To Annie from South Boston:

Actually, there have been only 42 white men elected as one of our 43 Presidents. Grover Cleveland was elected as our 22nd AND 24th President, interrupted by Benjamin Harrison as the 23rd.

Bill Allen, Lincoln, United States

Obama is Jimmy Carter (Mark 2); coming to a state near you!

v.gerrard, Dublin, Ireland

To Annie, South Boston, Mass., USA.
While there has been 43 presidents, only 42 men have actually been President. Grover Cleveland served two non-consecutive terms and is counted as both the 22nd and the 24th president. All presidents after the 23rd have their official listing increased by one.

Glen, Seattle, USA

Can Obama make the American dream come true? it will take time to rebuild & reshape America. His message is like the Kennedy's. He's visionary, he is not a member of Scul & Bones..So he needs to step up his security & mix the security.His acceptance speech is on 28.8.08 he need security to be tight

Daphne Kenward, Cambridge, UK

i am an american citizen and we here are greatful for your interest in our presidental race but it is more than mr obama being a black man he is hope. i am 29 years old and the young people of the usa are ready for change and we are voting in record numbers with the grace of god it will happen

lashawn bell, chicago, illinois

I did not think it likely that I would live to see this day in American politics. Born in the heart of the south as a white man and many years later married to a black woman (with two mixed children), I have personally been living the American dream and this is important progress on many levels.

Alexander, West Palm Beach, USA

Obama's humiliating and servile speech to AIPAC today demonstrated that the Jewish Lobby is as powerful as ever and controls both parties, Congress and the Senate.

Pandering to this undemocratic organization, he couldn't bring himself to say that Israel must get out of the occupied territories.

Flint Redford, Brooklyn, New York

To all Britons who like to criticise America, do you think any political party in Britiain will ever nominate a Black man or woman?

Kathleen, North York, Canada

Obama is constantly referred to in 'metaphor' terms.
Maybe he turned into one after writing 'that' book about a Father he never really knew rather than about the real people who brought him up..
The book relied on the constant use of them to 'pump up the volume'.

Prudence Eely Bond McGuire, London, England, UK.

I am a 63-yr. old Southern white male, who grew up in Texas red-neck country, and whose great-grandfather was a Confederate soldier. I am extremely proud of my country today, and I hope to see Obama in the White House. Obama/Clinton in '08!

Vic, Austin, USA

He should win the election as he knows the issues better than McCain. His speach opposing the Iraq war and predicting all the problems was great. He said he wasn't opposed to all wars, but he was opposed to the 'dumb war' being proposed by the the 'arm-chair warriors' of the Bush administration.

Sofie, Bristol, UK

I believe that Obama represents something beyond the "American Dream" -- the American "Vision". The vision harkens back to Thoreau and Whitman and includes Eleanor Roosevelt. In today's parlance, thinking outside the box. You need a 21st century thinker to face 21st century issues.

Patrick, Toronto, Canada

Why do we need to apologize for the last 20 years, James from London- the Clinton years weren't so bad for Britain, were they?; I don't have a problem with my next door neighbors, John from London; Valerio, I'm 2nd gen. Irish- what guilt? And finally, we've had 43 white men as presidents, not 42.

Annie, South Boston, Mass., USA

Doug, in January of this year oddsmakers favored Hillary by a wide margin. Lets hope they got it right this time around.

I'm very fond of this man and the leadership he brings to the table, as well as his favorable appeal globally. Obama for president!

Patrick, San Antonio, TX, US

If I lived in America, as I did as a student, I would personally congratulate and thank Barack Obama for his courage, and great achievement.

ggnicholson, Le Mont Pelerin, Switzerland

Why would somebody's skin color determine their chances of President unless we are truly a prejudiced nation. And if we are that prejudiced then who is likely to become President? It appears now that whatever happens in November could be much more divisive than 2000.

David, North Carolina, US

That's blown it, then.No way the Tennessee rednecks are going to vote for Obama. The hysterical right wing of the (already right wing) Republican party will now systematically destroy Obama by fair means or foul, and the world will have to tolerate yet another sabre-rattling lame duck President.

CB, Caracas, Venezuela

Compared to the perception here in the UK, America seems to give you a chance, if even they don't exactly want to live next door to you!

