!! Ican't wait to announce Barack Obama to my students as the next President of the United States of America! See? With hard work and determination you CAN acieve almost anything!!!

As a Repulican I am dissapointed that McCain's chances of winning are slim. I voted for him because his values are very close to my values.

However, as an American, I am encouraged by the possitive sentiment displayed by those who voted for Obama and our friends across the globe who root for him. If there has ever been a time that we have needed a possitive outlook, it is now. The power of a "can do" attitude and a possitive future outlook will help propell us forward into the future.

God Bless the United States of America and all those who work, sweat, and sacrifice to make this country the Greatest Place in the world to live.

this election will change NOTHING. Obama is a puppet, he will only serve his globalist masters, all of you people who support him are in for a huge surprise. I hope you all enjoy your domestic spy rings and carbon taxes. Obama will only bring austerity....if you dont know what that means then you should look to what happened to Romania in 1989. He will reduce our standard of living and make the tax payers pay for the debt our government created....

but you wont listen to any of this because Comrade Obama is here to lead us into the glorious socialist future....

someone else: Republicans created that massive debt for the taxpayers in the last 8 years. When Clinton left office there was approx 5 trillion surplus..... If Democrats are equal to Socialists then I am all for a Socialist country!

This article will be quite embarrasing a year from now.

All that will change is the reaction of all who backed Obama who expect a free ride and do not get it. I watched a woman on TV saying how excited she was because If Obama wins she wont have to pay for gas or her mortage. Obama will change ripple to water

I second what Mike wrote. It indeed is an historic election and by far the most talked about election across the globe. However, to say that the result of this plebiscite could change the world, is imho an inflated statement.

It will change the world!
a new JFK is coming to washington and he will help to make the new rules of the politico-economic more human to the us and the rest of the free world.
"Bonne chance Mr Obama "

It is a defining moment for mankind, some people who hate America will see how this is true? World is used to live in duality and pretensions but Americans are the ones to admit and tackle it.

The importance of this Election is no surprise to the world after the Nomination of both candidates. Since then the world could not keep their eyes of USA even countries that are not a big fan of America. Everywhere in the world America election was discussed on streets, buses, schools, offices and social or religious event. I haven't watch any other channel except CNN for months now because I want to be informed of the development and I do not think am the only one. So what the world been waiting for is now. OBAMA THE 1ST AFRICAN AMERICAN PRESIDENT OF THE USA. Cant hold my tears

My goodness there are definitely some bitter people out there, but the very thought of McCain winning leaves at it's best a bitter taste in the mouth. We need "that one" to win and "that one" happens to be cool, calm and collected. Yes Christiane, he has changed our world and our view of politics. I am now more interested in politics, never having voted and will play a more active role in the politics of my country from here on. If only the rest of the world were allowed to cast absentee ballots.....Obama juu!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Obama has just proven that the White House can be bought by a corrupt, Chicago-style machine by a man with little experience and even less ethics. His on-line fundraising had most fraud-detection protocols disabled.

On every issue on which he has taken two different stands (for example, public financing of his campaign), the NY Times and others that are in the tank for Obama gave him a pass.

Obama said that Fox News cost him 2% in votes. If he wants to give Fox News credit for that, then consider how many votes were tilted into his favor by MSNBC, CNN, NY Times, Washington Post and Newsweek.... Amanpour's biased "reporting" may be good for 3% just by itself.

Obama has hung around with crooks and knaves like Rezko and Ayers. He bought his house with the assistance of a bribe from Rezko.

The change that I'm hoping for will be an indictment of Obama for bribery.

Hope the cahnge is for the better. All the very best to Obama

Change the world???

There are so MANY problems in the USA that even if Obama wins two terms he won't have time to change the the world. He'll be too busy trying to change his own country.

I really think you all live in a bubble. He is just another lying polititian who will dissappoint everyone in the end.

I hope I am not here when the bubble pops.

Well, I make over $250K a year. Lets just hope the 27 people that I employ will still have a job next year... Yea – USA... sigh.

Not sure this election will change the world, not even sure it will change America. I will take a lot more than this to create the change this country realy needs. For America to be able to "change the world" it first need to look inside itself and make necessary changes, and then get ready to LEAD.

Hugo Chavez is getting his moneys worth

Welcome to full-blown socialism US of A! Now we can cozy up to Castro and Chavez, Russia and Iran! We can really turn up the surveillance like Great Britain where they watch your every step and talk to you over the mic if you're hanging around too long, and record every email and text message to a massive database. And, oh yeah, if you protect home and family by doing in a burglar breaking into your home, YOU get in trouble for it! Way to go! Hollywood and its disgusting ilk has sold you out America!

Yes, Bush was bad, but this will be far worse - and everyone just drank in the cool-aid. This isn't because Obama is black or democrat, but out and out socialist. Too bad Colin Powell didn't run, that would have been the change we could use.

Now. lets hope the world cheers..............
no war ...............
no cruide pride speculation ...............
and batter life for rest of the world...............

Well, the beginning of the end of the United states of America is now at hand. We haven't actually been doing terrifically lately, but we still had a solid foundation upon which to build/re-build. As write this, people all over the world are jubiliant, not because our future will be bright, but because we have been knocked down a few notches and are now closer to the murk of the rest of the world around us.

The only good part of all this, is that soon, we won't have to worry about illegal aliens flooding over our borders. Our government will soon be bankrupt, and the world will own the former United States of America, which will obviously only serve to lower our quality of living to more mirror that of the rest of the world.

