Unfortunately, these types of columns and this type of thinking are the real reasons why the world is destined to be destroyed. People don't want to even think about believing in something that just might be a good thing, or even giving it a chance. People today enjoy more the negative.

parlady, USA,

Wow, I'm learning a lot about the British people. Not at all what I thought.

parlady, USA,

Obama is black, half black. That shouldn't really have anything to do with whether he is qualified to be the president or not, but our lovely American "friends" have made this into a racial thing... like they always do. Obama is just ANOTHER president, playing by the SAME political rules.

Amanda, Shanghai, China

Princess Diana style hysteria must stop for the sake of our mental health. Wouldnt it also be a bigger blow to racism if we could manage to greet his election with the usual mixture of hope and cynicism we manifest after US elections. Oh and a little bit of actual reporting would be nice.

I O'Brien, Brussels, Belgium

At a time in this country when racism has become politically incorrect, I am terribly disappointed and confused that THIS race became exactly that. He is nothing more than a man who is half black AND half white. I feel as if he is the president of black americans only. Why am I being left out?

Elizabeth N, Redding, USA

How dare you let reality intrude upon euphoria! We've bought our lottery ticket, let us dream it's the winner before we realize we matched only one or two numbers. We'll know we have a loser soon enough; please allow us to lie to ourselves until reality insists upon intruding on our slumber.

Tito, Norcross, GA, USA

What is important is that the marginalized in every society in every part of the world can now see possibilities that they could never imagine before. If Obama can be the leader of the world's most powerful nation, why not a Jew leading Germany, an Aborigine leading Australia, and on and on and on.

Dennis N Arashiro, Anchorage, USA

He won't break mine because i wasn't swept up in this false adulation. The same happened when Blair came to
power...we've seen it all before and it ends in tears.
I think most people believe that the people pick the leaders, WRONG! they are put in power by the NWO, and the gullible fall for it.

Zordana, Bucks,

Nixon won with 80% approval rating and look what happened to him.

Art B, Austin, Texas

Paradigm shift?
Pass the sick bag. Be careful what you wish for...
He got 52% of the popular vote. The black vote was up by 2%. Anyone see a link? This will not be a healing Presidency and the urban liberals will still be at odds with the rednecks. No change. I wish him all the luck in the world.

derek, edinburgh,

You omit, sir, that Barack Obama penned an exceptionally revealing and introspective memoir before he began his political career.

Foreigners (and perhaps a good many Americans) may indeed see Obama as a 'tabula rasa'. However, for those who bothered to read his work, the euphoria is justified.

Edwin, Boston, USA

Brilliant - you've hit the nail on the head. And quelle elegance!

M , Crouch End,

On my side of the world, we were cheering for US who have picked the better man. In a way, we admire the choices they have over "quality" politicians - humble winners and gracious losers amongst others.
sadly we have yet to see such quality choices on my side but we are hopeful.

Sharon , KL, Malaysia

It's actually when a leader possesses the ability to inspire us to not be defeated upon those constraints.....that he (or she) has proven his leadership. Gone are the days, sir, that we are waiting for our leader to magically erase ugliness and challenges. Now we unite to become something ourselves

Lizzie M, Racine WI, USA

President Obama came to be because he is Black and to that extent he really means more than the president of the USA. He is in fact the President of all Presidents of African ancestry and above all the last hope for the Black race to get organised! Black people will have no more excuses after Obama

John Iteshi, London, UK

He gives me hope of higher taxes. Apart from that, I'm not sure -- I think he said he will heal the planet. You go, Big O!

A unifying figure? Only for about 50% of us.

A tough time for any president, but Obama will be a disaster.

Nan, Omaha, NE, USA

You are right, he is just an opportunist!!

mark a, warrington,

Thank you a thousand times for reminding people that Obama is NOT president of the world, and he is NOT the messiah/savior/second coming et. al. I would add to that, he is NOT Martin Luther King, and he is NOT John Kennedy. People need to do their homework on their "leaders" before falling so hard.

{-_-}, Houston, Texas, USA

UK reaction is more euphoric than the US. Obama has become like a rosarch test where people see what they want to see. Obama's main job is to fix the US economy. He also promised to fix healthcare, support Israel and pull out of Iraq. Saving all mankind will have to wait for a second term.

mike smith, NY, USA

Whatever it means to see an American black president, take note. It may not happen again for another fifty or one hundred years, and our descendants may be talking about this long after we have departed the planet.

