It seems the winds of political change are about to blow in the US and the UK. A mixed race, democrat president leading the US and possibly, a white, upper class tory leading the UK. If it does happen, it will be fascinating to see how this chemistry will work. Exciting times ahead indeed!

Lois, Freetown , Sierra Leone

'The men behind the curtain'.
That must surely be the Wizard(s) of Oz?.

Prudence Eely Bond McGuire, London, England ,UK

I have no problem with people being 'negative' about Obama. He is a professional politician and we should treat him with the same degree of scepticism as any white middle class male aspiring to be President. Those who have suspended their critical faculties are in for a major disappointment.

Mark, Berkhamsted,

"However, Obama should heed the last lines of the character played by Robert Redford in the film, 'The Candidate (1972).
After winning the Presidental Election he laments -'Marvin-
what do we do now?' "

I am sure that the 'men behind the curtain' will tell him what to do.

Ken Hall, Barrow in Furness, UK

Before you all prematurely grant Obama the nomination, I wonder if the rumours are true of a "hate whitey" tape emerging of Michelle Obama that the right wing bloggers are promising will derail the Obama campaign entirely?

Ken Hall, Barrow in Furness, UK

To the Europeans who attempt to reduce Obama's winning the nomination to ridicule, perhaps they should look to their own government. To this American, the growing fascism in the EU is nothing to be proud of. Obama has strong policy positions, try reading his platform to educate yourself.

Jenny, Grand Rapids, MI, US

The Clinton line is that Obama is all rock star and rhetoric. That is an insult to all the senators, representatives, governors and DNC members who are arguably in a better position to judge him on his merits. Hillary Clinton is ungracious, ill-advised, stubborn and arrogant.

Kristi Apple, Puyallup WA, USA

As though the French system has achieved anything in the last 100 years. Let alone the last year. Judge on results ...
As for the millions, the EU spends more in a year on translators than the US does in four years to choose its leader. Now, which of those is worthier?

Luke, Shanghai,

Greg from Switzerland, you are being so unfair to us in the US. I'm in my fifties and was born in an era where I was taught racial equality. Most Americans would love to elect a black president and end this race nonsense once and for all. But Senator Obama promises to be another Jimmy Carter.

John Drake, Richmond, USA

If this is the only way to get people's attention. I say, well done America!
However, Obama should heed the last lines of the character played by Robert Redford in the film, 'The Candidate (1972).
After winning the Presidental Election he laments -'Marvin-
what do we do now?'
Yes indeed!

Prudence Eely Bond McGuire, London, England ,UK

It is sad to see people who post on this blog so negative and doubtful of Obama. It is obvious that this man is a genius and has the right stuff to make a damn good president if not the best we've ever seen. Let's just put it plain and simple, they're just not ready to see a black man lead. Pittiful

Greg / Switzerland, Zurich, Switzerland

Never seen so little policy debate and so much based on image.
Those cheering Obama just because he's black are as pathetic as the other bigots on george dubya's side...
This is not politics, it's not debate, it's like a boxing match only each side needs tens of millions...pathetic system......

Rob, Paris, France

Now the pandering can REALLY begin! American politics (as shown in the novel the Polity of Beasts) is about catering to the lowest motives: not what is good for the country, but what's good for YOUR group, specifically. This will only worsen as we continue the march toward "diversity"--disunity.

Craig Eliot, New York, USA

For many Americans, your analogy between Rodney King and Barack Obama could not be more mistaken. Rodney King was, and is, a drug addicted felon. Barack Obama is a successful liberal organizer. However, he simply has no experience, and should not be the leader of the Free World.

Earnest E. Bliss III, Whitehouse, Ohio, USA

Rod, are you saying that in order to prove that divisions have healed one must vote against their own race? I'm not sure that makes any sense. It seems that the best way to reconcile race/class/gender divisions is to treat all equally and simply vote for the best candidate.

