I'm in England, but I was happy when he won :3
I'm glad to be part of history--the first black president.

sweet

Congratulations Obama!

I live in Scotland currently, but I grew up in New York. This is great news!

Well, congratulations to the President-elect and his supporters. May they be as gracious in victory as the conceding candidate was in his defeat last night.

I do hope now that Americans will stop measuring the value of a man by the size of his wallet in the next few years, but I suppose that's a vain hope... but in any case you have a President-elect who doesn't think of your Constitution as an obstacle to be torn down or outflanked, and one who will govern as a leader and not a prophet. He may be inexperienced, and may require an investment of time and patience while he finds his footing on the world stage, but I certainly hope you see a bountious return on that investment in years to come.

And the rest of the world can take a breath now that America will no longer be under the rule of those who wish their Republic was instead an Empire, and of those who see other nations as resources to be strip-mined instead of markets worthy of fair trade.

There's more to freedom than low taxes and cheap firearms. I think you'll be surprised at how much more in the next few years.

-- Steve

While I didn't believe either candidate was good for our country, I am ready to stand behind our newly elected President. I'll continue to say that exceptionally growing the size of government will not make us any better off( both candidates would have), but my congratulations to President-elect Obama.

So, question for you...when in four years the country is worse off then it was before this election, will all of you scream about how Democrats are terrible and they fail, and Obama is a moron?

Furthermore...considering how Bush is blamed for everything that's happened in the past eight years, and the republicans have taken such a beating...why is it Obama only won 52% of the popular vote? By all rights, he should have been well over 60, if not in the 70s...I think it speaks volumes of both candidates.

Lastly, this call of "Obama wins." is just a bit premature. What the press HASN'T told you yet is that the folks overseas in the military HAVE NOT HAD A CHANCE TO VOTE YET. They could, if they voted as a block, technically swing the election. I very much doubt it will happen, but, you never know.

Also, the ballots have not been officially counted yet...that comes later. The results currently are based on exit polls, which may or may not be right...depends on if people told the truth. You would think they would, but...

Just so you know, I found what the reporters in this election did, on both sides, abhorrent. There was clear bias in favor of one candidate or the other, and the American people were lied to. For an example, google democrats and their involvement in the financial crisis. Furthermore, I despise the way the Democrats used the race card. ANY form of criticism of their candidate, and they found a way to tie it to race. IF you don't believe me, remember that it was Democrats who were yelling, when the McCain campaign began running negative ads, "He is dividing the nation with hatred and spite." (Which, considering the facts, is pretty clearly talking about being racist.) No one mentions the fact of how much of the black vote Obama won...but I guarantee you that if McCain was polling numbers of about 97% of the white vote, there would be screams of racism from the African American community.

Lastly, I'll leave you with this. I love my country. Even with Bush as president. However, this election has left a bitter taste in my mouth.

And take a look at the news from Russia, about deploying missles next to Poland...

Joeshie:
My faith in the American public has been temporarily restored.

That'll soon be over, I mean no offence, I support Obama, but I think he will be dead by the end of the 4 years.

So, question for you...when in four years the country is worse off then it was before this election, will all of you scream about how Democrats are terrible and they fail, and Obama is a moron?

Yup, I am not American so in real terms this new guy doesn't really affect me in any real way but it is kinda hard to miss all the news coverage and specifically how everyone seems to think this is going to be some huge new era for America. Yes he's black, yes he's the first black president but he's got a tough time ahead of him. If the whole thing goes south then the only thing significant will be the colour of his skin and to be honest given that we are all supposed to be enlightened and open minded what difference does it make if he is black or not?

Beyond that well done to him but you can only judge how significant his election is / was based on what he does over the next four years.

All this talk about no experience...Aren't you in the situation you're in now because of a man with 8 year's experience of being President?

No wonder Obama got in, personally I'd have voted for a magic 8 ball at this point, at least one of those has a chance of a right decision occasionally.

I do worry that America is in now in trouble, and Obama and his team of advisors ( and damn guys, can we remember its not just him making every decision while he's in power, he has armies of advisors and researchers behind him, and hey, some of them are white! ), he's going to have a lot of work to pull the US out of the rut it is in, and people will need to remember he's going to have to do some unpopular things to turn the place around.

There again, I'm personally in favour of tax rises to help a nation recover. Wasn't it Bill Hicks who said 'damn man, I'll pay the extra quarter on a gallon of gas if it means we don't have to go napalm a few more villages full of brown people'.

I know I've mentioned black n white, but really, Obama is a figurehead really, not the sole guy in control of the world, and unless the entire Democrat party was entirely black, I don't think you can say he's gonna do 'black' things or stuff like that.

It's not like the Republican party passed laws banning pretzels after all.

hahaha, the magical 8 ball thing is the quote of the day! i hope obama lasts these tough years. he's got the power to change your country for the better, which he no doubt will. it's just a question whether someone will assassinate him before that happens. i hope not, but it's hard to stop 'terrorists'.

Thus starts the beginning of the end...

i've jeard theres already been a few assasination atempts on obama. even before he was president

Yes yes Obama won congrats, you deserve a snickers if you supported him. For those of us who didnt, well there is always 2012.

