congratulations barrack obama for being the prisident of the usa.

edgar sanchez b., los angeles, CA

Congratulations to you Barack Obama! I pray God's blessings on you and your family. Your daughters are adorable!

Beverly , Kingston, Jamaica,

God s' Bless you Obama and Family. Please leave these adorable children alone! Let them have a real happy childhood. Enjoy the moment girls!!

May the good Lord protect you !!

Raymona, Castries, St. Lucia

God Bless America and may God protect the first family. As for the media who attack children, may God bless and protect you too; but remember, children are sacred and it is an evil person who is capable of attacking children. The Obamas are a good example for all Americans.

God Bless America

Sophia Munoz-Bennett, Brooklyn, USA

Congratulations to Barrack Obama, may god guide you through your endeavours and may you remain level headed and kind. lots of love and support to you.

Stacee, kingston, Jamaica

leave the children alone they are young and there parents and grandmother will take care of them they are so cute and have great parents obama has enough to deal with goin into the white house with our country in the mess it is in thanks to mr bush .god bless this awesome family .

martha , virginia,

Congratulations America,

May healing contiue throughout the coming years and remember it takes one step at a time. Let us by patient while remaining suppotive.

Diana May Bogard, Woodland, USA

Even though it isn't possible and would never happen, I feel that the media should lay off the children of any politician. I felt horrible for Bristol Palin as the media trivialized and made fun of her situation, and shudder to think what people may say about the Obama girl's as they grow up.

Jesse, San Diego, United States

The Obama-girls are beautiful!
God bless them and their wonderful parents!

Donna, Birmingham, Alabama, USA

Now the world will have a fish bowl view of the progress America has made toward racial harmony, are they ready? Can they rise up to the challenge? the world will soon know the truth. May God bless the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, May God bless all nations.

P.S. Africa is a continent.

A.D., Capetown, South Africa

Please be patient with Obama. There's a lot of work to be done. Worst economic crisis since the great depression? This time it's worldwide

Ako John, Abuja, Nigeria

After eight miserable years under the current administration, change had to happen. With the Obama win, we Americans can finally feel proud of our nation and hopefully win back the respect of the world.

Larry Dale, Bradenton FL, US

God Bless America!x

kim, london,

I'm blown away by the reaction of the rest of the world to Obama's election. Do I dare hope that this may be a step toward true world unity? What a beautiful concept to ponder!
GC USA

Gaynel, MO City, USA

No landslide people, far from it. Obama got 52% and Bush got 51% last time. Bottom line 58,000,000 voters voted against Obama with many Republicans staying home, This is still a very divided nation when it comes to the office of President

John Nevius, Auburn,PA, United States

I wonder how many people voted for McCain because he's white? Plenty of them, I bet.

Ross, lancaster, UK

Millions of women voted for Hillary because she's a woman.

No one objected.

Bill Richardson was recommended for VP, because he is Latino and would get the Latino vote.

No one objected.

But if blacks vote for Obama, because he's black, that's racist!

Conservatives. Go figure!

Barney, Boca Raton,

Bill from Wales - everyone is exploring that angle - where have you been? His race is the reason for it is being hailed as such a momentous occasion because of the African-American's are choosing not to just 'moan' about slavery or have a chip on their shoulder but actually to vote and do something

Fiona, London,

Just because Barack is now president of the United States some people say that he is as much white as he is black Would they be saying the same thing if he was a drug dealer.? I think not.

Joyce, kent, England

African-Americans did not vote for Obama because they think he's not mixed-race. They know his mother is white. In the US many mixed-race people (including Obama) self-identify as black.
They voted for him because he is the Democrat candidate. Black Americans trend strongly Democrat!

Stephanie Tohill, London, UK

And to those who say he won the popular vote by the slimmest of margins.

He was the first Democrat to break through the 50% margin since Johnson.
He recived 52%, McCain received 46% (the remainder going to others). Maths not your strong point?

Stephanie Tohill, London, UK

The young girls are beautiful; my hope is that Michelle will be adequately able to shield them over the next 4-8 years. As far as Blacks supporting Obama, Blacks have typically voted for the Democratic candidate for generations, as they have generally been more supportive of human and civil rights.

DC Douglass, Minneapolis, USA

Hi. My Grandma is writing this for me. This is for Sasha Obama. My name is Jenielle Kawena Chang-Ishimura. I live in Kailua Hawaii. I am seven years old and I live in Hawaii. I would like to say to you that if you are ever in Hawaii, I would like to meet you. You seem very nice.

jenielle kawena chang-ishimura, Kailua, HI, USA

Like you said, the girls are level - headed. I dont think it will be a challenge for their parents to keep it that way. Try and be positive and stop trying to poor water on them.