You foreigners are fools. there is nothing good that can come from this Presidency, for you, or for US. Say goodbye to all the american dollars that have, heretofore been poured into your economies. Say goodbye to all of your exports flooding our marketplace. You will ALL suffer, perhaps even more than we will here.

This election outcome will at least contribute a little to changing inaccurate perceptions of the African and the materially poor.

this is the first time i have ever voted and i must say it feels awesome to have the privilege to vote and make a difference. i am proud to be an american.

Many say that the U.S. ellections should be an issue exclusively for U.S. citizens. They're right but just to certain level. It appears that if were a thing "if it is good for the others is not good for us"... Think a bit more optimistically.... If the majority of people in other countries think as they think perhaps it's because they're "for" the U.S. and not "against". If weren't so, why too pay attention? It could be good for the U.S. to have a more popular government in the opinion of the others. As in many situations, is good to be "popular". In the 50's U.S. was responsible for almost half part of the world's economy. Nowadays they respond for barely 20%. The other continents are developing trade between themselves paying less attention to U.S. interests. It's good for the U.S., in my opinion, that the rest of the world is interested in this election. Bad thing would be if nobody cares... (From São Paulo, Brazil)

So when I wake up tommorrow, I expect the seas to be parted and the world to be healed? Yeah right....

After reading through a good portion of the responses about this article it seems very apparent to me that there is a lot of excitement in America (and the world) that I haven't seen....ever. What this country needs is a refreshed positive outlook on life and a redefining of personal accountability. We don't need someone in the government to change things for us, we have to make the change to make this country better. I think Obama has delivered a breath of fresh air to this country, I just hope he doesn't try to change too much.

As a Canadian Citizen living here in Vancouver,Canada i welcome the change of finally knowing that Goerge W.Bush is out of office.He has done so much damage,not only for the U.S.A.,but also the world!!!Any man in Office who stands before the United Nations and tells them that he is going to invade Iraq no matter what they say,does not desrve to be in Office!!! He is a Liar and in my opinion,THE BIGGEST TERRORIST OF ALL who makes Osama Bin Laden look like a choirBoy!!!!
WELCOME TO THE WHITE HOUSE PRESIDENT OBAMA!!!!!

It sure is interesting to hear the different attitudes of the comments made here. Those who are for Obama feel hope, inspiration, a feeling that positive change is possible. Those against Obama have only the fear of the bogeyman "Socialism" (which by the way, Universal health care is working pretty good in Canada!) and that democrats will turn the US into an immoral society. Why don't you tell us what GOOD will come of electing John McCain? I mean really, don't you have anything other than fear driving your choices? Have you really been so brainwashed? Please name ONE good thing that the republican party has done for the US in the last 8 years! Has the country's economy gotten worse or better? Has it's foreign affairs become worse or better? Is the country in more or less debt? Stop crying about the fear of more taxes or protection from the overwhelming costs of healthcare and REALLY think about who you support and why. This election is too important for you to be voting based on fear-mongering.

thank you Jesus. i pray now that we may all find some common ground get past our differences, work together, and salvage this disaster that mismanagement, and greed, have led us to. good luck president obama, God bless and protect you and your family.

David, I wonder how you will feel in two years? You are now culpable, like so many other young and ignorant people, for the further decline of this, formerly great, country.

I'm not sure how I feel about the "rest of the world" being so excited about Obama. I believe that someday there will be a world government (probably run by the Chinese) so I'm interested in the idea of us all getting along in a more . . . inclusive manner. But the fact of the matter is the "rest of the world" does not have our best interests in mind. In fact, I'm quite sure that many other countries don't care about us at all, or worse – wish us to fail. So, I feel like I should be concerned that Obama makes them happy.

I can understand that people everywhere have had enough of Bush, I don't think he represented us as well as we had hoped. (In fact, I often had hoped that our Constitution could be amended to substitute him with Tony Blair.) I guess I hope that their excitement is more directed at getting rid of Bush, than being excited that maybe there is someone on the way that will be asleep at the wheel, or who consciously caters to the will of other nations.

But, they say "Only Nixon could go to China.", maybe "Only Obama can bomb Iran." Perhaps he could bring us all together . . . as a gobal community (and by that I mean a UN or NATO strike comprised of the usual 96% US Military) to persuade Iran that nuclear capability is not in their best interests.

Propaganda on my CNN? I never thought it was possible. This election will change the world. I just fear that it isn't going to be for the better. A political party with unlimited power, a President with no real-world experience. People certainly are going to get change. But I doubt it was the change they wanted. Freedom weeps today.

Losing's a bummer, eh Torben...

Gee Peter Biddulph,
if it hadn't been for these sorry Yanks in the US, poor old England would be a slave state speaking German. We learned our lesson. Stay strong. When mongrel dogs growl, we bite back. Face the facts of history. The very thing you fault the US with, England developed into an art long before the upstarts in the colonies ever came onto the world stage. So, Stop whining and grow up.

If you don't live in our country what do you care who are president is. We certainly don't care about your opinion or who your leader is.

Vote for real change next time. See campaignforliberty.com

America has stepped out of the shadow of oppresion of a people just because of the color of thier skin. America is now truly a world leader

President Obama!!!

To Dan from Seattle – You idiot! Apparently you have now exposed yourself to the world as someone who does not have a clue what a "socialist" really is. Listen, even the local radical socialists are offended that Obama was called a socialist because they sneered that he didn't even come close to qualifying as one – and really, wouldn't they be a better judge than you?