Whats pissing me off right now are all these people outside of the United States congratulating America like it was a good dog and throwing us a treat. While its nice to be reminded that unlike other countries elections, ours actually attract the attention of the entire world, it just gets under my skin when people from one country talk about politics in another country like they actually have some clue about what is best for that country.

Now all he has to do is live up to his insanely inflated expectations! Heres hoping!

Damned CIA i think their behind most of the assasinations. like kennedy

theEstablishedToad:
Damned CIA i think their behind most of the assasinations. like kennedy

'

Oh please just stop, the last thing I need is a conspiracy nut right now.

Two historical big events in my life:

The new millennium :D

The first African American president.

I was terrified of that Palin bitch.

oh please stop, the last thing i need is some patriotic redneck who loves republicans

Heh I hated them both and now it's over. Liked Mccain a bit more though since he seemed to have more.... personality than Obama

Happily till obama screws up though I'm gonna get some NEW AND INTERESTING NEWS!

whoot that the reporters are going to have to find something ELSE to report on.

Okay I have seen some mis-information and questions on what Obama stands for. Now I say ignore what he says and look at what he has done. Through these sites you can find lots of information that should answer any of your questions.

Information on him
http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=9490

Voting record in congress (full)
http://www.votesmart.org/voting_category.php?can_id=9490

Voting record on major issues (condensed)
http://www.ontheissues.org/Barack_Obama.htm

A fun test but I don't think it has much in the way of accuracy
http://www.selectsmart.com/president/2008.html

I like how people hated America for their leader.
Hate the people for not voting. I think the voter turnout this year was, what, 4 Million?
There are towns here that have DOUBLE that number.

Ice Storm:

Bulletinmybrain:

Ice Storm:
Ugh, disappointing. Obama winning makes me question America. *sigh*

Yep lets vote for the guy with zero experience while we are on the edge of recession! Yeah!

Indeed.

Id rather have an inexperienced guy who can learn than a guy who will diie pretty soon and leave barbies mother in charge...

theEstablishedToad:
oh please stop, the last thing i need is some patriotic redneck who loves republicans

That has nothing to do with being Patriotic, why would the CIA, people who work for the president, and are PAID BY HIS OFFICE, kill him?

If you're going to be a good little conspirator, blame The Masons, or the Illuminati, like every other conspirator.

Duskwaith:

Ice Storm:

Bulletinmybrain:

Ice Storm:
Ugh, disappointing. Obama winning makes me question America. *sigh*

Yep lets vote for the guy with zero experience while we are on the edge of recession! Yeah!

Indeed.

Id rather have an inexperienced guy who can learn than a guy who will diie pretty soon and leave barbies mother in charge...

That's why McCain seemed very energetic, and had no health concerns except for a minor case of skin cancer (Which, LOLOL isn't hard to cure nowadays).
Stop parroting biased news.
That said, I voted for Bob Barr.

Acervusvlos:
I like how people hated America for their leader.
Hate the people for not voting. I think the voter turnout this year was, what, 4 Million?
There are towns here that have DOUBLE that number.

It will certainly be interesting to see what percentage of eligable people voted in the US this year what with all the media hype about the elections.

meece:

Acervusvlos:
I like how people hated America for their leader.
Hate the people for not voting. I think the voter turnout this year was, what, 4 Million?
There are towns here that have DOUBLE that number.

It will certainly be interesting to see what percentage of eligable people voted in the US this year what with all the media hype about the elections.

In my opinion, it's unfortunate, but my generation (Late 1980's, early 1990's) mostly voted for Obama. I wish they would realize a few things about his policies that ARE inevitable (Such as prices being raised to compensate for his tax plan), but, whatever. People can be happy, and in four years, I'll try to get a Libertarian in power.

i literally jumped for joy when i heard......

Seekster:
Whats pissing me off right now are all these people outside of the United States congratulating America like it was a good dog and throwing us a treat. While its nice to be reminded that unlike other countries elections, ours actually attract the attention of the entire world, it just gets under my skin when people from one country talk about politics in another country like they actually have some clue about what is best for that country.

Screw that... though I honestly believe that the neo-conservatives did America no favours on its own merits, in most cases that's not the reason us "furriners" are sending congratulations. I suspect the reason most of the world is rejoicing at an Obama victory is that they're hoping this guy won't deal with other nations according to the previous administration's "squeal like a pig, boy" school of diplomacy. Roveian politics treated the rest of the world as a treasure bag to be looted as quickly as possible, with no consideration of long term effects and a naive worldview in which "for us or against us" were fixed instead of dependant upon fair dealing.

The reason much of the world watches is, frankly, you've got our money; we've given it to you in the form of trade deficits and international lending. If you default, we're hosed, so in our opinion you have a fiduciary duty to us and we're exercising due oversight.

I'd also deeply appreciate it if Yanks would leave off the "American supremecist" rhetoric; y'know, we have patriots who love our countries too who don't appreciate the arrogance and narrow-mindedness inherent in that position. Canada, for one, has spent the past couple centuries fighting damned hard to not become the "51st state", including two full-blown wars... and we don't share that "shining city on a hill" clap-trap so beloved by those wrapping themselves in the Stars and Stripes.