Khad , birmingham,

God Bless our new president. Indeed it seems there is a HOPE for eveyone. He is definately going to bring peace among people and will build good relations with other nations as well.

Rangeeta, New Jersey, United States

well...now it's just the matter of time, right?

Julie , Vancouver,

Michelle Obama and her daughers are beautiful! President-elect Barack Obama is a lucky man, and he knows it!

Ann Miller, Honolulu, HI

I went to an Obama rally with my sister, who last voted in 1972. We spent endless hours watching cable news and checking in with each other. My adult children registered voters, gave money, made phone calls. Election night--fear then hope, joy, laughter, tears. We are white, Southern, & jubilant

Sara, Nashville, TN, USA

Congradulations to Obama. All the very best. Hopefully Obama will do his best to improve US Economy.

Sangeetha, Coimbatore, India

I am very happy to call senator Obama, as President of the United States! I followed the election very closely and was overjoyed when he won! I am anxious to see him in office this coming january. I am proud to be an american!

shira, st louis, united states

Laura, what they mean is that they voted for Obama because America has had 43 white presidents and it's high time there was a non-white. Even so, blacks were backing Hillary Clinton in overwheming numbers, knowing full well he was in the race, until they saw that he was simply the better choice.

Simon, London, UK

Congratulations to Obama. His work as a Community Organiser for Social Justice has born fruit. Now he has the opportunity to create a fairer world. George Bush's policies made America hated throughout the world. Obama's election as President of the United States gives the world HOPE.

Mary Swainson, Perth, Australia

FYI: in America, most "mixed" people w/a Black parent--including Barack Obama--self-identify as "Black". It is not "ignorant" for Obama or anyone else to ID him as "Black." Most Black Americans are "mixed-race," though not w/in one generation, so he doesn't even "look mixed" by American standards.

Jen, Austin, TX, United States of America

African Americans represented 11% of the electorate. A whole bunch of Caucasians, Latinos, Asians, Arab,...voted for Obama.

I have a question for people who fear higher taxes? Who caused us the large deficit that we have to pay off? We can't continue to spend and not pay. It's simple economics.

Joe B., Irvine, California, USA

Sarah Palin is going back to Alaska and back into obscurity, the MAC is going back to the senate, and Joe the unlicensed plumber won't be seeing any more limo rides to fancy speeches. How great is this?

Jeff, Sacramento, California, USA

Sarah Vine wrote

" ... fought his campaign on a family ticket. His wife, Michelle, has of course been crucial; but the role of the couple’s two girls, Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, cannot be underestimated. "

Two bright kids like this can probably distinguish between underestimating and overestimating.

Jayde, Vienna, Austria

Black voters were asked why they were voting.

They answered that it was because they considered Obama to be "black" (ignorantly, he is mixed race), and that's the reason they were voting for him; indeed voting at all for a change.

To ignore this fact, this shameful fact, is deluded.

Laura Roberts, London, UK

What guy got shot in London because he was wearing an Obama t-shirt? I have never heard about this.

candice , Colchester, uk

Tom of London, Mark of Maidstone etc, thank goodness few are as cynical as you. This is a great day for the world, and reinforces my faith in humanity.

Ben, York,

Those saying that millions of blacks voted for Obama because of race are "forgetting" that since the 1960s, 90-95% of the African American vote has been for the Democratic candidate. Last I checked, Kerry, Gore, Bill Clinton, Dukakis, Mondale, Carter, and Kennedy weren't black.

Ann, Chicago, USA

Tom from London, more non-black people voted for him than blacks. That is something to be proud of. Every person, obviously other than you, recognizes him as black. That is not racist. That is fact. Mixed means black and white. Call it what you want but don't hate.

rosie, Los Angeles, USA

A lot of people here have been focusing on the fact that well over 90% of black voters voted for Obama, and, therefore, they must have voted for Obama because of race. What you may not realize is that, because of the party's stand on issues, in most elections 80% to 90% of blacks for Democrats.

Marty, Denver, USA

Congratulations to all the who worked on the Obama Campaign....you did good!

Congratulations to President Elect Barack Obama....want you to know the Michelle was great last Monday in her Las Vegas Rally. She will make a great First Lady!!!!