It's now after 8:00PM in Seattle and the polls are now closed – just as they have called the race for Obama. Having grown up in the rural eastern part of Washington State, seen the third world abroad – first hand, and gotten a good college education not possible elsewhere in the world for someone without family means or connections, I am continually amazed that anyone abroad would give a damn about us and our country...founded and populated by the cast-offs of the rest of the world. Don't be smug about us, our country, or our beliefs – believe me, the native americans (AKA American Indians) would REALLY LIKE us to all hit the road and leave this country to them.

Now as an employee of a large international company, I talk to customers all over the world. One of my long-time Canadian customers told me a few weeks ago that he wished that they could vote in our election. I confess that I did a double-take until he explained that what we do affects them and the rest of the world, whether we realize it or not. They may have given us acid rain and Ahmed Ressam but they also took in our Vietnam-era draft dodgers and hid our people in Iran until they could escape. When we had our last big earthquake here, the messages of care and condolences came not from our 'friends' but from customers in parts of the world most often hit with the worst earthquakes in the world like Mexico and Turkey. When 9/11 happened, our middle eastern customers sent messages of shock and dismay, inquiring after our families and friends in New York. Europeans who endured two world wars and many forms of violent terrorism for generations were sympathetic and comforting. And Canada and Mexico cared for our citizens returning from abroad until air travel was allowed once again in the U.S.

To all of you – thanks for being interested, for caring, for even just being curious about us. Hey, come to the United States (Seattle) for a visit and just consider it doing your part to help us when we're down, economically speaking. And if you meet Dan while you're here, just remember that we have an old expression that "it takes ALL kinds of people..." meaning that there is always an idiot in every group...and just ignore him. And Ms. Amnpour – keep up the good work! There is no reality check quite like seeing ourselves through the eyes of other countries and their citizens.

We love you America!

All the people responding from foreign countries, answer me this; you speak about the US with such energy, have you ever read or watched a news story that wasn't positive about Obama? I would imagine the answer is going to be no. Our media is so biased for Obama they have been blind to anything that might be deemed detrimental to his campaign. Yes or no, if for twenty years John McCain had sat in a pew of a church listening to a racist, hate mongering reverend, would he have been "allowed" to continue as a candidate for the presidency?

Now that the majority of our country is urban and votes for any candidate that promises them more from the treasury, we will sink into the smelly tide pool of socialism that has envoloped the rest of the world.

Tomorrow will be a day of mourning for me as the last capitalistic republic will be swept away by the tide of socialism.

Rene from Pittsburgh, the 5 billion dollar surplus that Clinton created sure helped the national deficit didn't it? Oh THAT deficit, the one that has existed throughout every presidency for as long as anyone can remember. The same deficit that we continue to only pay the interest on.

GREG - Good call bud! – (very sarcastic) – Obama will ruin the country – What a JOKE - you are a complete moran

What the Hell do you call good Ole W - he put the country into 2 wars, verging on a deep recession, financial meltdown, etc. BUT OBAMA will ruin the country. WHAT A COMPLETE JOKE!!!!

I am so happy that Obama has won! I do wonder why he is only defined by his color? He is half white...raised by his mother and grandparents...he is much more then a color statues! He will bring unity to a much needed world.

A positive mind can achieve the unachievable. Obama has managed to captivate the world in a short period of time by promoting unity amongst all races, by telling us that we cannot move ahead unless we overcome bigotry and learn that our essence is what truly matters.

The fact that he hasn’t been involved in Washington politics for a long period of time, it is actually beneficial, he hasn’t compromised himself. His way of doing business hasn’t been polluted by the “knowledge” of the old timers. This brings me to the question: Does experience really counts?.

Look at the mess in which we are in. Obviously, aggressive capitalist practices can also come to an end. What is wrong with trying to balance and unbalanced scale?. Have you read about Exxon’s extraordinary profits?. Have you seen how fast misery and poverty are spreading on this planet?. No wonder Stephen Hawkings said what he said.

At the international level, I believe he will improve the image of the United States, which has been heavily damaged by the “move over here I come” attitude which has been exercised by the current administration.

Fixing the economy and consequently the world economy won’t be an easy task. He will be receiving a Lemon, and he will need to fix it one step at the time.

Stay Focused and increase your EQ.

John McCain only lost the election. My wife will lose her homeland, Israel!

I guess having a president that believes in killing unborn babies and degrading the importance of marriage between a man and a woman is what Americans wants (marriage is not sacred anymore). What a disaster for the America that used to be. Our children who grow up confused about what's right and wrong. God help America!

Freedom isn't free..............and our economy is showing that now. At least the money going to a country that no longer wants us can now come back to America to help us and not to Cheney, Bush, and Haliburton.

The Republicans got spanked and let's only hope they learned a lesson and don't pout, whine, and throw tantrums for the next four years.

Obama becoming President shows the world Americans know how to use our Democracy to make change.

We were paying attention and WE CARED!

Marco-
If Obama represents Socialism, please explain Sarah Palin taxing oil/natural gas company profits and sending checks to the citizens of Alaska? How about the progressive income tax, where higher income individuals pay a higher percentage of tax? Is that not redistributing the wealth? Call it whatever you want, but we've been doing it for years.

We did it.

Yes, we did.

Looking forward to brighter days ahead. Please stay engaged in the political process. We have so many new voters, and such diversity this election. I hope that now that some of these people have experienced registering and voting, they'll continue to remain active in the political process. We can keep this going, America.

Even though Barack Obama is not an African-American, he is, in fact, a Bi-Racial American, I am truly happy for the black people who have waited so long for this day to come. However, I can't help but feel that if such venues such as Saturday Night Live, Ellen, Oprah, all the democratic celebrities, etc. didn't have such influence in our society (and they do), and that Governor Palin hadn't been made such fun of (as in, making her look like an idiot) on a daily basis, that Senator McCain might have won. I guess I'll never know.