Deal with us as friends, instead of balky servants, and maybe we won't feel so much schadenfreude over the downfall of your far right lunatic fringe.

-- Steve

Been following the campaigns for a few months over the internet, here in Sweden and I'm glad to see Obama becoming the new President.

Congratulations America!

I wonder if they will make Barbie Palins?

Anton P. Nym:

Seekster:
Whats pissing me off right now are all these people outside of the United States congratulating America like it was a good dog and throwing us a treat. While its nice to be reminded that unlike other countries elections, ours actually attract the attention of the entire world, it just gets under my skin when people from one country talk about politics in another country like they actually have some clue about what is best for that country.

Screw that... though I honestly believe that the neo-conservatives did America no favours on its own merits, in most cases that's not the reason us "furriners" are sending congratulations. I suspect the reason most of the world is rejoicing at an Obama victory is that they're hoping this guy won't deal with other nations according to the previous administration's "squeal like a pig, boy" school of diplomacy. Roveian politics treated the rest of the world as a treasure bag to be looted as quickly as possible, with no consideration of long term effects and a naive worldview in which "for us or against us" were fixed instead of dependant upon fair dealing.

The reason much of the world watches is, frankly, you've got our money; we've given it to you in the form of trade deficits and international lending. If you default, we're hosed, so in our opinion you have a fiduciary duty to us and we're exercising due oversight.

I'd also deeply appreciate it if Yanks would leave off the "American supremecist" rhetoric; y'know, we have patriots who love our countries too who don't appreciate the arrogance and narrow-mindedness inherent in that position. Canada, for one, has spent the past couple centuries fighting damned hard to not become the "51st state", including two full-blown wars... and we don't share that "shining city on a hill" clap-trap so beloved by those wrapping themselves in the Stars and Stripes.

Deal with us as friends, instead of balky servants, and maybe we won't feel so much schadenfreude over the downfall of your far right lunatic fringe.

-- Steve

While I don't share Seekster's sentiment, I think you may have misunderstood him. To me, the implication wasn't that America was superior to other countries, merely that other countries were patronizing us, as though we were an errant child that had finally listened to Daddy.

Personally, I see only compliments from concerned friends.

theEstablishedToad:
oh please stop, the last thing i need is some patriotic redneck who loves republicans

They see me trollin', they hatin'...

quickpaw:

Bulletinmybrain:

Ice Storm:
Ugh, disappointing. Obama winning makes me question America. *sigh*

Yep lets vote for the guy with zero experience while we are on the edge of recession! Yeah!

Yeah lets vote for the guy who wants to start another war and give tax cuts to the wealthiest people.*emphasis on the sarcasm*

Alright, let's pretend that both candidates have risks and benefits, and that squabbling over it now would accomplish nothing. Yay pretending!

Black Lincon:
I'm sure this will be one of the ten treads to pop up about this but seeing as they haven't yet, at least not to my knowledge, I feel the need to tell you all. I'm kind of wondering about the reactions from all of you. if you are a McCain supporter, please don't rant, accept defeat gracefully like I'm sure McCain will.

Just quoting the first post to essentially open my string into this thread of conversation. Personally, I'd prefer Obama's plan to McCain's, and I'm glad he's projected to win it. That being said, I'm curious to see how much of this Hope he's been pushing is going to come out now that he's in the hot-seat (IE, the Oval Office).

Ultimately, I think this is probably for the better, but it's faaaar too early for me to say for sure.

Footnote:
People who are making a big deal out of the first Black President are making a bigger deal out of this than it should be. Obama's got a clean slate to me, he's a president, done. If he screws up, it won't bar me from electing a different black person years down the road, nor will it make me never vote for a black dude again.

I judge people on their character and qualities, not their genetic history. Or gender, for that matter.

Seekster:
Yes yes Obama won congrats, you deserve a snickers if you supported him. For those of us who didnt, well there is always 2012.

Whats pissing me off right now are all these people outside of the United States congratulating America like it was a good dog and throwing us a treat. While its nice to be reminded that unlike other countries elections, ours actually attract the attention of the entire world, it just gets under my skin when people from one country talk about politics in another country like they actually have some clue about what is best for that country.

New rule: those who voted for Bush in the last two elections should stop talking about things like what's best for our country. I go into fits of laughter that are very hard to stop.

The reason Obama didn't get more than 52% of the popular vote is because this is less about race and more about science vs anti-science. The Evanglists voted McCain, but in some odd miracle didn't win it for him like they won it for Bush. McCain pushed pro-life and Christianity so hard it won the votes of everyone who couldn't see past their faith.

Not to be any way for or against anything I said here, but really, this election came down to Palin being perfect religious soccer mom and McCain feeding off it like a plague and Obama being something fresh and new that all the younger generation wants. We did a vote in my history class and out of 30 students (only one IB history class) only 2 would vote Republican, and the election followers on the other side of the room were looking for fresh meat. Course, this is Canada.

Summary: This election was a lot about secularism and striving towards it.