Pau D, Las Vegas NV, United States

Now a black man will be called Mr. President. We have judged him by the content of his character.
Sunshine, USA,

Tripe.

1. He's not black, he's mixed race.
2. Millions of blacks voted for him because of his skin. That is nothing to be proud of. Judging him on that basis? That's racist.

Tom Franklin, London, UK

Just to enlighten those who are ignorant of the US Presidential electoral results. 4% represents a huge margin in the Presidential vote, typically the popular vote is in the region of a 1% difference. Although I don't agree with it the Electoral College does at least make the difference clear.

Matt S, Norwalk, USA

This, is just not a change happened to America. It is a change a revolution for the whole world. there is no black, white, brown, nothin, we jus people of the world.!! ALL the very best Mr. President

Sangeet, West sussex, UK

I have never, ever cried, or been so happy at hearing an election result before. (I knew I was casting an historic vote, but seeing Jesse Jackson's reaction to the news really brought it home.) I feel as though I finally have my country back.

Sarah Mills, Greenwich, CT, USA

Ben from Nottingham: We're ALLOWED to vote for whomever we choose. Land of the FREE. Remember? Less than 50 years ago a black man would have been called by his first name - no respectful "Mister." Now a black man will be called Mr. President. We have judged him by the content of his character.

Sunshine, USA,

Wonder why we're so silent about the guy who got shot in London because he was wearing an Obama T-shirt.
anne, Cambridge, UK

Perhaps because that's news to a lot of us. I live in London and have never heard of this.

James, London, UK

THIS IS A GREAT DAY TO BE ALIVE!
The local hiphop radio station has converted the format to "Obama Radio" and they're playing inspirational POSTIVE music, which they NEVER do.

"If I Ruled the World" and "I Know I Can be What I Want to Be" instead of songs about murder, cocaine, and diamonds.

Jay, AA County, Maryland, USA

I live in north Denver, and spent the day knocking on doors yesterday. All types live here - old Latino families, white yuppies, and new immigrants. The defining theme of the day was that we can do better as Americans, and I believe that we have. People were openly weeping in celebration....

Glenn Fee, Denver, United States

What does he mean by "change"? Mr Obama needs to get his thinking head on between now and 12/01/09. Otherwise he will have a lot of disappointed voters on his hands. Great speeches now its time to deliver. Tony Blair had the same problem.

des, london, uk

Isn't it ironic and bitter sweet that the one state where the civil rights movement began didn't vote for Barack Obama, and the one person that Obama chose to single out in his acceptance speech who was born a generation after slavey was from that same state - Alabama?

Douglas Cornish, Ottawa, Canada

Electing a black man or woman president is not going to solve the underlying problems with people in America and the world. Electing a black president will not destroy racism, war, and poverty. Human nature can only be changed by the power of God.

Mark, maidstone, UK

At Last! An American president with intelligence.

In this 'enlightened' 21st century, it's farcical that skin colour is still an issue with some people. Maybe they need lessons in anthropology, geography and good old Common Sense!!!!

Patti, Luxembourg, Luxembourg

I am so overzealous about this. It has proven to me certainly that most Americans are similar to us Europeans in their viewpoints. I admit that previously I, and most other Europeans viewed the US and backward and fiercely divided. But you have done the race proud! (By race i mean the Human race).

Oliver, London, United Kingdom,

White, black, mixed - does it matter, African-Amercian, that is even worst, it just shows there is still a divide, just use the word Amercian
Hes only one man, the real hard work will have to be done by the people who have now awaken and taken their first step to unite all Amercians

Pete J, Exeter, England

I just wonder if he has a big enough majority to make that much a difference?

Chris, Manchester, UK

The Yanks do not consider Indiana to be a "southern state."

Jack, Manchester,

The people who have little knowledge of Obama's real policy changes are saying he was elected due to the colour of his skin. What losers they are.

Kazuki, Tokyo, Japan

What a great speech...where has that statesman been these past few months? And the booing in the crowd is a big part of the reason the Repubs lost this one...so un-American. Divisive politics and bad foreign policy have been soundly rejected. God bless Obama!

Jane, Tallahassee, Florida, USA

This election for me was not about race. He is a very intellegent man, who made an intellegent choice for VP. Has made good choices with his life and I believe that we truly need an intellegent person who can listen, learn and lead at the helm. His choices for his cabinet will be equally as wise.