Change the world? that's ridiculous. For heavens sake, he's a president, and he is beholden to the US Congress. The president can't sneeze without permission from congress. Plus, he's not the president of the world... just one little country.

If the democrats somehow manage to change the whole world according to their agenda, then the whole world is in serious trouble!

Torben, Obama is the way to go. We are goign to start to get out of this mess Bush and McCain put us in and what McCain would have put us through. It is time for our troops to come home and for middle class Americans to finally get a break.

I didn't support Obama and will likely be at odds with all he does while President. That said however, there were no tanks in the streets, no riots or uproar, and as Americans always do, we'll not preside over the peaceful transition of power and support our new President.

McCain, our real America Hero, was a class act and remained gracious while congratulating Obama...as we suspected he would be.

I too congratulate both Obama and Biden on a remarkable campaign...morever, I pledge my support to my President because for me it's always been, and will remain, Country First.

Thank you for this insight.

Now is just the beginning. You can make it wonderful or you can help drag it down. Regardless of who you supported in the election, please work for this country (and world), and not against it.

Although I love Obama, I'm not expecting him to save the country. It's up to each and every one of us to help ourselves and each other. His success is our success, his failure is our failure.
I am so excited for the future! Please join me!

On my birthday, I will pray for you (Torben) to gain insight.

Just wait until the expectation bubble bursts. Welcome to Soros' game.

I don' t know what kind of President Obama will be but thank God we don't have to deal with Bush and his policies any longer. After 8 years of Bush, Obama's message of hope and change is what we deserve and need. My faith in America as the land of equality and opportunity for all has been retored.

It’s good to see (read) that some of the people who have posted here know what is in store for the U.S. Four years from now life as we know it now will not exists. Say good by to being rewarded for working hard and being able to provide the best standard of living in the world for your family. Being able to pass on a better life to your kids and grand kids.

Most of all say good by to the freedoms Americans have enjoyed for 232 years. One by one your constitutional rights will be taken or perverted to mean something else.

Just a small piece of friendly advice for obama. Don't try changing the world.. thats what got the usa in this mess in the first place instead learn to keep your nose out of other peoples business.

China thanks you. The U.S. has now officially ceded its global position of dominance because of some useful idiots and media propaganda.

The decline of the United States has begun, just look at your Universities and commerce, majority foreign students and your insistence on living beyond your meants. Atleast you own the NBA, have a monopoly on gangsta rap and control the porn capital of the world.

The Roman Empire got complacent, this is history repeating itself.

It's a sad day for America.

The faith you have in this man is sickening! This truly is the end of the United States of America!

new confident president, awesome decision maker!

Sad day for American!!!!!not nothing to do with race but what we as Americans stand for!!!A President that wont pledge allegiance to the American Flag,Have ppl forgot about 9/11?We as Americans are so dumb!!!!!!

I live in a small town in northern Thailand. For days now people on the street, shop owners, the lady who sells roti at the corner in the market have been asking about the election. Inevitably, they have wished me luck. When asked who they hope will win the election, every one has said Obama. "Why?" I have asked. "New America," they say.

the only reason mccain didnt win because president bush is hated by everyamerican even republicans...trust me it could have been anybody against mccain and they would have win...i just hope the best for our country...change we want change we will have i just hope its for the good...God bless america...

USSA United Socialist States of America. You wanted change now you'll get it and in 4 years I can't wait to see what you think. Change is a cheap word used in every presidential election and voters eat it up every time. Let's hope he doesn't do too much damage.

Any illusions that Obama's win will not be an influence on the world because problems still exist is arrogant. That attitude comes from a superior feeling that everything we do or not do as a country controls the little countries of the world because they can't or don't make their own decisions in life. I have been all over the world and can assure you that America is a respected influence but not the "decider" of each good or bad event that occurs. Believe me, people and countries make their own mistakes without our help. For anyone to burden themselves with that kind of American bashing is, to say the least ignorant.

Absolutely, this election will change the US. It's going to make us the largest 3rd world country in the world. Why else would Europe support Obama so heavily? Because they are jealous and want to see America falter. Well the people and spoken, I personally an looking forward to unemployment and food stamps under the new administration. See you at the soup kitchen.

Americans elected a politician as President. Wow, shocking. Anyone surprised? Anyone actually believes things will change?

how long before the president elect will start taking money from my business and give to other people, i worked hard for it they didnt how's that fair, let them create their own business or idea. oh yea, another observation nancy pelosi stated if elected speaker of the house she would end the war in Iraq in 100 days the war is still going on Nancy and it will continue even under president elect oh yea lets not forget Afganistan its still going on last i heard.finally what about the illegal immigration issue its not going away either, just because its not discussed doesn't mean it's gone away, now its going to explode quite possibly with our economy.

YES WE CAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Barack obama is our president

Obama/McCain, thank God it's over! First of all, we need to all get down on our knees & pray to God so that he will forgive us & come back into our American hearts! This will be the only way that we as American people will ever get better & this also goes for the whole world! God created ALL people equal, not just some of them! My ? is, why can't we all just get along? Democrats/Republicans = GOD'S CHILDREN!!! Thank U & good night from a Mississippi girl.

I feel so honored to be part of such a moment in American history.
Who knows what Barack will do as president, but he brings a sense of hope and renewal that is inspirational to all around the world, even teenagers like me who didn't have a say in the vote but followed the election closely and believed in Barack and the message of change.

Change is what we need, and change is what we're going to get.