That's all I'd want.

John, London,

To Valerio of London - You are wrong. Americans might feel some guilt for our parents past discrimination, but this is a new time, and voting for a President is not taken that lightly. Barack deserved his votes, because he will be the best man for the job.

Michael, LA, US

November is still a long way off - the Republicans have had 3 months campaigning on their rivals. Obama still has to persaude the poor white/redneck vote to support him - my money is on McCain by a whisker. I hate to say it but the only person who could have won convincingly this year was Hillary.

Timothy, London,

I agree that this is a "continuation" of our history. The USA has had a unique history. No country in history has had the diversity we have with the equality we have. Democracy is a process is doesn't happen over night. Slowly but surely we are achieving a more perfect nation.

Logan, Huntington, W.Va., USA

Valerio London

The Perfect post !!! Summed up superbly !

Dave, Lincoln,

Neither of the presidential candidates looks good to me, a leftie democrat and a warmonger republican, great.

Then we can't talk over here either can we, but at least the US is decent enough to have an election to give them a choice.

We get foisted with a bloke NOBODY wanted.

David, St Albans, UK

An articulate, inspiring, left-wing black US president could just be the most powerful reconciling force the post Cold-War world has had the good fortune to stumble accross. Let's pray that in the future the last 20 years are seen as a dark blot on the copybook of American history.

james, London, UK

As a white, middle class, catholic and midwest American, born and raised, I am so proud to be part of this 'change we can beleive in.' I am also looking forward to being viewed in a positive light by the world when we elect Barack Obama as our next president. Please forgive us for the last 8 years

josh, Lincoln, USA

If Obama was 100% white nobody will consider him. Black people vote for him because is black and white people vote for him because they feel guilty.

Valerio, London,

Dear Phil Allsop, optimism indeed but, step back and look what happened in the UK in 1997 - the electorate were similarly fired up about Blair and his cronies and look where they've landed us!

Anyway, I wish the USA well and really hope Obama leads the way - a very tall order indeed.

Shirley Bowen, Blackpool, UK

It amazes me that some still bring up Iraq !! .... It was wrong and still is wrong no matter how you portray it. Obama will be a breath of fresh air for America and perhaps if he does win the presedential race the rest of the world may begin to stop hating all that America stands for. You need Obama

Mark Websper, Margate, England

To straight talk - McCain - you are running for Bush third term. We need Obama to lead this country.

To Hillary supporters we welcome you to our home.

Deborah, Hyattsville, MD, USA

What you are saying is that America is still too racist to elect a black President. I disagree. While I will admit that there are plenty of racists in America, almost all of them belong to the Republican Party and would not have voted for Obama even if he was white.

Rick, Helsinki,

While the Republicans and others are hoping that the race will turn on race, it is only because they live in a racist bubble that such a racist belief can be justified and considered plausible.

Rick, Helsinki,

Arithmetic is a discipline within the Mathematic field, an a priori science. Political science on the other hand is a discipline dealing with human behaviour. It is therefore questionable if we can learn much from the Smith-JFK example. Perhaps that would JFK lived 30 years he would be elected then

Erik, Gothenburg, Sweden

I have mixed thoughts about Obama. On one hand, I would be thrilled if he were to become the new US president, on the other I also feel anxiety when considering how he will cope with the pressures of hopes, expectations and resistance he will then face locally and globally. Good luck my man!

Ayan, UK,

Let's look at the UK before we judge America. Correct me if I am wrong but I have never seen a non-white Prime Minister?And aren't the current group of high ranking Tories mostly old Etonians? Can we really say they got there because of merit or because of whom they were born to? God Bless the USA

Lauren , London,

The United States is clearly going the same way that us 'intelligent' Europeans are going.
We all love to support the weak, under represented, minority groups. We have all been brain washed by the mass media.
China and India will be wiping the floor with us all, within 20yrs time.
James Bradley

James Bradley, Southampton,

The 'American Dream' is that all men are equal before God. This vision has driven America, although not without notable failures, since its founding. With all respect, the dream is not about electing a president on the basis of race or gender. If such is anyone's dream, it would be the Europeans'.