Sarah, Park Rapids, MN, USA

Wonder why we're so silent about the guy who got shot in London because he was wearing an Obama T-shirt. We Brits have a very convenient habit of avoiding the core issue. I sadly don't see any prospect of racism in the UK will change in any way because of this election result.

anne, Cambridge, UK

i feel that it was about time america proved all that it stands for AND IT HAS !
the world being what it is today, globalization and diversified we really needed a president who is a symbol of LAND OF THE FREE.............
i'am hopeful now that America will project its rightful self to the WORLD

samra, houston, USA

Multicultural? Check the facts. He was raised by white people! You know, Euro-Americans.

Mark Horner, St. Louis, USA

Congratulations to Barack and Joe on the agenda for change.

Today is a good day for Humanity.

Richard E, Huddersfield, England

Dear All Other People of the World,

See, we ARE sorry. We didn't all want that Bush guy.
Now we will send you all flowers.

Friends?

Thanks,

Bill Fishkin, Chico, CA

To our British cousins: let's see YOU elect a black prime minister!

John, Lafayette, US

Never have I been this proud to call myself and my son, Jude, am American! This to be sure is a great day!!! But now the work begins! Go, Obama, Go!

Sophie Parson, Brussels, Belgium

It s very fantastic to have a black president today in USA ,it s going to give hope and opportunity to other black people through out the world. God bless him and help for this long years.........Congratulation

Mireille & Dola , milton keynes, united kingdom

While we have a momentus result across the Atlantic, what do we have here?

The threat of a £2000 fine if I allow my cat to get fat.

NuLabour!

Phil, Preston,

@ John Hatton

The gentleman who was black and played the President in the series 24 was not 71 year old Morgan Freeman...

but 50 year old Dennis Haysbert.

Anyway, Obama is a victory for humanity. Forget race and religion, they are meaningless and plain bad.

Kazuki, Tokyo, Japan

I believe it`s important that an educated, well-spoken woman serves as the wife of any president. Michelle will do great in the lime light without others fearing that she says too much or too little.

ioana, Prague, Czech Republic

FYI, the good ole US of A will not have the free cashflow to pour towards our countries anymore. They will begin to ignore the rest of the world while spending on themselves. We should all be very nervous that the spigot has been shut off. We're on our own.

Thomas, London, UK

I thought all you Brits said we Americans were too racist to ever elect a minority President.

Thomas, Austin, TX, USA

Obama's achieved what millions thought impossible. Now he's the President-elect people claim that he is not black; suddenly he is mixed race or "just as white as he is black"! What did slavemasters think of the mixed races? Why is it that when a black man achieves something great, he's half white?!

Tam, London, UK

Go President Obama!!!!!!!!!

Helene Oehley, Hamilton, New Zealand

The future seems bright for America, and better off without McCain/Palin. But remember that politicians are always full of promise but never completely through, hopefully he'll change this. Forget get the colour of his skin, let's just focus on his abilities as president of the sole world superpower

Stuart Wainwright, Liverpool, UK

Are there not serious racist issues here? People have voted for him because he is black. Would you be allowed to vote for someone because they are white? He is actually a mixed race guy with a pure middle class upbringing, who went to Harvard. Not exactly a kid from the ghettos. Please calm down.

Ben, Nottingham, UK

96% of the black population voted for him, which shows race is still a huge barrier for some.

Kim, NY, US

Not a neo-con, but I am conservative in my beliefs. I did not vote for Obama, but he has won and I am glad to see it. This is a great accomplishment for him, his family, and African-Americans (I hate hyphens, we are all Americans). Go Ron Paul 2012

Seth, Virginia Beach, USA

Thanks must go to Morgan Freeman and that guy off 24. Without their bold portrayals and dignified performances, the American people may not have been able to visualise an African American as President. Surely TV is the real winner here?

John Hatton, Battersea, London

Mr Obama has yet to set foot in the Whitehouse and he is already being declared a great man. Yes, the fact he has become President is a very good thing because change in America is definately needed. We have heard his speeches, nothing more. Give him 2 years in office, then judge his competence.

Geoff , Earlswood, England

Lets ignore the fact that Obama is mixed race and focus on the fact that he is a good man, who will hopefully provide hope and inspiration to people of ALL ages and races. He may be inexperienced, but he will try his hardest to change things. Surely thats all we can ask?

Amy Jordon, Croydon,

Michelle may be a lawyer, but Laura has a masters in library science - no small feat! I think it's safe to say that Laura and Michelle compliment each other more so than Michelle and Jackie could ever.