Eric S, Las Vegas NV, USA

Thank you for reminding the world of this. Even the average American is beginning to feel as if far more is expected of us than we wish were possibe. Most of all, we worry Obama will be so overwhelmed with expectations that he can't meet, and the world will feel he's a failure.

Nancy Hatch, Denver, US

Hear hear Matthew! I'm delighted that Obama's won and admire him greatly, but any suggestion that he's actually a US president rather than world leader/Second Coming is met with the sort of disgust normally reserved for serial killers. I feel, as I did after Di died, bemused at the hysteria.

Ruth , Glasgow , Scotland

What the heck! Some of the sentiments here are those of hate and not hope! Please we are all citizens of this world, Obama was heavily voted by all American races which to me seemed to be the USA! Maccain and S.Palin from what we witnessed from TV that night, their supporters were 99% caucasians?

Duke Thompson, Reading, UK

The negativity here is sickening. I am appalled to hear people talking about Obama like this. He won and he won good and people love him for it. I am proud of him and he will try his best for America and the rest of the world. He 'IS' aware of the challenges that lie ahead, he said so in his speech.

khadijat, Birmingham,

Unfortunately the President does not rule the US, he is more a figurehead type person and I fear people will be sadly disappointed if they think there can be major changes in direction. For sure there will be changes, but not some of the about faces people are hoping for.

Grant, Minusio, Switzerland

To equate worldwide ADMIRATION for worldwide, unreasonable EXPECTATION is faulty. As you've no doubt known and heard, "this is an historic moment" and very few people (i.e. McCain-Palin supporters who booed the concession speech) can NOT get swept up in celebrating such a moment.

joyce, toronto,

One of the TV pundits said it with total accuracy:
"This election may well be decided by those who get their news from People Magazine."

Such has come to sad fruition the dumbing down of American society; we are reaping the fruits of years of the View, Oprah, and TMZ as legitimate sources.

jack hays, west columbia, texas, usa

I noticed that the crowd in Germany and the election night crowd in Chicago both failed to cheer and swoon when Obama mentioned something about (paraphrased) it being up to THEM to improve the world and do something. I think this speaks volumes!

Sherry , Wiggins, MS, USA

style over substance - symptomatic of decline

haralambos, joburg,

It is a pity that the "conservative for life" Mr. Parris cannot put pen to paper without recording yet another gratuitous insult against Mr. Blair. As yet, there is no evidence that Mr. Obama is any cleverer than Mr. Blair - given that prejudice is now off the menu, let's wait and see shall we?

dennis mahoney, camborne, uk

Natalia G. Owens, Atlanta - Thank you. I havent heard anyone else say president of the world except for the writer of this article.
He conquered people and will continue to conquer, and people will continue to be jealous of him.

khadijat, Birmingham,

I think most of you have missed the point. Too many working Americans in the last few years have lost hopes, jobs, pension plans and the ability to send their children to college. Now you want to give them another shot in the foot with your sour forcasts of doom.

wayne livingston, Brunswick, U.S.A.

Everyone enjoy it while you can. Euphoria evaporates when reality intrudes. Remember how euphoric Africans were when African nations were granted independence/majority rule?

Someone has said of O's election: "A lot of people got what they wanted, but they won't like what they get."

Terry L. Walker, Ladson, SC / USA

It just goes to show that with very little talent, virtually no experience in office, making inspiring but vague speeches are not enough: you've got to be black and have the backing of the liberal-left media.

Roger B, Norwich,

Bravo!! Well said, at last. A sensible, down to earth piece stating the facts. Calm down people, are your memories so short and your intellect so ruled by your needy hearts?

laura, London, UK

This article precisely sums up the reason I was extremely sceptical of Obama, and subsequently leaned towards McCain.

Sam, York,

I´m totally agrre with this article. Many people think that everything is going to change now that Obama has won, however, they forget that he is "only" an american president nor a superhero.

Iván, Madrid, Spain

The rest of the world is expecting to have all of their problems solved by a child. He actually said he wanted to make government "cool again". Thats the language of a twelve year old. Whatever faults George Bush has, at least he's a MAN.

