Gladys, remember all those poor, mostly black but many white, American's floating dead down the Mississippi a few years ago following Katrina ?

Do you think they all just turned up after George Bush became President ? No ! they had lived like that, in absolute poverty, under TWO Bill 'I wish I'd done more for African-Americans' Clinton terms in office.

The Clinton's have no truck with black people which is probably the reason black Americans were so absent in the Whitehouse during Clinton's reign of power.

Angela, London, UK

I fear for him ! America is stuffed to the hilt with conservatives.

Dave, Knysna,

In 50 years of watching the US elections, it is wonderful to see Mr. Obama, a gifted man, present himself to the US as a candidate who is by any measure head and shoulders above the rest of the field.

The last time I felt that about a candidate was in 1968 with Bobby Kennedy.

We all remember the terrible night of 4th June 1968, and I fervently hope that the US security services will manage to keep all candidates safe from medmen until the new president takes office.

Ottorino, Wiltshire, UK

Its fantastic to see a minority candidate lead the presidential race, and bringing a little dignity and hope back to American politics to boot. Now, if only there was a woman running too...

Peter, Norwich,

Anyone who does not have the strength of character to turn down drugs should never be considered as a presidential candidate.

sarah, New York,

If only I had a right to vote in US, Obama would have a vote more.
If he does half of what he promises, world will become a much better place - this election will have major impact not just on US, but on world politics.
Luckily, seems like Americans are finally waking up, and may be able to salvage some of their tattered reputation.
If Hillary starts to fight dirty, that will just make it easier for people to decide.
Go Obama!

denis, london,

A woman will not be president of the U.S for a long time to come. Many states are simply too sexist to vote for a woman, believing a woman's place to be in the home. This may stem from strong religious beliefs. In Britain Christianity has become quite obsolete, and so has the expectation that woman should be home keepers. I watched a programme about the elections in America, and there were lots of interviews with meek, brainless women from Iowa, all saying that their husbands made all the important decisions, and so they would only trust a man as president. Obama is full of rhetoric, is entirely uncharismatic (sounds like a yokel), and would not be such a big deal if he had a white face and was a bit older. Typical that Americans would be conned by him, idealistically opting for a slick image rather than logically voting for a solid, experienced and talented candidate.

Tam, Northants, U.K

Obama is getting my vote.
I want a major change. Clinton is just "More of the Same" in U.S. government. Even though she carries a Democrat title, she is still part of the "Good Old Boy" network.

joe, Peoria, AZ

as a 30 year old white CA lawyer, I will be voting for Obama. Hillary's statement that Obama has "false hopes" is extremely telling. . . her imagined universe of what government is doesn't encompass that which obama will operate in. America needs to operate from a completely new palette. Hillary doesn't fill this need, Obama does. In this case, Hillary's supposed "experience" is a hindrance, not a benefit.

Sean, san diego, ca usa

As an intelligent American, all I desire in a leader is an individual who makes decisions based upon a deliberated weighing of evidence rather than "gut feel" or "god's will", and a leader who has proven ability in evaluating disparate positions and seeing the logic and flaws in both. . . I believe that Obama is that man, and that is why I will vote for him.

sean, san diego, ca use]

As an old white woman, I will be voting for Senator Obama. He brings 11 years of experience in public office, impressive educational credentials, three years as a community organizer, ten years as a civil rights lawyer and professor of constitutional law. He has been endorsed by sixty foreign policy experts and demonstrated incredible judgment in speaking out against the Iraq war. He inspires people to unite to form a majority to overcome the Washington lobbyists and take our country back. Please join us, Gladys!

Patty, San Francisco, CA

as a young black woman... still will be voting for hillary.. hillary clinton is the best choice for my country!!!!

Gladys, manchester , NH