Janet, Huntsville,

Two major reasons tell me nothing will change or even get worse: 1) He is good looking and try to be interesting 2) He speaks too much. I would like to watch him while repairing the leg of a table as a test; can he succeed? I doubt it. People need training to be able to recognise their fellows.

Giancarlo, London, England

Barack Obama will be a good President. He has grown up in a multi-cultural household, seen the good and the bad of all society. And with that, he has felt the pain/shame of humankind. He won't take sides, only try to do what is fair and logical. He shows compassion & intelligence to move us forward.

Steve, Ashtabula,Ohio,

I don't think Race has anything to do with the world wide support od obama. if jesse jackson was on the ticket instead no one would support him. Obama has the feel of competence. George Bush had policies but seemed incompetent from the very start. McCain would've been competent but Palin..no way!

mark williams, stoke-on-trent,

This election campaign has been fantastic. The results are amazing. I am inspired by the determination and passion that the American people have to help bring change to thier country. Better future. Well Done.
Congratulations to B.Obama.
Thank you to The Times for giving me this opportunity.

Serina. S. B., Kettering, UK

I hope Obama will confront African dictators without fear of being labelled racist. His father was Kenyan; he must have first hand knowledge that the suffering in Africa is all man-made, created by greedy dictators. Next few years should focus not on aid to Africa, but on removing dictatroships!

Charan Muzaya, London, UK

... can you actually imagine Bush trying to recite a speech like that all by himself without the help of his trusty autocue?

On the basis of the fact he has a brain - Obama represents a giant leap forward... i hope the challenges to be faced don't prove too much for him

JohnH, Cork, ireland

While of "mixed race," Obama's blackness harkens back to the provincial "one drop rule" that identifies a person with any African heritage as "black" despite other racial influences which may predominate. Focus should be on Obama as an "American" president, not as an "African American" president

Kim, Bend, Oregon, USA

"51% to 48% is not a landslide"

But 349 electoral votes against 163 is.

Yeah, I know, it's hardly democratic. Then again, the same counts for the British voting system.

Ross, lancaster, UK

Keep congratulating yourselves - when taxes are higher than ever, remember YOU voted for him!

Janet, Hampton, USA

Why is it that Americans are so worried about appeasing other nations and choosing our leaders based off their beliefs. I can hardly think of any other case where American opinion sways the outcome of another countries election. Personally, I could care less who is elected in the UK, China, etc.

Dan, Richmond, USA

Obama,
Yours was a tough row to hoe against the GOP, but you did it. Whether a person supported you in this election or not, all hats are off to you. May all the US and the world now work constructively together with your leadership, for a better tomorrow. We owe it to our children.

frank burns, ferrytown, wales

HooRAY!!

Liz, London,

Barack is not black he is mixed race- he is as white as he is black.

boris venter, horsham,

Sincerest congratulations from Russia Mr. Obama!

Tatyana, Moscow, Russia

One of the great things about Obama is his high acceptance rate in the rest of the world. Muslim leaders, and 'enemies of America' have already welcomed the change - this could bring those crazy wars to a smoother end

George Castel, Heraklion, Greece

A president with the greatest potential since Kennedy. The time is certainly ripe for change, and for a true leader to make a difference. I just hope he has the will, courage and conviction there to back up such inspirational words. Good luck America, the rest of the world will be watching.

M Summerell, Bristol, England

I'm absolutely amazed that the republicans didn't steal it - and I mean "steal it". There was a lot about electronic voting machines having no paper trace. That poor people that had lost their home or had no ID coul not be able to vote (no house so no ID). Congrats Obama!!!

Mark, Reading,

I think the number of positive comments coming from all parts of the world shows that this is good news for the world and for the US.

Jonathan Davey, Cardiff,

In PMQ today Gordon Brown stated that Obama had succeeded because he had policies similar to his.
My questions are: Will he be instructing hime on stealth taxes.?
If these policies are so popular why doesn't he call a General Election now?

Vernon Cooper, Somerset, UK

"win's in a landslide" Fantastic! In the parallel universe that I live in, just a 3% or 4% swing the other way would have put McCain/Palin into the whitehouse

joe, brussels, belgium

Sorry, I'd still prefer to spend a night with Carla than with Michelle....and I do not think I am alone!

James, london,

The american people have taken the first steps towards being loved again by the rest of the world. I was personnaly inspired to see the determination of the American people to bring change to thier country.

Congratulations, well done and thank you!!