My wife just started a catering business and after tonight, decided she could not afford to continue it. if she made alot of money, it would help my family with retirement income and a chance for her to be a self sustainer. Wont happen. Obamas tax increases for that income she has made and could be making will not let her afford the help she needs to grow. I feel sorry for all people who wanted to own their own business and get things going right in a world where China and India have made the gas prices too high and make American ingenuity a must in this world to counter those costs. God help us!

It's amazing to hear how much other countries and their citizens look forward to his election. Amazing, I think, considering how little they know him...unless they somehow know more than Americans do...which is very little. Oh well, here's hoping this almost completely unknown can match all his fancy words with real action.

I am worried. People soon forget the reason nothing has been done in the White House is because of the Demo-crappy Majority Senate. Democrats rule now and look where they have led us. The President is one man–he is not the majority. He is a figure head–the body–the Senate is what stinks.

Barak does not know what he is in for. He has no experience but looks good and speaks good–sorry that's not good enough. People you want him–you got him. Thank God I'm not in the military any longer-I'd resign. Here goes another Vietnam with the liberals. Pull out and bring 'em home–let be proud to walk away from a Democratic led retreat. Here we go again.

You guys are ignorant

Yes change will indeed come to the U.S. due to the ingnorance of our voters listening to hype instead of studying the facts. The housing crisis has soley been blamed for the economic down turn when in reality is was 4 dollar a gallon gas. This is why people are tight on money. Obama said out of his own mouth that his energy policies will skyrocket electricity cost and people ignore it. Once their bills double as it did with gas this summer. Then it doubles for their employer ,their grocery store and they will realize that prices are soaring across the board. People can spend less on non neccesities and those jobs are lost due to lack spending on top of what has already been lost. Yes they will get what they wanted....Change.......loss of job...high food prices....Not being able to heat or cool your home due to Obama bankrupting coal plants......yes I will have to agree....For many Americans that does qualify as Change.

Torben Sluyter, enough already. You acknowledge the country has declined. Now I guess you are going to somehow attribute the decline to Obama and ignore the fact that it is your neo-con policies that created it. Go intern for Wolfowitz and leave us in peace.

Well done Mr Obama – well done USA.

Derick, South Africa

Yes, of course we get the cynical POV posting on here to sound smart and witty. We don't know if a Obama led US will yield the change we want. But the fact is a change had to happen. The fact a little history was made along the way is just icing on the cake. And trust me, I am not downplaying the significance of this victory. It doesn't change things over night. But it is a game changer. Ultimately, as a young African American male, I am extremely proud, touched and just hopeful about what this means for my particular demographic. But in the end, as an American, this whole process just reaffirms what this country black, white, red, blue state is all about.

And I hope Obama reaches out to Sen. McCain. He has shown he is about making this country the best it can be and his dedication to this country should not be forgotten by anyone.

I am so proud to be an American tonight! YES WE CAN!!!

Middle class tax relief, don't kid yourself

Middle class will take the brunt. Any 1st economist can raise the effective tax rate by proxy. Obama will tax the energy companies that use coal. result = higher energy bills for all, not just those "super rich"

wake up.

I'll guess I'll stop hiring my cleaning lady and my land scapers. who cares they will have all that extra money

In two or three years Americans will be blaming Obama for all their problems. We spend all our time pointing the finger and little time trying to actually CHANGE ourselves. Change doesn't come by voting in one man. Change comes from people actually doing something different in their lives.

Well, we win some and we lose some. I am a long time supporter of Sen. McCain. In my view, we just missed an opportunity to elect a great statesman and a man of tremendous intergrity. The historic consequence of this election is quite obvious. On that note, I am proud to be an American, even in a sad loss at the polls for my candidate and hero. I will defer to the remarks of the great former Sec. Bill Bennett who said on CNN tonight, "I will pray for Sen. Obama as our next President -elect, and pray for our country."

We must now as nation support this man who is our new President as we face incredulous obstacles economically and in foreign affairs. I pray too that Mr. Obama governs sensibly from the center and not the extreme left wing. That he recognizes that while he won an overwhelming victory in the electoral college, approximately 48 percent of Americans voted for Sen. McCain, and to represent all Americans you must govern from the center. I pray that he supports our troops in harms way as we fight this horrendous war on global terror.

I just heard someone on t.v. say "finally a President who knows what I am going through." Yeah right! Anyone else out there spend Millions of dollars to get a thankless job which pays little over $150,000 a yr.
It's not even good math.

Who would want to be President these days anyway? There's nothing patriotic about buying the vote.

Let's see how he takes the oath for Presidency since he doesn't say the pledge, will he hold a Bible? How American must one be?

Let's hope that now he's President he will at least show up for work. He didn't even do that very often as the Jr. Senator.

God Bless America–He's the only one that can save us now.

As an American, I couldn't be happier to have Obama as our next president. It signals a changing of the guard if you will and the retirement of a mindset that has mostly hurt and stymied world relations and general foreign policy.

Throughout the recent years I have had a chance to travel the globe and talk to people from of all walks of life from each of the different continents. From my observations, it seems that while Americans in general are highly interested in taking an active role the outcome of the election, the rest of the world is literally on pins and needles hoping for a dramatic shift in the way we do business. For good reason.

Perhaps America as a country will have lost some clout in the eyes of some, but by the majority, we will have gained much more respect among the world's nations and will have erased an irreversible paradoxical path towards isolationism with many of our allies and our enemies.

Terrorism will always exist. This election will not change that, but the change in leadership and most importantly change in foreign policy as a result will have more of a long term impact in fighting terrorism than anything else. You can't fight an ill-contrived mindset with bullets alone. You have to fight it with another mindset equally as strong or stronger and take away the conditions creating it. With Obama as our next leader this is a giant step towards eliminating the conditions that create that mindset.