Bosco, Harrisburg PA, USA

Those who doubt Obama's chances of winning need only consult the bookmakers. They rarely get it wrong. He so far in front of McCain that he'll win by the length of the straight. Go, you good thing!

Doug Garnett, Gunnedah, Australia

Sour dough from a baker. You end on a sour note Baker.
You were always for a Hillarious victory. But Hillarity aside, do note Obama is half white, has an extended family from 3 continents, etc, etc. He is not your average African American presidential candiadte. Indeed, "Half and Half" might win!

Irfan, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Barack Obama is the most articulate, insightful, honorable American statesman since Abraham Lincoln. He is one who can change the world for the better.

Gary Ray Betz, Dunwoody, Georgia, USA

Diane,NYC, we are not voting for a party, we are voting for the man who has given a voice to our hopes, who has inspired
a nation to care for the future of our country and give all of us the desire to work toward a better tomorrow.
McCain does not stand a chance to win in november.

lea, federicksburg, usa

There is hope. There is vision. Soon they will converge when Mr. Obama becomes the leader of the free world. No more will we suffer from intellectually vacant, cowboy diplomacy. Somewhere in our sad, twisted world the voice of reason has been rekindled and for that we should all be very thankful.

Reynolds Chase, San Diego, CA, USA

The answer is in the air -- just sample the electricity in the hall when Obama speaks . . . . and compare that with the Bush/McCain climate. Now where would you put your chips?

Robert , Bellingham, USA

I don't care that he's black ... I care that he's green. Obama is too inexperienced to lead the US. The stakes are too high. We need straight talk and practical solutions.

Pat, Los Angeles, USA

Barack wasn't in the Senate to cast a vote for the war in Iraq, so he is in no position to say that he was against it... Again, more talk, no action; if he isn't on a ticket with Hillary, then I'm not going to the polls to vote.

Joshua Padgett, Elon, NC, USA

one comment suggests that the british press should "mind it's own business". on the contrary, it is vital we all take an interest as we've all seen too clearly that american policy has a direct impact on all our lives - for good and bad. you should be pleased we do care who leads your country...

stephen, china, china

GO GO Obama Go Go America; Whent he change becomes real , My 60th birthday anniversary will be spent in America, that will be January 30th 2009.America show the world that anything is possible as long as you are a human being..

Abdul, Calgary, Canada

The Brits just love to pour scorn a meritocracy they don't have. Barak Obama represents not just one talented man with the ability and strength to be President, but the hopes and dreams of millions in the US who have hungered for systemic change for the past couple of decades

Phil Allsopp, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA

The answer in a word is: No. The Democrats have thrown away the election. And as a Republican, I can only be glad.

Diane, NYC,

Barack Obama is the man for our time to right the course of our nation. And yes we can accomplish this working together!

Martin, Chicago, USA

It is indeed a long path for Obama to travel, but one in which many Americans, especially those under 40, are aware is entirely possible. The last 8 years have awoken our faith in everything America is and should be, and Obama is the manifestation of our faith in our country. He will win big in Nov.

Dan, New Haven, Connecticut, United States

Balderdash? Balderdash is to have a chamber of hereditary lords. I don't like Obama but his nomination is no a "break" with American History but a continuation of it. I think the British press should mind their own business as there is plenty to meddle about. Comment but don't judge.

Fabio C, London, UK

Re Obama's "somewhat questionable friends"-acquaintances would be closer to the truth. McCain is surrounded by lobbyists & has been for years. He was also involved in the Savings &Loan scandal of the 80s. Obama is an extremely intelligent capable & honest man.

He can win without Clinton.

Joann Heniff, Fox Lake, IL, USA

I'd like to be able to think that the US electorate would be able to vote for a non-white or a woman to be president, and for supporters of one to vote in enough numbers for the other. But reality bites. It looks from here that McCain will almost win by default.

Dean Sole, Wellington, New Zealand

Give it time. There is too little truth and too much fantasy in this to be anything other than another "mission accomplished" moment.

Malafry, Victoria, Canada

I am an American an it will be my first time voting this November. My family has been in the country for several generations. Nevertheless, I always felt like a "Hyphenated-American" until today. I am glad to see my nation become what it always claimed to be. Granddad would be proud.

j, maryland, USA