Jay, Stoke, UK

Many American problems can only be ameliorated by a deep change in her citizens' core beliefs. Americans must examine issues of integrity, acceptance of a world different than America, balance between policing and mediating, and pride without arrogance. Obama is a great, fresh start. Thank you.

Franklin, Levent, Istanbul, Turkey

I hope that something like this could happen here in Italy!

Francesca, Rome, Italy

Interesting to see the cynics trying to pick holes already. This is a tremendous result for America and for the world. I am filled with confidence, for the first time in several years, and believe the terrible legacy of Bush will finally be laid to rest. We wish you well President-elect Obama.

Bryan Bailie, Newtownards, Northern Ireland

Black Prime Minister? Yes We Can!!!!

Laidy, London, UK,

51% to 48% is not a landslide

Jon, Buenos Aires, Arg.

not convinced this is good. we'll see...let the acorns lie where they be. Way too much talk about being black - I really don't care what color he is or people are - Yes we can what? we've yet to see...

Sharon, Washington DC, USA

Congratulations America! Obama is the right thing!

Vera Lúcia Rocha, São Paulo, Brazil

Mr Obama did not buy his way into the White House. The money he had was given by many millions of ordinary people who wanted to help pay for a campaign which would bring about change and renewal. Thank goodness all those people gave him their money as the alternative, Palin, was truly awful

PSF, London, UK

Well, the concept of an intelligent, professional, independent woman behind the principal politician in the country took a bit of hammering when it was Cherie Blair's turn. Hopefully the omens for Michelle Obama and her husband are rather better.

Andrew, Leicester, UK

As a liberated business owner, who volunteers, and puts her family first and foremost, loved your article! Fashion and style do matter and Michelle will be the epitome!
It's been a dearth of role models for young ladies since we lost our beloved Diana, and the incomparable Jackie O. Good show!

Donna S, atlanta, usa

It's one of the curiosities of the American election system that the elctoral college votes are what counts. At one point the popular vote was literally neck and neck, but Obama had two and half times as many Electoral College votes. You can win the popular vote and lose the election

Joseph, Baltimore, USA

I've already started to tell my customers, cash only after 1 Jan. if BO is elected. I'm not paying this "spread the wealth" tax these demos want to charge us real working people and give it to the "sit on my butt all day capable of working people" and their other social programs.
Great day, not.

Vette66, DC, USA

Edward, Battersea: Much of that billion dollars was from campaign donations, from people who supported his bid for the White House. Why shouldn't he spend it? And what have been the 'slim margins' of popular vote for recent Presidents? At least he didn't need a Supreme Court decision to get there

Sophie, Birmingham,

Oh dear ! I remember when people went around cheering, clapping and practically swooning with delight when the Blair messiah was elected on little more than a broad grin and promises of "change|". They aren`t cheering now ! They do say that history repeats itself.

Dan Roman, , UK

He will be the USA president and in the end he will act as such. His obligation is only with his country (as should be). I can't understand the widespread celebrations in other countries. He's not been elected as president of the World.

Raul L, Villanueva , Spain

I wept because I do not want my taxes increased and military spending cut. God bless our great nation.

Melissa, Brady, Tx, USA

we're screwd. no whining, we must get on with our lives.

fred, tuscon, usa

For all of you who are complaining, please, take a look at who we have have in the White House now. I don't know about the rest of you, but I am going to have smile on my face all day long. And then tomorrow I will wake up and start complaining about the new guy.

Beth, Los Angeles, US

That's what I like to see: a highly educated, independent woman praised for her abilities as such, not as some dependent, meek, submissive clothes horse accessory judged on her appearances.

Brilliant - a great day for gender equality and about time too.

A Taylor, Leamington Spa,

overnight the world has become a safer place and the tarnished reputation of a great country can be altered for the better by an inspirational new occupant of the white house.

jools, isle of skye, uk

Mc Cain has made a decent and graceful exit. He is basically a good guy but backed the wrong side of history. As for Palin. Where has she gone now? All that she represents is now in retreat and dissaray as America moves forward. I bet the moose are upset with gun toting Sarah now back in Alaska.

Colin, Carmarthen, United Kingdom

I would be very interested to hear why, in the largest, richest and most developed democracy in the world, voters have to queue for up to six hours in order to vote. I wish to thank all those Americans who did so. Thank you for your time and perseverance and well done for giving us Obama.

Kenda, Beirut, Lebanon

what was michelle obama thinking when she chose that dress to come up on stage in front of the whole world watching?? wow thats what I call an election night casualty.. she looked like a spider or striper or something.. that dress did nothing for her. simply BAD.

gali, bedford,

God bless my home country.