Indeed the time to be an American is a great one. Change has come and is here in our doorstep. It will resonate throughout the world. I hope that others, wherever they may be, may rejoice and embrace the dawning of a new era along with us. Let us all hope that Obama can perform the role as the backbone of our nation providing the glue to hold us all together and take us forward and beyond.

As tough as the election was...governing will be tougher. The jury has just left the room. Deliberations begin tomorrow. Personally I feel less safe tonight. The majority has made it's bed, we shall all see how safe and comfortable it is to sleep in. I do hope for the best, but undeniably am more than skeptical.

Christiane Amanpour once again demands our attention as a reporter but also with her elegant and forceful use of language. With the media having become a circus, it is refreshing to hear erudite words that speak to the heart about issues that real people are facing. We are made better by the presence of giants such as she.

JP- Ditto! YES, WE DID!! YES, WE DID!!

This American in Australia is relieved, happy, and in tears. I don't need to feel embarassed anymore. And I can smile at all those people here who said we would never elect a black president. We are NOT only what you see on TV.

And to anyone saying this won't affect the world, you obviously don't live outside the United States. Of course it will. And to those who mentioned the standard of living in Australia isn't higher than the U.S.... general healthcare, decent living wage, low crime... take a look at the facts.

Even in Montana, it appears Obama has carried the day..........

BIG SKY COUNTRY TURNING BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PROUD MONTANAN, PROUD AMERICAN FOR OBAMA

Anything is possible.... again.

Lets see what Obama does when the new freedom tower is brought down in NYC again. Will he just let it go and the 3000 individuals who die go for nothing? What has happened to a world where you get smacked in the mouth and you say AHHHHH like your in a dentists office. people, I was in the navy for 20 years and traveled all over the world. people want strength and comfort from the us. yeah, the economy sucks, but that wasnt GBs fault, its a world economy now and noting we could do to change it. People dont want to pay big bucks and the chinas and Indians are there to undermine us. Cheap labor. How about you get paid 3 dollars an hour for helping make an auto in Detroit? Then we could compete. Do you want that? heck no!! But you cant stop a company from looking for cheaper labor when they have to compete against people that pay so little to produce products. We could have adapted, we could have won as americans. We will get no relief by Obama and Biden. We can get NO help from anyone. We have to adapt or get smothered. At least Bush went after those idiots that attacked our country with rutlesness, much like Pearl harbor. And when the Dems wanted all of us to own homes when there was no chance we could pay the mortgages, we were gone. We are still gone because there is NO PERSONNAL RESPONSIBILTY in this country anymore. You look for a government to help you out? Your on your own. Always has been, always will be. This Prez will not be able to wipe his own nose compared to world affairs. We are screwed!

New OVER-confident president, POPULIST decision-maker. Recipe for disaster!

I have never seen McCain walk on water nor Obama raise folks from the dead.
The only real change agent is Jesus Christ.
I know all you God-haters will chime in, but you too will bow your knee and confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord.
He is the President of Presidents!
I put no trust, nor hope in any US president, congress, or Supreme Court, which are now Socialist. Ironic that in a democracy, we vote for Socialism. As for the economy, the only ones we have to blame for that is ourselves. We are a greedy nation. We want everything, and we want it cheap. Money and materialism has become our God. I warn all of you from other nations, and rebuke my own countrymen & women, do not follow our greedy example.
Change will only happen when people turn from their sins and turn to Jesus.

How will Torben feel the next time he has a chance to vote. Will he try to make up for his past failure? Socialism for those that never needed it might have been voted out, and the world will see that as a leader, the USA now intends to have moral strength to try to match our bomb making capacity. As to the oddball Torben, perhaps the US will tighten its belt and look out for itself, much to the chagrin of those with their hands out throughout the world. It is obvious that we can be self contained and self sufficient if necessary, poor Torben, poor markets.

Theresa said:

Theresa November 5th, 2008 449 GMT
I guess having a president that believes in killing unborn babies and degrading the importance of marriage between a man and a woman is what Americans wants (marriage is not sacred anymore). What a disaster for the America that used to be. Our children who grow up confused about what’s right and wrong. God help America!

Our children already are confused about what's right and wrong.
Marriage is not so sacred anymore, STRAIGHT people have proved that! Half of marriages end in divorce! Gay people are not even linked to that statistic!
Your comment on "killing unborn babies" makes our new President sound like an evil homicidal maniac.He simply advocates for people to chose based on their circumstances.

I don't agree with Obama's politics, but this is a very significant night for the history of this country and for African Americans. This reiterate profoundly that this is indeed a great land of opportunity.

Well, as a conservative who voted for McCain ... OK, I concede, too. It was a hell of a campaign, long and at times ugly, but it's over and tonight we've seen history made.

Obama's victory tonight (I believe) shows that we now live in a nation where (men & women) are not judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. Watching joyful African Americans in Times Square in NYC, Grant Park in Chicago, outside the capital in Washington, D.C., and on the streets of Harlem, I can only think back to what my father and grandfather must have felt when they saw *their* candidate ... an Irish Catholic outsider candidate named John F. Kennedy pull off a victory in 1960. I can understand it and it truly is historic.

Well, no sour grapes from me tonight.

America has chosen and it has chosen a different candidate. A different party. A different course. I pray America has chosen wisely. Liberal or conservative, blue stater or red stater, we're all in this together. America faces tremendous challenges and I'll hope for the best.

Well, we just put the least experienced man into the most powerful office in the world. I fear it was done "just because we can". It appears we did it in the name of some misguided sense of change. Change is certainly coming. But it's a chill wind blowing.