Christy Wahlen, Louisville, USA

Congratulations to Senator Barack Obama, his wife Michelle and his two little sweeties......

To Ann Dunham and Barack Obama, Sr., ....I hope you are smiling upon and very proud of your son.............

Congratulations to all of Obama's team everywhere in the U.S. and its territories and MT!!

MGopher, Missoula MT, USA

I think if anyone can unite this country and make it better - it's Obama. Just look at the grace he gave to Hillary even as she was very nasty, at times, to him. He even covered for her for that Robert Kennedy remark which was intentional. He is a wonderful human being.

julescator, tinton falls, nj, usa

I'm a 43 year old educated white female from Tallahassee, Florida. This is a proud day for America. I am looking forward to casting my vote for Barack Obama this November. As he has repeatedly stated, change will not come easily. But with the right leader, it is achievable.

D.M. Whipp, Tallahassee, USA

"Nixonland" plays to a vital belief in our liberal elite, that everything bad in America issues from the evil Nixon and his racist Southern Strategy.

Burke understood the culture war 200 years ago. It's the Jacobin lawyers against the eternal contract between the dead, the living, and the unborn.

Christopher Chantrill, Seattle, USA

We need Hillary to unite the Democratic Party and win the election in Nov. I don't think we can take a chance on Obama against McCain. WE NEED HILLARY!!! I'd love to see Bill roaming the halls of the White House. There must be a role for him abroad that "everybody" would enjoy seeing him in.

Janet , Trinity, Florida, USA

I, too, believe deeply that America made a seismic shift last night. Somehow the entire world did. We'll be making news for some time, us Yanks, making this world the most possible place for all of us, methinks.

Dean Rosenthal, Florence,, U.S.A.

I sincerely hope that this occurence rekindles the faith that our friends in Europe used to have in our country. It should be understood, and I sincerely hope it is so, that there is more Obama in the United States than there is Bush. There is more good and understanding than hate or intollerance.

James Bepko, Utica, USA

I think we have another rare opportunity (the last being J.F.K.), to reset our moral compass, reconsider our place on the planet, do away with the uncaring greedmongers who have inhabited Washington and finally focus on the big picture.

Danny Del Rossi, Cedar Park, Tx, U.S.A.

Yes we can! I believe the right one was chosen for the nomination
obama is the that I believe can change America for the better in which we need so desperately right now. This country Is in need for some good honest government, and he the one to do it.
ShirleyRollins,WinstonSalem,USA

Shirley Rollins, WinstonSalem, United States

As an American that has been thoroughly disgusted with George W. Bush for years and ashamed of my country I am praying that Barack will be our next president. In November I'll will be voting for a man whom I believe can heal the wounds of the world. I know that's a tall order but I think he can do i

Lawrence Coleman, New York City, uSA

¨...the world's most responsive democratic system...the superpower that too many of them love to hate...¨

I DISAGREE. READ FOR INSTANCE ¨CONFESSIONS OF AN ECONOMIC HIT MAN¨ or ¨Bad Samaritans: The Myth of Free Trade and the Secret History of Capitalism¨...
VERY FEW ¨HATE¨ FOR THE SAKE OF IT

Daniel, Phoenix, USA

The country is in such a mess. I don't know why anyone would want the job. If he wins, I hope people will be fair and cut him some slack in the beginning. After all, he will inherit all the Republican's dirty work.

Deborah, Portland, USA

Mr Obama apparently gathered overwhelming support from black or part-black voters. If the divisions have healed, why are black and part-black Americans voting along racial lines?

Rod, Perth, Australia

One thing to be said for the Democrats... they know how to keep the Republicans in office.

Francisco Rodriguez, Los Angeles, USA

If nominating a young man only halfway through his first senate term and who's "experience" consists of being a Chicago "organizer" (inspecting bldgs for asbestos) is what it takes to gain the "admiration" of Europe, then I say; keep your admiration. This guy is not ripe.

Jerry, seattle, us