Katherine McKinney, Sault Sainte Marie, MI, USA

I wish I could have chosen between 2 other candidates besides McCain and Obama. I felt like all this frenzy is over 'eh' candidates anyway. And now Obama has won...so what? In 4 years we'll have another election. And 4 years after, and 4 years after that...

Michelle, Atlanta, GA, USA

Fasten your parachute straps folks; there will be a long, hard drop. But we'll all live through it and be better on the other side.

Bob Hall, New York, United States

For better or worse - yes he is.

Bob Hall, New York, United States

For those not living in America, who need a teaser about the actual plan (believe me, it exists!), here goes - http://change.gov/agenda/economy/. Click on Agenda for more info and to read other parts of the plan. And who said he's president of the world except the media and writer of this article?

Natalie G. Owens, Atlanta, USA

I am French, UK resident for 32 years, but Obama is more important to me that any French President or British Prime Minister. He is not the President of the world, but the most important man in the world. After the calamitous 8 Bush years, the relief is palpable.

Jacques Pezier, Purley, UK

This article by Matthew Parris is very interesting.
I could never foresee how coul american citizens, so inteligent, be mesmerized for someone like Obama. He is a good person, certainly. But not president of the world and much less the last hope of mankind.
Congratulations Matthew.

Clodoaldo Turbay Braga, Curitiba, Brasil

Obama
Approve 66%
Disapprove 29%

USCongress (DemMaj)
Approve 14%
Disapprove 75%

US Supreme Court
Approve 50%
Disapprove 48%

Barak is but one part of the equation, and were so unhappy with the rest. Can he really stomach change? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Us_government

J Bart Gordon, Haverstraw NY, USA

While I strongly oppose your view that we are a declining power. Thank you for this article, when are people going to realize our gov. is not a dictatorship, one man does NOT control our country, Nancy pelosi is going to use obama like a puppet for her own ends and republicans will gain more seats!

Christina, Omaha, NE, Usa

Spoilsport!

Annelies , guildford, uk

John McCain and Sarah Palin where chosen for one reason and that was to loose, and to give there party time to rebuild for the next election, And it just fortunate that Barack Obama was at the right place at the right time to be elected has President.

Clive, Dartford, Kent

Great article except for the reference to Our Lady.Its business as usual in DC the new media darling outspent his opponents 4-1 Fanny/Freddy anyone? His friends Ayres/ Wright / Farrachan. are pretty scary. I hope when he takes office he'll reliase you don't make the poor rich by making the rich poor

Meg, washington dc, USA

But he is black!

Wheatley, St Pée,

This was the 1st time the world, (via illegal foreign campaign donations) got to "vote" for the American President. The international media has blamed all ills on Pres. Bush, has hailed Dear Leader Obama as the savior of the world. So, what else would you expect?

Gail S, Richardson, TX, US

At last somebody put the whole charade in perspective-well done.It all starts off in euphoria and ends in disaster - I'm surprised it hasn't dawned on the gullible people yet.
They all laughed at Bush when he warned us and told us all we didn't want to hear.
I hope he won't be vindicated.

james allen, manchester, england

Obama has been among the most liberal politicians in the Senate. Stand by for legislation that systematically brings down the US with blatant overtaxation and the death of free enterprise. The US is full of citizens who know nothing of economics. What a sad, sad time when race trumps savvy.

Marion, Ft. Worth, USA

One look at Obama's staff and any delusion that anyone has about his ability to "unite" would be squashed. Rahm Emmanuel was a commando who volunteered to fight in the Israeli army in the 6 day war. Sonal Shah has been named as a supporter of India's Hindu right wing BJP. Nice people!

T Raman, Park Ridge, USA

The only expectations Obama needs to meet are those of his real constituancy, the American people. If he fails to serve OUR best interests we'll kick him to the curb, whatever his race, faster than you can say "cheers".

Stacy, Bernardsville, NJ, US of A

Mr Parris - You are spot-on !!. All expectations will come crashing down for some in the near future ,I certainly hope Mr, Obama doesn't become the puppet of the congress and function solely as a figure head or "token President"

Kenneth E. Hamby, Enterprise Alabama, USA

America needs a fresh start, a renewed positive outlook and a renewal of the optimism of the past. If the world works with Obama and the country unites behind him, anything is possible......wait...(sigh) this is Washington.....Thanks Matthew, my Saturday was going really well...