Yippee. Socialism here we come! Barack Obama does not have the experience to be President, he is extremely partisan, and he is pretty much a racist. This entire election is a huge over-reaction to 8 years of the other extreme. McCain is a centirst with a proven record of bipartisanship. I am honestly and truthfully afraid for the future of this country.

Today, a world received a spark of hope. Let's hope this spark becomes the fire of freedom, peace and goodness.

41 years ago I could not invite a close co-worker to my wedding because she was black....my father would have cancelled the wedding and disowned me. It is still fresh in my mind the pain I saw in her face when I had to tell her why she could not partake in my special day. It is still an ache in my heart.

I am profoundly grateful that I lived long enough to see this historic election. To see this county finally become "colorblind". Wow..... and to see proof that if you work hard enough you have a shot at becoming anything you want to be.

David said –
"Does any one get the impression that the expectations are being set just a bit too high? “Change the world”? How?

Tomorrow morning we will all get up and go to work, or school, just as we have in the past. Christiane Amanpour will still take her son to school, and the trash will stillneed to be taken out.

Perhaps we should take a deep breath, and realize that little will change after this election. It’s just a presidential election like every other one. The race, age, or sex of the canidates is not going to change your day to day lives. And if the media keeps building this one up, there’s going to be a serious let down in the near future."

David, YOU ARE RIGHT ON THE MARK HERE. What change? The sheep eat this rhetoric up. Come NOV 5th or JAN 21st things are still going to be the same.

Dear Miss Amanpour,thank you for mentioning my country Iran as well,we all hope to see change around the world as the new president of USA has said,we wish him best & luck.
hope soon we see the same thing here in my country too.
congradulations to you all americans.

I have ALWAYS believed in America and Americans, ALWAYS! Thank you!

I am so very touched and thankful to the folks from around the world that are contributing such hope and inspiration for America! We love you!

Theresa, it is your children that are not green, and no matter what they do will pollute this planet. To well over create children, destroy the delicate physical equilibrium these children will be shortly constrained by, and find some moral certainty of the rightness of this pollution and out of control sexual procreation will by necessity bring doom to our species. Sorry. Is 100 species a day lost an overestimation? Most pregnancies end in a natural form of abortion, natural, and one that is not really noticed. Progress before you procreate please.

Mark W – you are VERY WRONG if you do not think that Canadians do not have a vested interest in the US President. Hopefully your ignorance will walk out the door the same day that Bush does in January. Whether we like it or not this election has a huge impact on our country as well as many others. As for Stephen Harper, It is quite unfortunate that he too cannot walk out that same door in January because he really is an unwanted guest in my house right now due to his complete and utter disconect with present day problems that our country continues to face.

Many of you are missing an important point. This election was not "about" Barak Obama. The election was about the American people standing up and saying that we're mad as hell and won't take it any more. The failed policies of the Bush administration have brought incredible economic instability – either John McCain or Barak Obama would have had to deal with the realities of this situation.

The election, in my opinion, was about Americans deciding that the way we had been going for the last 8 years needed to change. And thank God that we had the luck to have 2 extraordinary men to vote for. John McCain is truly a gift to our country and Barak Obama has brought hope and expectations to it. Either man would have brought a needed change in direction to our country.

It's not up to Barak Obama to make the world a better place, or America a better place... it's up to us.

Yes, Change is a Blow'in in the Wind......and it will blow right by. WAKE UP PEOPLE..I'm anxious to see & hear all of your excuse's when you realize that as you awake tomorrow morning, or next month, or next year that the same problems and issues will surround your life's. I feel for all the children in 8-12 years that will have to deal with the failed promises that have been made. As you stand tall tonight in victory, stand tall in four years and admit your mistake's made.

OK "rest of the world". We Americans have voted for change that so many of you wanted. I did my part in helping vote Obama in. I will continue to do my part to make America a respected country again. Now, will you stand with us? Help us like we've helped the so many others in the world over the past 70 years. It's also time for the rest of the world to stand up. I'm willing to pay extra taxes to help with the crippling debt. I hope the rest of the world is willing to help also.

Change, are you idiots kidding me? Do you even know what you stand for? Someone stands up and yells "Change" and you all fall in line like a bunch of mindless sheep! And, you are in such a hurry to make things better for yourselves that you don't even bother to ask what change he is referring to. Do you really not see how there are some types of change that are SO MUCH worse? I guess that some self centered Americans need instant gratification and a quick fix so much that they will fall for anything. Who do you think will foot the bill for all these tax credits given to people who don't even pay in to our system? There will be absolutely NO incentive for people to have new businesses or to try and be successful in life if you tax them to death for acheiving while some one else can be paid for being illegal, not working, making bad financial decisions or having 20 kids they can't support. Have you ever seen this socialist agenda work anywhere else in the world? NO!!!
Voting for someone because he is "charismatic" is ignorant! It won't be long before you all have a bad taste in your mouth and a severe case of buyer's remorse, guaranteed! What a shame that the rest of us will have to suffer as well. I hope the sane portion of America that's left plans to finally wake up and fight for our constitution, our liberty and freedom.

I had always felt the US election not between Obama & McCain but between Obama & Sarah Palin. In appears that America was ready to accept a black President over a female since I do believe that the age factor of McCain was on many a voters mind given the fact that Sarah Palin would immediately have better options of becoming the President. America was not ready for Sarah Palin.
Obama will have plenty of fences to mend – much damage has been done to the US & to the World by the Bush administration. Breaking animosities is not easy but if Obama has CHANGE in his heart, that is a good way to start & while everyone's demands cant be met at least Obama should attempt to bring some sort of respect back to the US & for the sake of the entire world – we all hope he does bring about some good & not the bullying we have been used to.