John F, London,

Phew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sara, Southsea, England

I don't think Obama will be any different and it will be more of the same when it comes to foreign policy. All of the past US presidents have been rapacious war mongers and it will be interesting to see what he does in Iraq and how long it takes before he attacks Iran to "prove his resolve" etc.

John, Oslo, Norway

That"s another proof of the real american democracy from which the world can learn , although We don't agree with the american way of life .
The USA is the light of the free world and so it proved it today .

Ilan Marmor, JERUSALEM, ISRAEL

Why do the Media keep refering to Mr Obama as "Black" , I thought he was of mixed Rce parentage ??

Andy Carpenter, Cirencester,

Has anybody noticed the present US financial crisis is the sole result of active lobbying which had helped the Congress to create laws full of loopholes enabling bank and funds CEOs leave unpunished with their crushing debt-running policies?

Agnes, Warsaw, PL

It strikes me as very childish and backwards that the whole focus is on the fact that Mr Obama is mixed race or black. Lets look at what he stands for and his projections for the future, not the colour of his skin. Cliche as it may sound, it's 2009, not 50's middle America.

Will Teasdale, Manchester, England

i stayed up to watch the coverage - and talked to many friends and family members during the night. there were tears and laughter - and a huge dose of awe. my 63 yr old uncle voted for the 1st time. i'm glad my parents were alive to see this day, because they truly never believed it was possible

TER, Erkelenz, Germany

Black Prime Minister? Not a chance.

Stephen, London, UK

i love obama an michelle i am vary happy today i hope obama bring change to the world

nadi, rabat, morocco

I don't know what sort of president Obama will be, assuming some right wing radical doesn't blow him away, but I felt a sense of relief at the result. The prospect of a geriatric at the helm with Sarah Palin waiting in the wings to get her finger on the Armageddon button was truly terrifying.

Steve, London, UK

Mixed emotions.

If I knew that black voters voted for him because of his policies, instead of because of the colour of his skin, I'd feel better about this.

If I actually knew what the guy was intending to do, rather than the rhetoric, I'd be able to evaluate him properly.

1st task: Guantanamo.

Tom Franklin, London, UK

BARACK OBAMA will make a great President only by respecting the Constitution and the Bill of Rights and by listening to the people.
This election is a breakthrough but the burden on President-Elect is enormous. Hope he will choose his Government wisely, letting in people of talent and patriotism.

DAVID DASTYCH, WARSAW, POLAND

Such a relief and such a hope we have in this country now.

(Most Americans think of Obama as a black man because historically, if you had any visible African ancestry, you were "black." That's changing, but slowly. )

Ann, Chicago, USA

Congrats to Obama AND the Democrats. Time to fill those public coffers back up so that when the Republicans win again there will be plenty of tax dollars in the kitty to steal.

Miss Dee, Tayside, CA

Congratulations to Obama for a truly deserved victory. He is a fresh start to US Politics and put back America into the good books of the world community. But he will surely be tested to the limits. I hope he can live up to people's expectations. Good luck !!

Ashwin, Bristol,

America have made change for the positive.
Now its our turn, we need to get rid of Labour and work towards positive, competent changes. Because to be honest we've been dragged through crap for the last few years with Govt. being so out of touch its dispicable.
Peace

Chigs, London,

well done Obama! I think you can be much better than Bush.. Peace

Sergej Nikolajev, Moscow, Russia

I must have written the words, may be twelve million tmes?
But not for the same reason, as some writers may have?

For me the changes needed in all American states are:-
Universal healthcare for all american, and Eradicating poverty
from America's all states, for all people in USA !

Cllr Ken Tiwari (Independent), Oxford , United Kingdom

"We may not get there in one year or even one term, ". I see the excuses are already being made. Looks like change may take sometime.

M Woods, Chorley,

always nice to see right-wing nuts get a deserved kicking

rudolph, Edinburgh,

Please leave those little girls alone!!!

Kathryn, Lafleche, Canada

At this point in time i WISH i was AMERICAN. Obama wat a beautiful, powerful and inspiring speech. The world does need CHANGE. We are hopeful and confident that you are that tool to help us achieve all our objective. GOD BLESS OUR PLANET.

Pinky Makhadzi, Johannesburg, South Africa

Sarah Who?

phil dolman, wallasey, U K

Can we read about something else now? Please?