Bill, New Haven, USA

"He offers a new kind of politics"
LOL
He strikes me as the manchurian candidate.
There really has been a suspension of reality by his voters over here, of what the man is capable of. He'll only get 1 term due to the economy and then let's hope the US can find 2 decent candidates next time around.

joe smith, chicago, usa

I wonder how many of you have seen the recent you tube video of a young black woman exclaiming why she is SO HAPPY that Obama won. In the video she screams, "he's going to pay my mortgage and put gas in my tank."
Matthew, you've made some very good points. Im afraid most people feel this way.

Matt, Athens,GA, USA

If it was possible to bottle a written column, this would surplant apecac ! Magnificent Leader Obama does not have a clue about the real world, or economics. He appoints the Governor of Michigan to his econ team. Michigan is in permanent recession due this woman and it being a Democrat State.

Desmond Taylor, Houston,

People are desperate for change. This is good but it will not come from Obama. You have to change yourself. When YOU change the world changes. Obama is just another puppet.

Alan, Frankfurt, Germany

People should compare the Obama odes to those contrived for Mao by Party hacks. There is an eerie simiilarity. The guilt is not so much in this case Mr. Obama's as it is that of the press and the people.

Brigid Elson, Toronto,

I agree with you whole heartedly - I truly think that at this point he is a world "celebrity", not the president of the world!! Not everyone here voted for him, including me. Unfortunately many who voted for him could not tell you what any of his policies were, just that he was the latest fad.

Kathy Davis, Tennessee, USA

You're right, Matthew, as usual, but let's not forget the really important thing about Obama: he isn't Bush.

Rosemary, Germany,

After you all sober up know that there is no sentiment in this country to continue the largesse of all of our foreign aid. Then we'll see just how wonderful you think America is my dears.

L.A. Seman, Broadview Heights, Ohio, USA

We know it's your job to mix it up and get us poor punters in a lather but really Mr. Obama has only just won his place in the history books, only the really feeble-minded think he's going to sort everything out subito. But, this American president could just be the fulcrum for change in the world.

Vince, Cortona , Italy

First cold shower; His intent to escalate the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan by a reported 100,000, and his plan to get even more European combat soldiers sent there. Another surge that Petraeus will probably champion. The Pakistan border area will be in his sights as well, he stated this.

Tom O'Farrell, Sarnia, Ontario

Matthew how miserable and negative you seem. Of course people don't believe that everything will be sorted by Obama. He even said himself that the government can't solve all problems. He offers a new kind of politics which isn't just about the rich and special interests.

Thandi, London,

He gives us the hope of something better...

Jon, Bristol, UK

Obama is now at the most successful point of his career as president and is more popular now than he will ever be again. Things can only go downhill from here. Most political careers end in failure some spectacularly so.

Alan Trotter, London,

Matthew, I agree with the main thrust of your article however feel that much of the hysteria is due to with the end of the neo-conservative/religious extremism that was evident with the Bush government and was likely to have been continued had Mccain/Palin (especially Palin) won

Charles, Bovingdon, Uk

Thank you for such a sensible article.

Carol, Croydon, UK

"We hope he will have a special place in his heart for [us]."

Translation:

"Gimme a dollar!"

SuzieC, New York NY, USA

Today, Saturday, is election day in New Zealand.

Kenneth Bird, Shrewsbury, United Kingdom

I think you're missing the point, Matthew. Yes, Barack Obama will probably fail at some things. He's only human. However, one of his greatest strengths (although absolutely not his only strength) lies in his ability to inspire. I really believe he can provoke the paradigm shift America needs.

Sophie Gilbert, New York, NY

this is getting embarrassing. well done parris for straightening the line ,as before obama starts lecturing the world ,let him show that he can solve the usa problems. perhaps in a few years, having achieved that, we could take a little more notice.

john haydon rowe, javea,

Oh Matthew, you know how to brings us back down to earth. Let's hope he's not another Blair. We were so badly let down there. For the moment though, we should be glad that the best candidate by far won this election. It's a shame that us Brits don't have someone to believe in.

Jason Dack, Woking, England

Yes, exactly. I have been saying much the same thing for the last week.

Russell, Chiangmai, Thailand