All those who do not want Oboma in are the ones who do not want change but would rather fester in madness and enjoy going to war with other countries for oil. Obama stands for a change for the better where everyone is equal. Where the entire world matters, not just the United States as some ignorant people there seem to think. This man is going to change the world and it will be for the good of all. Just you watch and see.

Im in Nairobi, Kenya and things are frantic here people are celebrating on the streets infact our president has declared tommorow a public holiday you would almost think it was our ellection but i think the general feeling is that the world has a new leader and we are all hopeful that thing will change all over as you say "yes we can".

To say we don't want change is ridiculous. What has Obama told you about his "change"? Nothing! You are just angry about the way things are and are willing to jump at the first chance you get.
And, in case you didn't know....everyone in America is born equal..that is what our constitution says, and you'd know that if you read it. And, the world does in fact matter. It mattered to my grandfather when he risked his life in WWII to stand up for what he believed was right. Men like him were true heroes and did "change" the world with real actions. You are an idiot and a disgrace. America is THE GREATEST country on the face of the planet, like it or not. I am so tired of hearing about how ashamed Americans should be about this and that. All these countries that like to point the finger at us are far from innocent. How many of them have a long history of crimes against humanity? And how many of them are willing to stick their neck out and defend others? VERY FEW!
One more thing "strong believer"...if we "went to war for oil" then why the hell are we paying the prices we pay for it you idiot? Because the way you are talking we should have that stuff for free by now. I would like to think that the husband's, wives and families of our fallen soldiers would like to believe that their loved ones had actually made a positive difference in the world. I am proud of them and what they have accomplished. What you have is not a "strong belief" but rather a "blind faith" and you may want to be careful where that leads you. By the way, if you hate what America stands for so much, why don't you volunteer to move to one of those other glorious countries you speak of and help them become "equal"..good luck.

I am not American but I wish to congratulate Mr. Barack Obama being elected as President of America. I watched and listened his speeches and one debate during the election campaign. It gave an idea that this is the person who is the need of the time for America. He talked from internal problems of America from which its citizens are suffering to international affairs to deal with. I sincere wish a change for Americans as well as the whole world. A change where every nation can live and survive with peace, live together, flourish democracy and love each other. I hope this can be done under the Presidentship of Mr. Barack Obama.

I want to say my sincere appreciations to all the people around the world who has followed this historical election with great emphaty and hope for a better America and a better world. It is ironic that one great man from Illinoise had the courages and visions to bring true meaning of "all men are created equal" as inscribe by our founding fathers.

As I and my wife stand in line to vote today this thinking keep revolve inside my head, If Abraham Lincoln could come back to this election day, I think he would be in for a big shock to see the sheer number of American voters to vote for another son from Illinoise who is the same colors as men that he freed as the slaves.

It took one great man to keep this nation as a whole, it will take another man to make Americans whole. Under the eyes of the world, friends and foes alike, today America takes another giant step to show that we are one country, one people, united. This is the strength, the voice that bring great hopes for us and people around the world that Abraham could envision but could not even imagined.

I'm a proud to be an American this day. Obama has renewed the ideals of the founding of this country; by his election, the values of equality and freedom exist for everyone, not just for those who are in the majority.

President Obama is a symbol of hope for all of humanity. His rise to power tells us that even a descendant of slaves can be a world leader and hold the highest office in the united states of america. Let Freedom Ring.

Marcus,
I am glad you are proud to be an American. However, how do you think his rise to power will renew the ideals of our founding fathers, especially when every time he speaks he talks of wanting to take away more of your individual rights? I do NOT want government to do more for me, they should be doing less. People should be the ones making a commitment to do more, and should have the freedom to choose how to spend the money they earn. Don't you find it insulting to have someone tell you that the government would be more capable handling your money and your life choices than you are? That is exactly what Barack is doing when he want to enact more programs. We don't need more dependancy on government. Hard working individuals made this country great, not hard working government. Look where that has gotten us.

Mabrook Obama. I guess the best man did win in the end. Now the real work begins and all the best to you and your family esp during your years in office.

Congratulations America! You are unique!

CONGRATULATIONS USA!!!

It is not a matter of being black or white. It was high time that a new, charismatic leader who has the ability to move masses and bring people of all races together took over the White House.

I hope that the change that you've so long waited for will be rewarded.

A toast to OBAMA!!

Mary Obege (Munich, Germany)

President Clinton once spoke of the great mystical power of democracy. We have seen the corrective power of democracy at work. In one mighty sweep, America has won back respect from the whole world. Not even the greatest army in the world is able to enforce this respect . Instead of being the schoolyard bully, America can start regain the true leadership of the democratic world.

to:Mekhong Kurt
Mr Kurt, many thanks for your eloquent email. I agree, if America is perceived as a great nation once again within the World, then this election is World Changing. Now you have a new President, may God Bless your great nation, and may we all move forward with optimism.

Congratulations – Thank you America. This is a victory for hope, not only for America, but for the rest of the world. We all take part in the celebration of what we hope will be a change that unite all people in saving this planet.

Barack Obama has made the impossible come true!
Enjoy!

Obama is a fraud, a sociopath. The change is delusion.

For the first time in my entire life, I am ashamed of what America has become.

He is black and white and he is American.

He is a human being!

Lets hope that the US use this as a time to stop thinking of their country as 'the' greatest country but 'a' great country amongst great countries and a place where great things are possible. And that we, the world and all human beings, are in this together.