Ian, London, England

This just proves that the Americans are just like us Brits....
That we value style over substance. Also this has to be the MOST "race biased" (ie; racist) press coverage of a US election EVER!
95% of the African-Americans that voted...voted for Obama. Why? Why are we not exploring this angle?

Bill, Wales,

God Bless America. May your new President bring you great things.

Angelina Marriott, Essex, UK

Great speakers great presidents? JFK was a great speaker; he got USA into some minor trouble: Cuba crisis, VIetnam war, Playa Giron... The g speaker has only his blabla. He's not God, so he's not able to turn blabla into facts. JFK didn't extricate USA from Vietnam; BHO faces Iraq&Afg. best wishes.

Giorgio,Italy, milan, Italy

I really hope we get good change now. God willing.

Sean, Manchester,

I have never been as proud of my country as I am tonight.

Joseph D. Seletyn, Pittsburgh, USA

As a Catholic who voted Obama under threat by my Bishop that my soul would be imperiled, it is deeply meaningful to me to have elected a President who actually cares about the common good. And it was nice to be shedding tears of happiness in the streets of (barely blue) Dallas, Texas (still red).

nmlhats, Dallas TX, US

Thank God for Obama (and i am a committed agnostic).
After eight years of hopeless incompetence and a complete lack of empathy for the rest of the planet we have a man with a brain, heart and soul in the White house.
The US political machine can not be changed overnight but now the world has hope

kevin post, currumbin, australia

I adore Michelle Obama. Adore her!! Okay, her husband too. But Michelle, ma belle... At last the promise of a strong, bright woman role-model I can point my daughters towards, without feeling like I just blocked the goal with my liberal bits.

Brett, Seattle, United States

Enough gushing. Remember, Obama spent a Billion Dollars to buy his way into the White House. He has won the popular vote by the slimest of margins. After he cuts the military spending in the US and increases taxes and once great nation will be destroyed.

Edward , Battersea, England

am very happen for barack obama to become has the president of US i wist him the best. judith aber in uganda, Gulu. thanks

aber judith, Gulu, uganda

Thank God this has finally happened. The country can now start to shake off the last vestiges of the waking nightmare that has been the last 8 years. Just a few more months and we can be rid of Bush for good and begin to work on fixing this fractured country. God bless the USA and President Obama

Dan, Reno,NV, USA

Congratulations Mrs. First Lady Michelle Obama, what dress designer you were wearing today? On a serious note: Please reach across the aisle. Help women in Africa to rise in particular those in war-torn-countries.

Angela, USA,

Indeed people should be judged by the content of their character and not the colour of their skin. America has demonstrated that it is possible to break the racial divide! Viva Obama!

Lovemore Mwanza, Lusaka, Zambia

Wow! Congrats President Obama. At least this proves that white Americans are not "racists", basically the white majority voted him in.

Mohammed, London, UK

Change has indeed come. Not only to America, but the whole world will be a better place for this historic moment. For those, who for so long have claimed the colour of their skin has them at a disadvantage, open your eyes and follow your dreams....yes you can.

Martin Lynam, York, UK

This reminds me of the film BLAZING SADDLES with the sheriiff riding into town to take over (if you haven't seen it make sure you do

andy cappel, midsomer norton, England

Obama will be a good President

Dr ADDY , HEMPSTEAD, KENT, ENGLAND

Many Congratulations to Democorats...
I hope Obama will up with Peace & Financial Solutions.

Fraz, Lahore, Pakistan

There is no more change the US President Obama can offer to America or the world. The change is already there for us to see – A change in the human civilisation. It’s a proud moment not for President Obama but to the people of America for founding the change. God bless Americans and America!

Veerappan, London,

Let us not forget that Obama is half white too and that he was raised by whites.The focus seems to be that he is black and i believe that the black americans were influenced because of this . That is racist in itself but their racism towards whites never seems to be an issue.Why not?

Kevin, London, England

WOW! I'm so thrilled and hopeful for the upcoming Obama presidency. By the way, did he himself made this victory speech?

walter dapliyan, Baguio City, Philippines

Why do people think he's black ? He's not ! His mother was a white lady from Kansas and his father comes from Kenya.
He's "mixed race" - still I wish him good luck and given the poor performance of some of their Presidents of late I don't think he can do much worse.Time will tell.

Mike, Dunstable, England

He doesn't look so black to me ...

Ray Anthony

Ray Anthony, Rehovot, Israel

We wept.

Cotton Mather, New Haven, Connecticut

Could it happen in the UK?

simon gill, nottingham, england